2.1 or A/B

[hchytd]

Greetings all,

I wish to purchase a high quality budget receiver (under $200) exclusively for music listening purposes. Specifically, I need something that will drive 4 bookshelves (spaced opposite walls) and 1 sub. Again, this will be exclusively for listening to music (so I do not need any A/V whistles/bells). If I purchase a 2.1 stereo with A/B speaker choice - can I still play all 4 speakers (+ sub) by having both A and B sets turned on? Or do I need a surround (5.1) receiver in order to play more than 2 speakers. Any specific models/links would be extremely appreciated!

Thanks to all in advance,

-Hchytd

 

[markw]

You can use a stereo receiver if the sub you choose has speaker level inputs and outputs. You would connect your "A" speakers through the sub and your "B" speakers directly to the receiver's "B" outputs.

 

[Miltcharlie]

Here's what I did with my 2ch.
I'm running my bi-wire speakers using the A/B switch. It gives a awsome field of depth and presence.

 

[hchytd]

I plugged my extra speakers into the subs speaker input/outputs - to no avail! Nothing comes out of those speakers. HELP!!!

 

[markw]

"extra" speakers?

I plugged my extra speakers into the subs speaker input/outputs - to no avail! Nothing comes out of those speakers. HELP!!!

You need to have the receiver's speaker outputs connected to the sub's speaker level inputs to have speakers connected to the sub's speaker outputs. I would assume this to be your "A" speaker terminals.

The sub doesn't have amplifiers built in for them, only for the subwoofer. It only "passes thru" the main frequencies from the receiver's amplifiers to the speakers.

I would suggest you connect your receiver's "A" speaker output terminals to the sub's speaker input terminals, your "main" speakers to the sub's speaker output terminals and your "extra" speakers to the receiver's "B" speaker output terminals.

Doesn't your sub have a manual diagraming this?

 

[hchytd]

I don't have A and B speaker input/outputs on my reciever. Only A.

In other words I can only connect 2 speakers (total) to my receiver. As a result, I am guessing I cannot route my other 2 (B) speakers through my sub, correct?

I could be wrong - I am an idiot

Thanks again for your help/patience, Mark!

 

[markw]

Well now, that explains a lot.

I don't have A and B speaker input/outputs on my reciever. Only A.

Then you can only connect one set of speakers, not two.

You kinda changed the rules of the game you set in your first post on me here.

If I purchase a 2.1 stereo with A/B speaker choice - can I still play all 4 speakers (+ sub) by having both A and B sets turned on?

That's kinda what I based my answers on. Now, had you done as you said you were planning to do in your first post, and followed the instructions in my first post, that would have been the end of this thread.

Good luck.

 

[WmAx]

Let's get something straight - if you have a subwoofer - you NEED an active crossover to limit the frequencies sent to the main speakers, and the subwoofer too, if you want ideal performance. You don't run the main speakers full range when you have subwoofers except in what I consider to be jack-leg set ups.

You have two options of feasibility here. One option costs more, but does a better job.

1. Buy a stereo receiver that has pre-amp outs and direct amp-in connections on the back where bridge pins normally route the signal back to the internal amp. Harman Kardon has a decent unit factory refurbished for about $200 with this feature, model HK3485. Buy a new Behringer CX2310 for $80, a few XLR to RCA, and RCA to XLR adapters, and route the receiver pre-outs to this, then route the subwoofer and mains signals from this xover - back to the appropriate signal input jacks on the receiver and subwoofer.

2. Buy a good quality, but low priced(preferably factory refurbished for best value) surround receiver that has variable built-in active crossover. The Onkyo SR-505 is the best deal around. Factory refurbished for $130, in black or silver; that's about half price from what it used to cost new. It has the benefit of unusually good quality for the price - like all of those SR-*05 models seem to have had. It even has a nice solid metal front plate instead of the cheezy plastic found on almost anything else in that price range.

Number 1 is the best option. The external crossover has steeper crossover slopes on the mains and it has a higher level of variability of crossover points. You are more likely to get better integration. But number 2 is a fair option with more limited xover functions. Also option 1 has about 50% higher power output and is 4 ohms stable. The ability to insert processors between the amp and pre-amp also allows for even more sophisticated processing. For example, if you opted for a Behringer DCX2496 xover over the CX2310, you would have an incredible range of processing abilities at your disposal. If you planned to go with really nice speakers and subwoofer or multiple subwoofers, this DCX2496 is incredibly useful and will allow you to adjust the sound signature to your preference(s). It is far more than just a xover - and even it's xover functions are beyond what normal xovers can accomplish.

-Chris

 

[hchytd]

My first post was based on the fact that I currently only have a 2.1 setup - that's why I asked if I need a new receiver with A/B speaker functionality or a 5.1 to hook up 4 speakers and a sub - and if so, "What's the best receiver I can find under $200 that allows me 4 speaker hookup" (I do not need to go through my sub). Anyone out there who can answer this specific question? Thanks in advance...