Pairing Energy CF-70 speakers with Panasonic SA-AK500 or a modern AVR?

 

New member
Username: Prabhu

MA USA

Post Number: 4
Registered: May-05
Hello,
I am new to the Audio world, so please excuse me if my questions sound too basic.

I am in the process of upgrading my stereo system and found a good deal on Energy CF-70 speakers. Currently I am running them using Panasonic SA-AK500 Amplifier unit, which was part of a hi-fi system. The CF-70 speakers sound better than the original speakers that came with the Panasonic unit. But, there is something missing.

Below are the details of the Amplifier and Speakers:

AMPLIFIER SECTION (SA-AK500)
Bi-AMP Capable

Power output
10% Total harmonic distortion
60 Hz - 3 kHz, both channels driven
(Low channel) 60 W per channel (6ohms)
3 kHz - 16 kHz, both channels driven
(High channel) 50 W per channel (6 ohms)
Total Bi-Amp power 110 W per channel

Power output
10% Total harmonic distortion
1 kHz, both channels driven
(Low channel) 77 W per channel (6 ohms)
8 kHz, both channels driven
(High channel) 73 W per channel (6 ohms)
Total Bi - Amp power 150 W per channel
Input sensitivity
AUX 250mV
Input Impedance
AUX 13.3 k ohms
HDMI Input: NO

Speaker (Energy CF - 70):

Speaker System - 3-Way Floorstanding, Magnetically Shielded Bass Reflex with Front Firing Port

Frequency Response (+/- 3dB) - 34Hz - 20kHz
Tweeter - 1 inch (25.4mm) Hyperbolic aluminum-dome
Midrange - 5.5 inch (140mm) w/Ribbed Elliptical Surround
Woofer - 2 x 6.5 inch (165mm) w/Ribbed Elliptical Surround
Crossover Point(s) - 2kHz, 650 Hz
Efficiency (Room) - 96dB
Impedence - 4 Ohms Min./8 Ohms Nominal
Recommended Amplifier Power - 20-300 w/Channel
Dimensions HxWxD including feet - 40.7 x 8.4 x 15.6 inch
Inputs - Dual Gold Plated 5-Way Binding Posts
Accessories - Manual, Port Plug

Do you think the Panasonic amplifier described above is capable of driving the speakers to their full potential? Here, I am not too concerned about the loudness. Currently, the speakers are louder than acceptable in my condo, when the volume is turned up to 75%-80% of the maximum on the amplifier. It is the quality of sound at low levels that I am more interested in. (Especially high frequencies)

Do you think using a newer AVR with HDMI inputs will increase the clarity and produce better sound in the same set of speakers? Below are the specs of one of the receivers I was looking at:

Audio Section (Harmon/Kardon AVR 1700)
Stereo power: 100W per channel,two channels driven@6/8 ohms,1kHz, <1.0% THD
Multichannel power: 95W per channel, two channels driven @ 8 ohms, 20Hz - 20kHz, <0.07% THD
Input sensitivity/impedance: 250mV/27k ohms
Signal-to-noise ratio (IHF-A): 100dB
Surround system adjacent-channel separation: Dolby Pro Logic/PLII:40dB
Dolby Digital: 55dB
DTS: 55dB
Frequency response: 10Hz - 100kHz
High instantaneous-current capability (HCC): +/-34 amps
Transient intermodulation distortion (TIM): Unmeasurable
HDMI Input : Yes

Thank you for your input.

Prabhu
 

Platinum Member
Username: Jan_b_vigne

Dallas, TX

Post Number: 17577
Registered: May-04
.

"Do you think the Panasonic amplifier described above is capable of driving the speakers to their full potential?"


No, it's not. It's very difficult to buy too much quality in an amplifier for any given speaker. A good speaker is meant to show what information has been sent to it. A good amp will allow any good speaker to perform at a higher level. I've used $5k amps with $250 speakers and been astounded by the quality of music.

Your speakers can easily be improved by the better amplifier.



.
 

New member
Username: Prabhu

MA USA

Post Number: 5
Registered: May-05
Hi Jan,

Thanks for the reply. I got the HK AVR1700. You were right, the speakers sound better now!!

Prabhu
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