Will an amp upgrade help audio quality?

Question

I have an Onkyo HT-R540 that came as part of the HTS-790 package. It is great so far. Only

complaint is the lack of HDMI and onboard next gen audio (TrueHD, DTS-MA) decoders.

Here is my question

If I upgrade to a receiver that has HDMI/decoders for next gen like the Onkyo TX-SR605 or 705,

will I see a noticeable difference while

1) Listening to stereo sources or regular DTS/Dolby Digital sources

2) Will there be a difference in sound quality between a player decoding TrueHD and sending

it to my receiver via analog inputs vs bitstream input into the 605 or 705

3) Other than the next gen audio bitstream support , will I notice a huge performance increase in audio

quality if I upgrade ?

4) My current receiver is 110w x 7. The 605 is 90w x 7. If I buy the 605, will the power

difference be noticeable ?

Answer 1

It’s quite possible you would notice a difference though it’s unlikely to be a “huge” difference, particularly if you’re only upgrading the A/V receiver.



With respect to amplifier power there is notable difference between the HT-R540 and Onkyo’s à la carte A/V receivers, such as the TX-SR705. The HT-R540 is rated for 110 watts minimum continuous power per channel into 8 ohm loads, 2 channels driven at “1 kHz,” with a maximum total harmonic distortion of “0.9%” and a dynamic power output of 170 W/Ch into 4 ohms and 120 W/Ch into 8 ohms. Contrast those numbers with TX-SR705 receiver’s power output of 100 watts minimum continuous power per channel into 8 ohm loads, 2 channels driven from “20 Hz - 20 kHz,” with a maximum total harmonic distortion of “0.08%” and a dynamic power output of 210 W/Ch into 4 ohms and 120 W/Ch into 8 ohms. This adds-up to a fairly significant difference in rated performance, which should translate into a real-world audible difference though it may subtle, depending on the source material. Whether you will be able to hear any audible benefits will depend more on your hearing, the source material, disc player differences, your loudspeakers, and your listening room. To get the greatest benefit out of a receiver upgrade you will really need to upgrade your disc player to a model capable of fully decoding—and/or outputting the bitstream of—the new advanced multichannel audio formats.



Currently there are very few high-definition disc players capable of passing a bitstream containing the latest advanced multichannel audio formats to an A/V receiver or pre-pro. Panasonic is preparing to release a brand new, highly anticipated BD player model (DMP-BD50) that is expected to offer top-tier performance from the best that the Blu-ray format currently has to offer. While you’re contemplating an AVR upgrade to improve your audio performance I would strongly encourage you to consider a disc player upgrade in order to get the most from any AVR upgrade. The combo upgrade would provide a noticeable performance increase, leaving your loudspeakers as the only potential limitation to achieving the full benefits of the latest advanced audio technology currently available on better Blu-ray Discs.



Also, be forewarned: as good as the Onkyo A/V receivers are ALL TX-SR series models run noticeably hot so you should take the proper precautions if you choose to purchase any of the new Onkyo TX-SR series receivers.



I’m including the following reviews of similar Onkyo AVR models to give you an idea of the audio performance of Onkyo’s latest TX-SR series A/V receivers.



Onkyo TX-SR805 THX Ultra Certified Receiver Review

http://www.avrev.com/equip/onkyo_txsr805...



Review: Onkyo TX-SR805 THX Ultra2 7.1 A/V Receiver

http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_14...



Review: Onkyo TX-SR875 Surround Sound Receiver

http://guide.printthis.clickability.com/...

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Panasonic Blu-ray Disc™ Player DMP-BD50

http://panasonic.net/pavc/blu-ray/dmp-bd...

(Currently available in EU market only; a North American version should be available this spring)

 

Answer 2

Its doubtful you will have any noticeable audio quality change if you are already using digital sources (TOSLink, Coax digital).  The only reason you might want to change amplifiers is the new one has additional features you may want.

Answer 3

yes it will, but Onkyo is not known for building great HD products. Depending on your cashflow, Denon, or Yamaha would be best. at the low end, I would suggest pioneer