2.1 vs 5.1

[JackB]

Hi All,

I'm a beginner audiophile who is looking to enter the world of hifi as I finish college in the upcoming months. I recently purchased a SVS Ultra SB13 subwoofer to pair with my old Advent Loudspeakers. The sub sounds amazing, the speakers are showing their age, and I will soon be in the market for a new preamp/amp as I am currently using my uncle's old Yamaha RX-V596.

Now, I love music, I listen to music about 10x more than I watch movies and I really don't need 7, 9, or 11 channel surround. My main issue arrises due to my age, as a human born in the digital age after vinyl and cd's all my music is in lossless digital formats on my phone and computer. I was initially looking into a stereo pre amp along side a nice beefy 2 channel amp. I only wanted a stereo pre amp because a dedicated high quality DAC and minimal circuitry leads to less interference and most reviews say music sounds better on stereo equipment over AVR solutions.

My only reservation is the lack of HDMI connectivity on stereo pre amps. I stream all of my music to my current AVR using an Apple TV and connect my laptop to my AVR to watch movies. I don't see many new products shipping with optical audio (as apple just removed it from their latest gen apple TV) and HDMI can handle higher quality audio. I've been reading some rave reviews about people setting up 2.1 channel home theatre set ups and that is something I've been considering.

I'm wondering what to do, should I just get an AVR and have all the connections I desire, or is there a stereo receiver with HDMI in and out? Note: Utmost sound quality is what I'm chasing (aren't we all). The only real viable solution I may have found is an HDMI changer box with optical audio out. If anyone has any recommendations or any products that may solve this problem please let me know. Any other advise is also welcome as I am new to this whole thing.

Thanks,
Jack B

 

[Jeffrey S. Albaugh]

The answer to your question (Stereo Receivers with HDMI):

http://www.compare99.com/compare.html?q=hdmi-audio-receivers&ort=Hdmi-Stereo-Receivers&adid=iaCkp56qx56bYLTWyKOXoofRzm56l87LkISmmNPH0l6EmMTHzKeXpdSI1m6ZlNbViZSalNOfyw==&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=+hdmi +stereo +receivers&matchtype=b&utm_content=22932202675&device=c&device_model=&adpos=1o3&campaignid=128498275&utm_campaign=5614264195&loc_physical=1018683&loc_interest=&target_kwid=kwd-47388505315&network=g&extid=&aexpid=&gclid=Cj0KEQjw3s6-BRC3kKL_86XDvq4BEiQAAUqtZ1-IqpTJHqAnVhtpd_5m7qZ8ZhIwG0XkyTNZTd0gZ7saAmEK8P8HAQ

 

[lovinthehd]

I use avrs in my primary music setups (a 9.4 setup and two 5.2s....living room, bedroom, workshop). My old 2ch gear (separate preamp/amp) is in the spare bedrooms and frankly don't use it much. My first speakers were Original Advents back in '72.

If you want a sub, and I recommend one, much of the 2ch gear simply doesn't have the necessary bass management that most basic avrs have. You can always use an avr for 2.1 and even with unused features economies of scale still spend less than an equivalent dedicated stereo 2.1 setup (which will still undoubtedly lack some of the features on the avr). Can't say I could point you to a 2ch receiver/integrated amp with hdmi input....can't think of any.

 

[cel4145]

^^

I agree. An AVR makes a lot of sense in this day and age given it's connectivity. And I'm not convinced that integrated amps or stereo receivers at the same price point as a particular AVR offer better sound. But an AVR can offer room EQ which can sometimes smooth the sound to assist with room influence on the speakers and sub.

 

[herbu]

most reviews say music sounds better on stereo equipment over AVR solutions.

Really? Not most reviews here.
I would urge you to investigate that statement before you buy. If indeed "most reviews say music sounds better on stereo equipment", please find 3 of them you like that actually use numbers/measurements to substantiate their claim. Show us their numbers. Let's see if their rationale actually equates to anything audible.

In my opinion there is no audible difference. However, an AVR does have a lot more settings and choices, which means a lot more opportunity for you to color/taint/distort the music. If you take time to learn the settings, an AVR offers the same thing as a stereo... and lots more... for less money. Easy choice.

 

[TLS Guy]

I see your problem to a degree. If you don't have good HDMI connectivity then everything is awkward, and you have unhandy workarounds.

I don't think the problem with receivers is the digital circuity. It is the power amps, which are built to a price and certainly not state of the art by a long shot.

Having said that, the sound a a system is dominated by the speakers. The ills of most speakers make it impossible to tell the difference between a modest amp and a state of the art one.

However if you are going to spring for high end speakers especially powerful ones, then higher end power amps are worthwhile. I would state that I would not use receiver power amps in a state of the art system.

However you can solve this problem easily by choosing a receiver that has pre outss so you can use a higher quality power amp now or later.

 

[Diesel57]

I to listen to music 99.9%, don't set yourself up for regret, buy the avr, it will provide you with more options as well as features and settings because you might want to up grade or add other components and speakers later, check this company out, alot of us shop here...accessories4less...take your time, come back when you find what you're looking for or decide on, IMO, there's not a better place to get support along with knowledge and direction that will also save you $...Cheers

 

[JackB]

Thank you all. What you all mentioned makes complete sense. I think the solution I will be going with will be a 5 or 7 channel avr with good pre out puts. As the issue with most modern Avrs is they tend to skimp out on the power amp section as you have all mentioned. Then get a separate 2 channel power amp for the front l/r towers for now. Then down the line I can always hook up satellite speakers for surround sound off the avr because they shouldn't need much power. Thanks all for the help.

 

[herbu]

Then get a separate 2 channel power amp for the front l/r towers for now.

Slow down a bit. For a beginner, (fairly low budget), system I think you'll find a decent AVR has plenty of power. There is an ongoing debate about the audible difference adding an amp to a decent AVR with most speakers. ("Debate" means knowledgeable and respected audiophiles can be found on each side.)

"For now", focus on your Front L & R speakers, and a decent AVR. (I keep saying "decent". That doesn't mean hotrod. It means name brand average or mid-range. Think Denon/Marantz/Yamaha and ~$300 or more.) Far more important are your Front L/R speakers. You should designate more of your budget for speakers than the AVR.

So start w/ 2 speakers and an AVR. Expand as $ becomes available. Remember, for 90% music listening, your L/R speakers will carry 90% of the load. Next will likely be a subwoofer.