Complete newbie need help picking amp/receiver

[de23]

I'm sure you guys get this a million times, so I'm sorry if it's a hassle. I've tried doing research into how to pick an amp, but I just can't seem to figure it out. I read that you were supposed to find an amp that supported double the wattage of your speakers, but I don't seem to be able to!

I ordered these speakers (the forum won't let me post links): Amazon.com: Sony SSF-5000 Floor Standing 3-way Speaker (Pair)

Am I right in thinking I need a 300 watt amp, since the speakers seem to take 150 watts? I found the Onkyo M-282 2-Channel Power Amplifier, but it's $100 more than the speaker itself, and still doesn't seem to be enough power!

Am I doing something egregiously wrong here? I really just want a basic setup for my cable box/computer. I didn't think an amp would cost more than the speakers itself.

Any help you could give or links to amps (or do I need a receiver?) would be greatly appreciated!

 

[j_garcia]

Speaker wattage is COMPLETELY irrelevant. That rating is the maximum those speakers can handle before they fry, NOT how much they need.

These speakers are 8 Ohm and 88dB sensitive, so they would not need a lot of power to drive them. A typical 100W receiver should be able to drive them to adequate levels. An amp by itself won't do you any good either, you need an A/V receiver, stereo receiver or an integrated amp which have a preamp section built in to handle the signals from your sources (Blu-ray, CD, cable box, etc...)

 

[fuzz092888]

if we minded getting asked the same questions over and over, we either
A) wouldn't be here or
B) just ignore the those questions

What receiver do you have. You have to have a receiver or pre-amp to plug the speakers into, first of all. An amplifier comes only after you have a pre-amp or receiver, and then only if you are power deficient during your normal listening.

Sounds like you shouldn't be worrying about an amplifier at all just yet. Just get a good capable receiver and you shouldn't run out of power unless you're trying to blow your roof off. By the sounds of it, watching tv and running computer audio, all you'll need is a half decent receiver.

Since those speakers are pretty cheap/low end, you're more or less not going to be able to abide by the general rule of thumb, which is that electronics shouldn't be more than 10-20% of the total budget. At this point, you're looking at electronics being 50% or more.

I would go to accessories for less and look at some stuff there

DENON AVR-1312 5.1 Channel A/V Home Theater Receiver | Accessories4less

for instance

 

[de23]

Speaker wattage is COMPLETELY irrelevant. That rating is the maximum those speakers can handle before they fry, NOT how much they need.

These speakers are 8 Ohm and 88dB sensitive, so they would not need a lot of power to drive them. A typical 100W receiver should be able to drive them to adequate levels. An amp by itself won't do you any good either, you need an A/V receiver, stereo receiver or an integrated amp which have a preamp section built in to handle the signals from your sources (Blu-ray, CD, cable box, etc...)

if we minded getting asked the same questions over and over, we either
A) wouldn't be here or
B) just ignore the those questions

What receiver do you have. You have to have a receiver or pre-amp to plug the speakers into, first of all. An amplifier comes only after you have a pre-amp or receiver, and then only if you are power deficient during your normal listening.

Sounds like you shouldn't be worrying about an amplifier at all just yet. Just get a good capable receiver and you shouldn't run out of power unless you're trying to blow your roof off. By the sounds of it, watching tv and running computer audio, all you'll need is a half decent receiver.

Since those speakers are pretty cheap/low end, you're more or less not going to be able to abide by the general rule of thumb, which is that electronics shouldn't be more than 10-20% of the total budget. At this point, you're looking at electronics being 50% or more.

I would go to accessories for less and look at some stuff there



for instance

Thank you both for your help. Sounds like I'll be needing a receiver. What do you think of one of these? I'm just a little wary of buying refurbished.

amazon.com/Sherwood-RX-4105-Stereo-Receiver-Black/dp/B0002EPWC0/ref=pd_cp_e_2
amazon.com/gp/product/B001TP3CH8/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me=&seller=
amazon.com/Sherwood-RX-4503-Virtual-Surround-Receiver/dp/B001E2UKSU/ref=pd_sxp_grid_pt_2_0

I did like that the one you linked let me pass through HDMI. Is this something I will need? I don't know how else I'll get the audio source to the receiver and the video to the TV.

 

[fuzz092888]

Well the refurb also has the ability to extend the warranty by up to either 3 or 5 years, not to mention AC4L is an authorized dealer for most of the brands they carry. It's one of those places that you shouldn't feel too nervous about buying refurb from.

I don't really like any of the receivers you linked to, if it were me I'd still go with the Denon. Denon is a good brand, AC4L is a good place to buy from (not that amazon isn't), but sony isn't really known for their quality. One of the sherwood's is a stereo receiver, why have two when you could have 5 for the same price? And the last sherwood starts saying things like virtual surround sound, and that makes me nervous because I don't know what they means or what they're doing to my (your) audio signal.

HDMI pass through isn't what you think it is. It means that your HDMI signal goes from your cable/satellite box or blu-ray or DVD player and passes through the receiver without any video or audio processing taking place.

 

[de23]

Well the refurb also has the ability to extend the warranty by up to either 3 or 5 years, not to mention AC4L is an authorized dealer for most of the brands they carry. It's one of those places that you shouldn't feel too nervous about buying refurb from.

I don't really like any of the receivers you linked to, if it were me I'd still go with the Denon. Denon is a good brand, AC4L is a good place to buy from (not that amazon isn't), but sony isn't really known for their quality. One of the sherwood's is a stereo receiver, why have two when you could have 5 for the same price? And the last sherwood starts saying things like virtual surround sound, and that makes me nervous because I don't know what they means or what they're doing to my (your) audio signal.

HDMI pass through isn't what you think it is. It means that your HDMI signal goes from your cable/satellite box or blu-ray or DVD player and passes through the receiver without any video or audio processing taking place.

Thank you. You've convinced me, and I think I'm going to go with your suggestion

 

[fuzz092888]

You're welcome, I hope it works out for you. If you're worried about refurb, I would consider buying the additional years of warranty for the receiver. Compared to other extended warranty plans it's pretty cheap. Good luck

 

[moves]

My first ever AVR was a Yamaha.. I got it about 14 years ago and it is still running fine. It has also never been in the shop for repairs. I'd look into a Yamaha. I would think that this would fit you well and you can pick one up fairly cheap.

 

[Damn Noise!]

My first ever AVR was a Yamaha.. I got it about 14 years ago and it is still running fine. It has also never been in the shop for repairs. I'd look into a Yamaha. I would think that this would fit you well and you can pick one up fairly cheap.

I second the Yamaha choice, my RX-V667 is awesome. Good luck.