Rate this setup - advice needed for Wharfedale/ Pioneer system

[Kakumba]

Ok, so I'm looking at getting a nice set of speakers, Wharfedale Opus series, and want to know a few things.

First, what do you think of these speakers? I know they are pricey, and there may be better stuff out there for the price, so what else would you recommend? Same goes for the receiver.

Front: OPUS2-1PB
Center: OPUSCENTREB
Back: OPUS2M2PB
Sub: SW300PR
Receiver: Pioneer VSX-LX70

The next question is: the receiver does 180W per channel, and those speakers are up to 250W. Is this going to cause an issue?

These brands are kinda preferred, as I can get them for well less than retail from a mate.

Also, any general advice when dealing with this level of gear? ie, not real high end, but certainly not entry level.

 

[PurdueRy]

First lets get one thing outta the way, that 180W per channel is overly inflated and unrealistic. Considering the 20-20KHz .09% THD rating is 140W in stereo I would say you could expect 100W to 120W per channel.

Now, this isn't a concern really as 100-120W per channel is quite good for a receiver and will make your speakers quite loud and handly dynamic peaks well. There is no rule that says you need a amp capable of driving a speaker to its max.

Can you provide prices you plan on paying? Seeing as the receiver isn't a US model, its tough to give an opinion on it.

 

[Kakumba]

That is the problem, is what you guys pay is rather different to what we pay over here.

My max budget for speakers, and receiver/ amp is NZ $10k. To put it in perspective, the recommended retail for all the gear listed above totals around $18k.. I can Also get Mission speakers from the same supplier, so they are on the table. B&W etc are also options, though they may not end up in my price range..

Basically, I am after good speakers, and a receiver which can drive them well, with plenty of inputs (multiple consoles, plus laptop, DVD etc)

 

[Muadib]

I prefer B&W to Wharfedale, but you really can't go wrong either way. Sound is so subjective, so as long as you like it, nothing else matters.

I really can't comment on your receiver, it's not sold here. It does have all the latest features, but in your price range, why aren't you going with separates? At the very least I think you should be looking at adding an amp. Give those speakers the power they crave!!!

 

[Tiamat]

I would get an external amplifier. Those are a decent level of speakers, probably on par with my own. Make sure the receiver has all the processing and dacs you want. Then for amplifier, and "good" 135+ Watt amplifier will do those speakers justice without you ever having to worry about anything. If you are on a budget, check out professional amplifiers from Crown, QSC from your local guitar store. They are built like tanks and will most likely do well. If you dont like the fan noise, you have to go to one of their respective higher end amps. Otherwise, Rotel, NAD, make great entry-mid to mid level mono, stereo, multichannel amplifiers for less than 2000$US (probably roughly 2800$NZ).

If money is tight, at least get a stereo amp ($US700)for your mains and run the rest of your speakers off of the receiver. Invest 40$ into a sound pressure level meter to match up the levels between all of your speakers and you would be all set.

 

[Kakumba]

As per original post, the only reason this receiver is in my budget is because I will be getting something like $1500 off. Its a $4k retail receiver over here....

Basically, the reatil prices over here would be:

front speakers $4k,
sub is $2k,
rears are $4k, and
centre is $1700
with the $4k receiver

I am getting something like 40% off, otherwise I would be looking at lower grade gear than this. What would you recommend as an amp, if I were to not get all the speakers yet, but want a multi channel amp (are these made?), so that when I get the rest, I can just add on?

Cheers for the advice so far though.

 

[Tiamat]

Originally posted by: Kakumba
As per original post, the only reason this receiver is in my budget is because I will be getting something like $1500 off. Its a $4k retail receiver over here....

Basically, the reatil prices over here would be:

front speakers $4k,
sub is $2k,
rears are $4k, and
centre is $1700
with the $4k receiver

I am getting something like 40% off, otherwise I would be looking at lower grade gear than this. What would you recommend as an amp, if I were to not get all the speakers yet, but want a multi channel amp (are these made?), so that when I get the rest, I can just add on?

Cheers for the advice so far though.

I listed some in my post... Rotel, NAD, are all decent solid state amps. 5 channels at 200 Watts (not inflated) go for roughly 2k$US

 

[Kakumba]

Ok, I will see if anyone here sells them. Cheers.