Is it time for me to get a new receiver?

[BjornB17]

As most of you probably know by now, I'm using Harman Kardon AVR130 to power my new set of Polk Monitors. Power never was an issue before when i had MTX speakers with 94db sensitivity, but these new Polk speakers are only rated at 90db efficiency. When listening to music and stuff, i can notice small amounts of noise and distortion (traces of distortion seem to be present when the beat of a bass drum) present when listening to music above about -17 db (already very loud). Im beginning to worry that my little receiver is running out of juice for these speakers. My tone controls are neutral, and im using a Velodyne CHT-12 crossed over at 60Hz.

What should I do to eliminate this? Should I....
1) leave it alone... its barely noticeable anyway...
2) Get a beefy receiver (HK AVR635 or 7300)...
3) Get a cheaper HK receiver with preouts and get amps for the fronts?

Any tips are welcomed

[VR3]

3......

[janmike]

I agree, #3. Once you hear the difference you will not look back. I own a Yamaha RX-V1500 and use a Rotel RB-1080 for the fronts.

[aaharvel]

Switch the crossover on your Velodyne to 80hz.
Switch all of your speakers to "SMALL" on your H/K- and cross them over at 80hz.

[BjornB17]

Thanks for all the tips. I actually used the tone controls to reduce bass from neutral (12 o'clock position), i move it to about 9 o'clock and got rid of any distortion probelms so I think i will leave it like that. I don't particularly like the sound crossed over at 80 Hz.... probably has to do with the fact that my room is small.

Anyway, what amps should i be looking at (please nothing TOO expensive)

Thanks again!

[Early B.]

Outlaw.

[BjornB17]

links?

[cfrizz]

#3.
www.outlawaudio.com

[BjornB17]

This one looks pretty nice:

http://www.outlawaudio.com/products/7125.html
Would an HK AVR235 or 240 be a good preamp for one of these?