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
"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.