A budget stereo receiver + sub

[Vetus]

Hello all!

I can't say I'm an audiophile since I do not have the expierence of knowledge. All I know is I can not stomach the sound of the Brandenburg's on some tiny PC speakers!

I have been able to scrounge together a casset deck a CD deck (with a suprisinly good sampaling rate) and some polk speakers. The Polk's I was told were almost 500 dollars when they were bought eight years and they produce (to my ears) the sweetest and clearest of sound in the mid's to high's. They are only 2 way speakers though and therefore lack real bass. I have only tested them do to a lack of my own receiver witch I hope to ammend.

My problem: I am trying to purchase a reciever! I am afraid I have no real funds due to saving for colledge so I can only manage at most 200$. I wish a receiver that in future with be compatable with a Sub. What is the most budget Reciever out there that can power a diminutive room with stereo speakers + a sub? I wish to hook the tuner to a antena and I need three audio inputs. I care little for features only resonable quality.

Can anyone recommend anything in particular?

Any suggestions would be recieved greatfully!

 

[jamie2112]

I would say look at used receivers with a sub out on them , and you will be fine....

 

[Vetus]

Are there such stereo receivers?
Or am I stuck with a 5.1 set


Also what would it take to construct one's own sub?

 

[bandphan]

Are there such stereo receivers?
Or am I stuck with a 5.1 set


Also what would it take to construct one's own sub?

Harmon Kardon has sub outs or you can use pre-outs.

http://www.harmankardon.com/product_detail.aspx?cat=REC&sType=C&prod=HK+3485

 

[bitpoh]

Check out refurbished HK receivers at a discount:
http://www.harmanaudio.com/search_browse/default.asp?sp=S&cat=REC&market=HOM

Many here that will fit your need and budget.

 

[jcPanny]

Budget gear

Since you are on a budget, look for a stereo receiver at the local pawn shop or thirft store. It should hold you over through the college years.

Otherwise, pick up an entry level HT receiver. You can probably get a referbished one from sites like ecost for around $100. The HT receiver will have better bass management and will allow you to upgrade in the future to surround sound.
http://www.ecost.com/ecost/ecce/category/category.aspx?sort=Price+ASC&category=155438257

 

[Seth=L]

I agree, hit up those pawn shops. Where do you live Vetus (general area)?

 

[Vetus]

So your guys recommend I get a surround sound receiver? Will the quality be deminished over a designated stereo system?

Sub wise, what are the advantages to getting a 5.1 verse a stereo with a sub out?

Lastly I also have scrounged a thirty year old European speaker with a 12 inch sub and two mid range. The speaker is massive and I'm am wandering if I can use the the 12", build a frame for it and use it as a sub?

Thank's for your help guys. I really appreciate it!

 

[Vetus]

I agree, hit up those pawn shops. Where do you live Vetus (general area)?

Rural NewHampshire. The largest city, Keene, is about 30 minutes away!

 

[bandphan]

I can use the the 12", build a frame for it and use it as a sub?

Thank's for your help guys. I really appreciate it!

thats a woofer more than likely, not a sub. Specs would help determine output.

 

[j_garcia]

You can actually get a high quality stereo integrated amp for $200 or less, however very few have a sub preamp output - most/many will have stereo preamp outputs though and that can be used to feed a sub that has stereo line level inputs. You will have to shop around for deals though. If you can find a good used stereo receiver or even a 5.1 receiver though, that would work as well and likely cost even less. The integrated I use in my bedroom was around $700 new and it goes for around $200-300 used.

For the large speaker, you theoretically use it as a sub - open it up, disconnect the other drivers and use it just like that without building anything (may want to do some tweaks to the enclosure though, if needed). This will need a dedicated amp though.

 

[jcPanny]

Subwoofer

Lastly I also have scrounged a thirty year old European speaker with a 12 inch sub and two mid range. The speaker is massive and I'm am wandering if I can use the the 12", build a frame for it and use it as a sub?

Don't bother, the surrounds on the woofers are probably rotted. If you want a DIY sub project, check out some of the parts express Dayton sub kits.

 

[Vetus]

What exactly are the advantages to getting a 5.1 vs stereo. I take it that a sub out on HK's is not an amplified signal so I would need a powered Sub?

Would I still get the same stereo quality on a 5.1 as stereo?

 

[j_garcia]

A sub pre-out on any receiver will not be powered.

 

[Gimpy Ric]

What exactly are the advantages to getting a 5.1 vs stereo. I take it that a sub out on HK's is not an amplified signal so I would need a powered Sub?

Would I still get the same stereo quality on a 5.1 as stereo?

Today more and more receivers are going surround sound, and have much better bass "controls" as already mentioned. They lack nothing in stereo performance.

To my knowledge no receiver has powered sub outputs. They are preamp level signals meant for powered subs, the norm for today.

The refurb Harmon receivers listed in the second post are a good idea to me. Also, if you know what your doing, hit the pawn shops.

Good luck

 

[Vetus]

I am looking at budget Pioneer 5.1 systems (under 200) or stereo HK's. Does anyone recommend one over the other? If so could you point out a certain model.

Power should only be enough for a 10x20' room.

All I need is 4 audio imputs and I have not interest in video capability!

Again guys, I'm really greatfull for your help!

 

[bandphan]

I am looking at budget Pioneer 5.1 systems (under 200) or stereo HK's. Does anyone recommend one over the other? If so could you point out a certain model.

Power should only be enough for a 10x20' room.

All I need is 4 audio imputs and I have not interest in video capability!

Again guys, I'm really greatfull for your help!

skip the avr and stick with the stereo reciever(unless you want dvda/sacd) Your on the right track with the HK

 

[Vetus]

Does it matter what model of HK I get. It seems that the later models have more power but I don't think I'll need that. Is there any drastic difference in quality or features that should make me choose a... 3480 over a 3380?

 

[Vetus]

I just purchased a new HK 3470 for 150$. That was the best price I could find for any of the models. It arrives Friday so I will give everyone and update then. Supposedly from what I have read the HK will compliment the polk Monitor 40's well.

Thanks everyone for the advice... assistance... information... suggestions ect.

My last question:

I have also found a 8 inch computer sub. In the interval between now and when I purchase or find a polk sub can i use a RCA to Mini Jack converter and use the sub on my reciever?

 

[bandphan]

I have also found a 8 inch computer sub. In the interval between now and when I purchase or find a polk sub can i use a RCA to Mini Jack converter and use the sub on my reciever?

i wouldnt bother as your speakers will sound better more than likely