hello i just ordered some polk audio monitor 60s (i think thats what there called) i need suggestions on something to power it i was thinking about a polk powered sub but the only one i like is really expensive so i need a receiver this will most likely be a 2.0 but eventually 2.1 so it can be an amp or reciver or an amp (whats the difference) not to expensive also a powered sub that would sound good soo like if you need any more info or anything i will be on today and tomorrow any help is appreciated so thanks in advance
A "receiver" is a tuner (radio), preamplifier (or control amplifier, the part that has most of the various controls, such as input switching, volume, balance, usually tone controls, etc.), and a power amplifier (the part that drives the speakers), all built into one unit.
An "integrated amplifier" is a preamplifier and power amplifier built into one unit.
You can also buy all three separately (or omit the tuner if you don't listen to the radio), and even buy a separate power amplifier for each channel.
Typically, in the U.S., people go with receivers, which tend to be cheaper, as you are only paying for one box, and because most other people buy receivers, the cost to manufacture them is lower (it is cheaper per unit to make more, as the design costs are shared by all of them, the setup of the assembly line is shared by all of them, etc.).
The cheapest approach is to keep an eye out at thrift stores, though you need to test things (i.e., try them out briefly) before you part with your money. You can also keep an eye out on Craigslist. But remember, used tends to give you no warranty, and often there are small scratches (and sometimes large scratches) on the unit, so if you want one that is perfect, you probably want to go with new, but you will pay for it.
Judging from the specifications Polk gives for your speakers, just about any receiver or amplifier will work, though if you listen to music very loud, you might want to get something with more power than if you don't listen to loud music. (Of course, if you listen to loud music, you should do an online search regarding loud sounds and hearing loss, which tends to take years to show up after the loud sounds, and tends to be permanent loss of hearing.)
For a subwoofer, I would not bother with a cheap one, and save up for a good one when you finally get one. It tends to be expensive and wasteful to buy something that you are only going to want to replace as soon as you can.
