Looking to be educated on receivers.

[AnnaBSearles]

Hey /r/audiophile, I've been interested in getting into audiophile entertainment and music. Tired of muffled bass, cracking highs, or missing mids. I read up on dedicated amp receivers but I still haven't gotten a clue to the difference between all these receivers. I want to hook this receiver up to my desktop and mp3s in my room.

Looking for beginner threads, videos, or even a chat here on Audiophile.

 

[ImcLoud]

If you are just looking for something to hook to your pc for music playback it can be really easy or really complicated...
I plug USB from pc to dac-
New Audioengine D1 DAC and Integrated Amplifier 24 Bit | eBay
dac plugged into dsp for subwoofer and main control
dsp plugged into main amplifier and subwoofer
https://emotiva.com/products/amplifiers/mini-x-100 main amplifier plugged into main speakers Monitors~Philharmonic Audio
for a subwoofer 2 is better than one but for a small pc system one will do just fine SB12-NSD - Charcoal - Outlet - 9184

Now of course you can use any dac, amp, sub and speakers you choose, that system above for a little under $2K will perform very well, but you can spend much much less and still get good sound for example..
use the same sub, scratch the mini dsb and let the sub cross to your mains use this amplifier Amazon.com: Dayton Audio DTA-120 Class T Digital Mini Amplifier 60 WPC (Black): Electronics these speakers HVL-1 Two-Way Loudspeaker | Wave Crest Audio and this dac Amazon.com: MUSE USB DAC PCM2704 Sound Card Optical Coaxial Decoder USB to S/PDIF Converter: Electronics
that will sound good for around $1000...

So whats your budget, room size, and music style we may be able to reco something for you...

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I would just get a Denon AVR. You can stream music from iPad, iPhone to the AVR. You can also hook up your PC to the AVR via HDMI cable.

Depending on your speakers, listening distance, and volume you listen to, perhaps all you need is a $279 (on sale) Denon X1000 AVR (MSRP $500).

Amazon.com: Denon AVR-X1000 5.1-Channel Networking Home Theater AV Receiver with AirPlay: Electronics

 

[markw]

If you're looking for an education as opposed to just product recommendations, this site has a Home Theatre Setup" section that has several articles that seem to be just what you're asking about.

 

[j_garcia]

I would just get a Denon AVR. You can stream music from iPad, iPhone to the AVR. You can also hook up your PC to the AVR via HDMI cable.

Depending on your speakers, listening distance, and volume you listen to, perhaps all you need is a $279 (on sale) Denon X1000 AVR (MSRP $500).

Amazon.com: Denon AVR-X1000 5.1-Channel Networking Home Theater AV Receiver with AirPlay: Electronics

+1. I think that's a solid choice with almost everything in one box, unless space is a premium.