Receiver for PSB Synchrony 2B 2.1 Setup?

[PeterNewman]

Hi All,

I was hoping to get a few receiver recommendations for a new pair of PSB Synchrony 2B speakers. It seems that there are two main price levels, one around ~$300 and the next around ~$600 (I understand there are many other price ranges but those are largely out of my budget).

The speakers specifications list a nominal impedance of 6 ohms and a minimum of 4. Recommended input power is between 15-150 watts. I have been staring at receiver specs trying to figure out what would work but have had little luck. Does anyone have a few recommendations for receivers within each of the price ranges?

Thanks in advance!

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I would call Electronics Expo and inquire about the Denon 3312. I think they have an open box Denon 3312. Call them and verify. Open box (not Refurbished) gets 3 yr Denon factory warranty. They listed the price at $528. But talk to them and ask if they would sell for $500 even delivered.

I power my Phil3 speakers (4 ohm nominal, 85dB/2.83V/m sensitivity) to high volume 90-97dB in my 18' x 20' x 12' room using just the Denon 3312. They sound great without any kind of problems.

 

[PeterNewman]

Would the 3312 be overkill for music only? The vast array of video related inputs/outputs seems overboard for what I am envisioning. I don't really see myself moving to a 7.2 system and 4k still seems a long way off in terms of affordability and content.

Are there similar suggested receivers that maybe aren't as intense on the video side?

Thanks for your ongoing help!

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Would the 3312 be overkill for music only? The vast array of video related inputs/outputs seems overboard for what I am envisioning. I don't really see myself moving to a 7.2 system and 4k still seems a long way off in terms of affordability and content.

Are there similar suggested receivers that maybe aren't as intense on the video side?

Thanks for your ongoing help!

It's never overkill, just more flexibility.

Sure, Electronics Expo also has the Denon 2113 open box for about $400. But you lose some power and preamp output, which you may not need anyway.

Call them and ask:

1) is it Open Box to qualify for 3 yr factory warranty (must NOT be REFURBISHED)

2) sell for $375 delivered (waive shipping)

 

[bikemig]

I have (and love) the PSB Imagine B speakers; it is probably better to think of the PSB synchrony two bs as 4 ohm speakers (that's certainly true of the image b speakers as well). The PSB web site has the synchrony two b listed as 6 ohm nominal, 4 ohm minimum; sites like Crutchfield list them as 4 ohm speakers.

If you don't care about video, you could just buy a 2 channel amp or receiver. If you are looking for a stereo receiver, you could get any of these:
(1) The outlaw rr 2150; I'm using an outlaw 2150 (which does 160 watts into 4 ohms) to drive my PSB imagine b speakers and the combination works great. You can pick one up one "b" stock for $649. Looks great and sounds great.
(2) Harmon Kardon 3490 which runs around $350. There is a very positive review of it on this website.
(3) Marantz SR 4023; you can pick one up refurbished from accessories4less for $299 with a manufacturer's warranty: Marantz Sr4023 80w X 2ch Ci Friendly Stereo Receiver | Accessories4less

A lot depends on what you want it for. For music only, these are good choices for a stereo receiver. If you are planning on using a computer as a source, then you should consider a receiver or an amp that has digital inputs. The HK 3490 has a digital, the Marantz does not, and the Outlaw has a usb input. Another alternative is the 9050 amp from Onkyo: Amazon.com: Onkyo A-9050 Integrated Stereo Amplifier (Black): Electronics

 

[PeterNewman]

Thanks! This looks great and gives me a good sense of what my options are!