Newbie with newbie question (sorry)

[juxebox]

First of all, hello to everyone and all here...

I was wondering if I can be pointed to a thread that talks about this that would be great, but I tried searching and there was nothing that really could answer my question.

I have purchased my first mid to high end receiver, and Onkyo tx-sr876. Right now I got two Rt35i speakers as front L & R, a CSi30 as the center, and to RT15i as sorrounds (plus a CHT10 velodyne, as you can see all those speakers are circa 2002, 2003 period speakers).

The Onkyo can pump 140 watts X 7. I know that as a general rule, it's actually better to have an amp that is overpowered for the speakers to be used, than an underpowered amp that will cause clipping. That said, will the 100 watt RT15i's be overpowered by the 140 maximum output the onkyo 876 will dish at them while watching a nice blue-ray at descent volume, or will it be ok?

If not, I have two ways of doing this. One, purchasing two new surround speakers that at least handle 125 watts. The other would be dishing a bit more $$ than I planned now to buy, perhaps, Rti a 3's (the Lsi 7's seem a bit overkill for my current place which is a bedroom) ... and switching the RT35s to the back.

Can anyone give me any guidance? Thank you for taking the time to read this.

[thsmith]

You will be fine, you mains are rated to 125wpc. Just try not to spend a lot of time at reference levels.

[juxebox]

Thanks, I know I should be fine with the fronts for the most part, I was wondering if the 876 is too much of an amp for the two 100 watt rt15Is...

[danger boy]

the 876 is not to much. I'd say just right actually to give you the best sound. you'll be fine with those speakers and that Onkyo receiver.

have fun.. blu ray movies have incredible sound quality. But be sure to run the auto set up for your speakers first. ;)

[juxebox]

Thank you danger boy. Good to know I can use this set up. Eventually I will start to rotate new speakers in, but my timeline for that is late 09 early 2010. I first wanted to get a new receiver to replace my 2001 Denon, so I can have HDMI, HD radio and all the rest. TV is next (I got a tube still).

After that, we will see. I might get new speakers and rotate the ones I got now to a different room.

[Dennis Gardner]

You will get the most out of your Onkyo by setting the crossover on your mains/center/ surrounds at 80-100hz or the small setting. This will block out the deepest bass from your speakers and make it easier on your receiver to pump out cleaner mids and highs an save the smallish woofers in your speakers. Receivers handling deep sub bass in 5/7 channel modes will reach their limit very easily and destroy speakers with haste. Again, too small of an amp for this type of torture.

[McLoki]

We all have to ask that question eventually.... :D

BTW - I have gotten the last 2 channels on my amp repaired and now run my LSi7's (rated at 150 wpc) from the amp as well. The setup sounds great with no issues.

As others have said - you should be fine.

Michael

[F1nut]

No reason to be sorry for asking a question here.

Welcome to Club Polk and thanks for the nice introduction. Others could learn a lot from your approach.