Individual Setup vs. All in one

[markw]

I challenge you to find anyone who tells you they would be a mistake.

Your wife?

 

[Noahd]

since you've changed direction several times here. let's sum up what's been resolved.

A (power) amplifier simply amplifies. has no controls, simply one input and one output to speakers.

A pre amplifier selects sources, controla volume and is where tone controls, if any, are located.

In the case of a multi-channel system you also need a processor which takes an incoming digital signal and turns it into a 5.i analog signal. This is part of the preamp stage doe it's usually referred to as a pre/pro.

These can be bought separately but there are other ways to get these.

An INTEGRATED amplifier combines both a pre amp and a power amp on one chassis.

What you seem to be asking for is an integrated amp.

A receiver combines an integrated amp and a tuner on one chassis. These tend to be more cost effective than going for separate units.

For what you want, you need (unamplified) speakers and a subwoofer. Like you said, the subwoofer can be added later, and you are correct.

Now, all receiver I can think of offer bass and reble controls but not with the familiar twisty knobs. In some cases they are now buried In the menu system and are not as easily accessed, but they are there.

If you want a decent receiver at a reasonable price, this is a good place to shop. Good products, great price and we've used them for years with great results.

Poke around and see that will work for you: http://www.accessories4less.com/

Yes I was mistaken about the receivers I had been looking at not having treble/bass control. I realized after I made that post that, as you said, the controls were buried in the menu system. I'm going to go with unamplified speakers and a receiver as my set up. I found one receiver I particularly like called the Onkyo TX-8020. No one I have talked to on this forum has mentioned Onkyo however, so I'm wondering what everyones thoughts are on that brand.

 

[Mark of Cenla]

I like Onkyo. The TX-8020 is a good choice for a receiver. I have an Onkyo integrated amp that is in a different system than the one in my signature; it is the most expensive piece of audio gear I have ($350). Peace and goodwill.

 

[KenM10759]

I could be wrong but some of the Onkyo receivers have reportedly had problems with the HDMI circuits failing and a few other problems to the extent that Onkyo had been pressured into extending warranties out to 3 years for a number of models. Do your own research to determine which ones and if you're willing to take a chance on one.

 

[markw]

I could be wrong but some of the Onkyo receivers have reportedly had problems with the HDMI circuits failing and a few other problems to the extent that Onkyo had been pressured into extending warranties out to 3 years for a number of models. Do your own research to determine which ones and if you're willing to take a chance on one.

I'm pretty sure that unit is a two channel unit. That would render the HDMI issues moot.

It seems to be fairly well equipped for a $150 two channel unit, what with phono inputs and a subwoofer output.

 

[KenM10759]

Fair enough. Go for it then.

 

[lovinthehd]

The Onkyo issues a couple years ago were hdmi and network chip related and are pretty much in the past now from what I surmise (as is their use of Audyssey room correction software). I have one of the avrs from that range but it has never had an issue....the Pioneer avr I had did have an hdmi failure, though.

The TX8020 may have a sub out, but it does not have bass management.

 

[markw]

This is a pretty basic two channel unit so I don't those features are even incorporated in it.

As for the lack of bass management, two channel doesn't have a ".1" channel so the subwoofer out is just a summed mono signal. I've been using these things for years and, with patient adjustments of the sub's crossover and level controls, a very good result can be achieved.

Remember, subwoofers have been around longer than digital processing. You should hear my bedroom system which uses an old JBL DPL receiver, running in stereo, driving a pair of tiny Minimus 7's with an old Velodyne subwoofer. I'm pretty sure you would agree.

Likewise, my main system is a two channel unit with a subwoofer. Again, proper adjustment of the sub's controls can work wonders.

 

[herbu]

with patient adjustments of the sub's crossover and level controls, a very good result can be achieved.

I'm not real sure this is in the OP's wheelhouse.

 

[Noahd]

Thanks everyone for helping me out. I think I have finally decided on the Onkyo TX-8050 and the AAM speakers

 

[lovinthehd]

This is a pretty basic two channel unit so I don't those features are even incorporated in it.

As for the lack of bass management, two channel doesn't have a ".1" channel so the subwoofer out is just a summed mono signal. I've been using these things for years and, with patient adjustments of the sub's crossover and level controls, a very good result can be achieved.

Remember, subwoofers have been around longer than digital processing. You should hear my bedroom system which uses an old JBL DPL receiver, running in stereo, driving a pair of tiny Minimus 7's with an old Velodyne subwoofer. I'm pretty sure you would agree.

Likewise, my main system is a two channel unit with a subwoofer. Again, proper adjustment of the sub's controls can work wonders.

Yes the hdmi or network chip issues affected multi-ch units rather than the Onkyo 2ch receivers, just adding to the complaint that was on just the brand name. Bass management is still more useful than not having it, but if your sub has no high pass filter for the speakers, and that's often without choices, then still something to consider....