I recently came into some Polk Audio RT400's that I like a lot. However, I am definitely getting the impression that I could be driving them with a receiver that shows more of their potential. What would you recommend I look for when I'm Craigslisting or Thrift-shopping?

The RT-400s are 8 ohms and can take amps from 20-150 watts per channel. I'm currently using my old, trusty Kenwood KR V-6150 Amp that cranks out 70 watts per channel. Speakers being the "control" here, what is the ideal I should be looking for? Wattage? Brands? Any ideas?

I'm looking for a sound that is a little bit warmer than I'm getting from the Polk's with the current Amp, but more importantly, that gives a little more definition to the sound, especially in the lower decibel levels, and that gets nice and loud with less effort.

Thanks!

I don't know those speakers but I'm driving a pair of Polk Monitor 10As with a Scott A440 integrated, 60 WPC and it sounds really, really good; a nice warm analog sound that tames what I suspect could be very bright-sounding speakers with the wrong amp. I'd bet older Sansui gear, or older Kenwood, would sound great. Also 70s-era Sony, I had a STR-6036 (I think that was the model #) that was really nice for awhile with a pair of Boston A60s that were also very brighht speakers; the Sony was warm and lush, but revealed great detail in the music.

Good luck with your search!

I'd keep an eye out for a Sansui receiver.

Even my lil' G-3500 (28wpc) has a nice warm rich full sound to it. However, it's low power (fine for what I've got here), but it is kind of lacking on features. There's not even a protection relay on this model.

Something from that line may be perfect for what you're after, but you may want something a bit higher up the chain.

Another one I would keep an eye out for are Pioneer's. I have an SX-550 and an SX-3700 that are both very warm sounding. At 20wpc and 45wpc respectively they do great powering my Smaller Advents and some Bose 701's. I would look into a Silver faced Pioneer's :)

Go with a Sansui, either a 7070, 8080, or 9090.
Any will drive those speakers and provide great sound reliably for a long time when properly serviced.
Casey:thmbsp:

I have a Marantz 2250 (50 WPC) driving Advent 5002s, and it sounds very warm and fuzzy. I've done A/B comparisons with my Marantz 2250 and my friend's Kenwood KR-4070 and Pioneer SX-990, and IMO the Marantz sounded much warmer, although not as detailed, as the Pioneer or Kenwood. I would say I liked the Marantz the best, since it made the music sound more musical, even though the Pioneer had more detail. It all depends on what you want more. Supposedly the bass is very good on a Marantz after a recapping, but I can't vouch for that.

Heathens:D, anything with mosfets, certain Sonys, Nikko's can be found cheap on the auction sites, many are walked right past at GW or even on the curb, shame 'cuz the have that nice warm sound, do some research and find anything with mosfet's in it. another route and what prompted the heathen remark, is Marantz, pricey, but for a reason, gorgeous and that special sound only ol' Saul from right there in NYC could coax out of transistors:thmbsp::thmbsp:

Craig

If you are looking for a really sweet receiver, one that you won't be kicking like an old dog in a few months, purchase a McIntosh 4300V receiver. You rarely see one for sale because they are so good people keep them forever. I have two other complete McIntosh seperates systems that I enjoy, but I still won't part with my 4300V. I have one that I purchased new ($3K) in 1989. It has 100 wpc rms of very clean power, a fantastic tuner as well, plus preamp outs and amp ins, so you have options not available on most receivers. I noticed one at AudiogoN last night, looks mint. You might want to take a look. http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?miscrcvr&1220326089 .