Denon AVR-X1800H and KEF R7 Meta Speakers

[Chrispy]

1800 goes plenty loud with "normal" speakers, no need to worry.

Normal sensitivity or ?

 

[Ruediger]

Very interesting. I actually do have pre-outs on my 1800! What would be a good amp for my KEF speakers? If I did go with the pre-outs/amp solution, all my volume adjustments (apple tv via arc hdmi on the 1800) would still work to control the volume, right?

Everything works as before, the speakers are just with the amp on the pre-outs - which always has a signal. But you can put the Denon into pre-amp mode then, disabling internal amps from the audio section.

Any decent external amp will do. Something like the 3e audio A5 or A7. Or WiiM Vibelink. Or a Hypex with 2x125w. With your description it just would not make sense to get something expensive with huge amounts of power.

What does it do for your: on the hearing front initially next to nothing. With the Denon in pre-amp mode you might enjoy slightly better sinad, but that's too small to make an impression. The Denon will run cool(er), which can be quite substantial depending on where it sits. If you chose an external amp with more than one input you might opt to feed it music without the AVR as a second path with much better measurements. F.e. a DAC or Streamer -> optical or XLR. No taking over of the sub from the AVR though. So if that is of value to you, you have to decide.

 

[Cote Dazur]

What would be a good amp for my KEF speakers?

You already have a good amp for your Kef speakers.
Concentrate on your room, speaker placement and seating position instead.

 

[raindance]

I was just looking and it only had subwoofer pre-outs (which aren't full range). Did I miss something?

The North America version has pre outs and the European version does not.

 

[hansy]

Seriously doubt an amp will change anything for you in that case. Enjoy.

Thanks. What about an external DAC?

 

[Chrispy]

Very interesting. I actually do have pre-outs on my 1800! What would be a good amp for my KEF speakers? If I did go with the pre-outs/amp solution, all my volume adjustments (apple tv via arc hdmi on the 1800) would still work to control the volume, right?

Meant to ask what you meant about the volume adjustments. You use the master volume on the avr generally? Or you just want to use hdmi control to adjust volume with other hdmi device remotes like the Atv?

Thanks. What about an external DAC?

I wouldn't bother. The dac in the Denon is fine. If looking to spend money did you get a sub?

 

[hansy]

Meant to ask what you meant about the volume adjustments. You use the master volume on the avr generally? Or you just want to use hdmi control to adjust volume with other hdmi device remotes like the Atv?

I wouldn't bother. The dac in the Denon is fine. If looking to spend money did you get a sub?

I had a sub connected at one point, but honestly the bass sounds significantly tighter and more integrated than it did with the sub. Although it occurs to me that I may have not had it configured optimally. I used 70hz as the cross over. Maybe I am having some bass overlap because it did sound a bit disjointed and muddy? I'm using the speakers as a 2 channel stereo. Just those 2 speakers and nothing else, with output from apple tv set to stereo.

 

[Chrispy]

I had a sub connected at one point, but honestly the bass sounds significantly tighter and more integrated than it did with the sub. Although it occurs to me that I may have not had it configured optimally. I used 70hz as the cross over. Maybe I am having some bass overlap because it did sound a bit disjointed and muddy? I'm using the speakers as a 2 channel stereo. Just those 2 speakers and nothing else, with output from apple tv set to stereo.

Did you set it up with Audyssey? It's not just a crossover point but also phase, and an xover of 70 may have been too low....but could have been the sub or placement. I prefer having a sub, and usually multiples for that matter.

 

[hansy]

Did you set it up with Audyssey? It's not just a crossover point but also phase, and an xover of 70 may have been too low....but could have been the sub or placement. I prefer having a sub, and usually multiples for that matter.

Did not use Audyssey - will give that a try. Thanks!

 

[Chrispy]

Did not use Audyssey - will give that a try. Thanks!

For just two speakers it may or may not do much or what you prefer. It does give you the option of using Audyssey's DynamicEQ, which is nice at low volumes IMO. It would be be better at integrating a sub with your speakers, tho.