Putting together a decent home audio setup, pointers, tips, tricks.

[dropsonde]

My computer speakers don't cut it any more for music listening. It's time to turn up the volume. I will be using this setup for mostly music listening, with some movies and music. Will I be okay with just a stereo 2.1 receiver or will I need a 5.1 a/v receiver?

so far I have

2x klipsch sb-2 bookshelfs
*insert sub here*

i'm happy with the speakers and will work no getting a sub later. I need help with receivers since the one I currently have is older than me and is gonna fritz soon.

jvc r-x330v stereo receiver - needs replacing
jvc xl-z44 cd deck -still works well, may keep it
jvc kd-vr320 tape deck, no longer works sadly, it's going.

recommendations on receivers? as I said I don't need a fancy 7.1 surround sound system, I'll just be banging music (raver kid here) and the odd movie. I'm new to the whole home audio niche but I am pretty computer savvy so it shouldn't be too hard, just need some advice, do's and don'ts of the audio world.

thanks!

 

[j_garcia]

My recommendation would be a stereo receiver or an integrated amp, depending on the budget. You don't need anything crazy to power the Klipsch, but you can get some good deals on used stuff. Integrated amp have no video processing; they are audio only; they also tend to not have preamp out or built in crossover for a sub but that is why subs have crossovers. A stereo receiver is just like a normal HT receiver except it is obviously stereo only; though they do tend to have a sub pre-out, they typically do not have an internal crossover either. New, a stereo receiver will likely cost you less than a decent integrated, but an integrated is going to have higher quality components and a better amp section IMHO (something like my PM7200 in sig).

If you don't mind refurb: http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/MARPM5003/Marantz/Pm5003-Integrated-Amplifier/1.html

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

To OP:
+1 for what J said, plus you could consider stereo receiver since they offer a bit more flexibility, and while we staying with refub Marantzs units, I wont be ashamed to rec this one:
http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/MARSR4023/Marantz/Sr4023-80w-X-2ch-Ci-Friendly-Stereo-Receiver/1.html

To J:

"they also tend to not have preamp"

I'm only an AH newbie, but I thought Integrated amp differers from AMP is the inclusion of pre-amp..... Care to provide example of Integrated amp without pre-amp?


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Integrated_amplifier

 

[WmAx]

To OP:
+1 for what J said, plus you could consider stereo receiver since they offer a bit more flexibility, and while we staying with refub Marantzs units, I wont be ashamed to rec this one:
http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/MARSR4023/Marantz/Sr4023-80w-X-2ch-Ci-Friendly-Stereo-Receiver/1.html

To J:

I'm only an AH newbie, but I thought Integrated amp differers from AMP is the inclusion of pre-amp..... Care to provide example of Integrated amp without pre-amp?


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Integrated_amplifier

The above recommended Marantz is a good choice; it has the direct amp/pre-amp shorting bars, which lets you add later on substantial performance enhancing hardware like active xover and DSP EQ, etc.

-Chris

 

[dropsonde]

Still a bit confused but it looks like the best bet for me would be integrated? What do you mean by no video processing? And the Klipsch are 85 watts max but the Integrated amp you posted is only 36w per channel, won't the speakers be too under-powered?

edit: this setup is surprisingly powerful. Was blasting some dubstep and the bass is pretty good for two little speakers. Still lacks the woofer punch though.

 

[WmAx]

Still a bit confused but it looks like the best bet for me would be integrated? What do you mean by no video processing? And the Klipsch are 85 watts max but the Integrated amp you posted is only 36w per channel, won't the speakers be too under-powered?

edit: this setup is surprisingly powerful. Was blasting some dubstep and the bass is pretty good for two little speakers. Still lacks the woofer punch though.

??

The stereo reciever is the better choice, as I explained. You have more power and far more versatality and future SQ potential due to the external access to the pre-amp/amp circuit.

-Chris

 

[dropsonde]

yeah I understand it now once I read through again. what should I be looking got in a sub? most of the music I have is very bass heavy and has lots of low freq wobbles

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

What you should look in sub is low extension, the lower the better plus size, bigger sized sub are cheaper to made, than smaller but have same performance.
I'd say stick with one from SVS, Elemental Designs or HSU Research (in this order of preference), but your budget is really low - Dayton Sub-120 is decent alternative, just don't expect miracles for $150
Search this forum for hundreds of threads requesting help with selecting sub.

p.s: I can read future and I see WmAx will suggest to DIY Sub

 

[WmAx]

DIY or semi-DIY(not actually making anything - just combining pre-finished parts together) is always a better value by far for performance vs. $$ in subwoofers. If you are willing to do minor work (cut a hole or two with a jig saw and screw/attach the drivers, etc.), I can specify all of the needed parts/sources/prices to get you the optimum performance for your $$.

Also, remember, best SQ is always had by using twin subs(one on each side of room) and by using an external active crossover device. The Marantz stereo receiver suggested above has the needed connections to integrate the external active crossover. A very good quality crossover can be had for $90USD if you shop wisely.

However, if you are looking to only spend like $200, you can't really do well DIY, that's just too cheap, and you'll end up with something comparable to some of the commercial options around that price anyways. The threshold breaks, really, around the $300-$400 range. You can do it for less, given specific applications/circumstances.

-Chris

 

[dropsonde]

I'm fine with spending $300+, dunno where the $150 came from, i'm not that cheap haha

 

[bandphan]

I'm fine with spending $300+, dunno where the $150 came from, i'm not that cheap haha

I love it

 

[WmAx]

I'm fine with spending $300+, dunno where the $150 came from, i'm not that cheap haha

So, you will spend $300+ x 2(twin subs of course) and willing to do some very basic labor (cut hole with jig saw)?

If so, and serious, I'll make some recommendation(s).

-Chris

 

[dropsonde]

So, you will spend $300+ x 2(twin subs of course) and willing to do some very basic labor (cut hole with jig saw)?

If so, and serious, I'll make some recommendation(s).

-Chris

sounds like a project I love to tinker and since I can't afford an adamson system to melt my organs this sounds like a better idea

 

[dropsonde]

picked up the receiver today, very happy with it so far. had it wired up in no time and blasted some music. speakers got a good workout

 

[dropsonde]

http://www.nhthifi.com/Classic-U2-System?sc=12&category=1210

been eyeballing this for a sub system. a little pricey but a good deal at the same time

 

[bandphan]

http://www.nhthifi.com/Classic-U2-System?sc=12&category=1210

been eyeballing this for a sub system. a little pricey but a good deal at the same time

you can do much better for the money commercial and diy.

 

[andr3wpd]

All

Sorry to hijack this thread wasn't sure of etiquette on starting my own (first time, long time). Looking to get back into listening to my vinyl (mainly rock, indie, blues) and rather than add a turntable to my HT will put together an audio only setup in my basement.

Want to strike a balance between quality and WAF and limit budget to $2,000

Turntable: Technics SL-1200MK2 - $600
Receiver: Onkyo TX-8555 - $250
Speakers: EMP Impression E55Ti Towers - $800
CD Player: Marantz CD5003 - $350

Would really appreciate your thoughts on the above setup, where I can give or take. I already have recent EMPs in my HT and was really pleased with them, that said I am really open minded on pieces and parts.

Thanks in advance
Andrew