Here's my gear: Tell me what to buy

[pufftissue]

It's an odd set-up, but:

Sony XBR2 40" TV 1080p
Tivo series 3
Paradigm Atom Speakers
Sonic Impact T-amp

I want to stream itunes wirelessly through my tivo series 3.

What receiver should I buy to match this? I figure that it's my sonic impact t-amp that's the limiting factor here.

I am thinking about using the audio out from my Sony TV and plugging it directly into my sonic impact t-amp (all analog). Is that going to be a bad idea?

 

[j_garcia]

Yep, the T-amp is your limiting factor. Buy a cheap stereo receiver. What is the budget?

 

[pufftissue]

Honestly, I'm willing to spend whatever it takes to get a nice setup. I felt that the T-amp's bang for the buck was outstanding, but now that I have some $, I'm ready to spend.

I'm really into most value for the least. I love hitting that sweet spot.

So max amount $ would be maybe $1500.

Would a low-end Rotel be better than more mainstream brands like Denon and Onkyo? I simply do not know.

I feel like my paradigm atoms sound quite good, and though they're only $200 at most, reviews seem to indicate that they sound like $600 speakers. Otherwise it would seem to make no sense to upgrade my receiver if my speakers are so bad, but I'm under the impression that they are quite good.

 

[markw]

The atoms are quite good, but so are a lot of other speakers, partularly when you compare them to $600 speakers.

A mid-level Denon, Marantz, Pioneer, NAD, Rotel or other mainstream brands will be more than a match for those speakers. Spending S1500 on a receiver for them is foolishness, though. They ain't that good.

to wit: http://www.accessories4less.com/cgi-bin/item/MARSR4320A

 

[Seth=L]

I agree, Spend about $400 or maybe less if you find some great deals. Get some better speakers for fronts and move the Atoms to surrounds, get a sub and center and you should be set pretty good.

 

[agarwalro]

Are you planning to go multi-channel any time soon? That would also contribute towards the decision on which receiver to get.

 

[pufftissue]

Are you planning to go multi-channel any time soon? That would also contribute towards the decision on which receiver to get.

I do not think that I will be going multichannel as this is just my bedroom.

I want a receiver that would be in-line with my x-fi soundcard's quality $100 and my paradigm atoms, $200.

So would it be a waste to buy a receiver that costs more than either of these components?

Thank you

 

[markw]

You may not reading the responses correctly.

I want a receiver that would be in-line with my x-fi soundcard's quality $100 and my paradigm atoms, $200.

So would it be a waste to buy a receiver that costs more than either of these components?

Thank you

I don't recall where that last statement was mentioned but, not really knowing the cost of the units involved, you may be right.

Good amplification is important and, up to a point, a worthwhile investment but there is such a thing as overkill, and that $1500 figure certainly falls into that category.

 

[Seth=L]

I would search Ebay for a used Integrated amplifier or stereo receiver. Pioneer has some receivers go for pretty cheap and they tend to be pretty good. I am using a Pioneer SX-253R stereo receiver that I got for $30 and it sounds excellent with my Infinity Interlude 10's. The Atoms aren't going to be stable at extreme volume levels and they aren't hard to drive. You really don't need much power. If you have $1500 to blow I would still suggest getting some larger speakers. Have you looked at the Paradigm Studio series, the 20's are good. Put that with a NAD or some such Integrated amplifier and that would be a very nice bedroom setup.

 

[j_garcia]

I agree with Seth, if you have that much cash, better speakers are what I'd be looking for, and an average integrated. You could get new speakers and a used integrated for around $600 or so and have a really nice setup. At which point your sound card may be the limiting factor, but you'll have money left...

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Yep...I would just get a 400 0r 500 dollar AVR and upgrade the mains and center channel and get an awesome sub.

You may want to try a sub and AVR first and see how you like it. If you mainly watch movies; you will be good to go.