Amplifier recommendation for my 2.1 system

[Ritesh Banka]

Hi,
I am planning to setup a 2.1 system in my living room.
I have decided to buy RBH I-12 subwoofer and 2 RBH R55Ti Tower Speaker. I don't have a receiver and I don't think I need one as almost all the times I am using my Apple TV to stream video to my tv.
My question is: Do I still need a receiver or just an amplifier? What amplifier do you guys suggest I should buy for the above setup? My budget is ~$400 for amp.

Thanks,
Ritesh

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I would get a receiver.

 

[TheWarrior]

With out a receiver, you will need an amp, AND a preamp.

Just get a receiver!

 

[fmw]

A third vote for the receiver.

 

[Mark of Cenla]

If you do not want radio, get an integrated amp. Yamaha and Onkyo are good places to start. Peace and goodwill.

 

[Latent]

If you don't need any fancy video switching tech then you could look for a second hand receiver as there are some really nice ones out there that have been replaced to keep up with latest hdmi etc. But still make great stereo amplifiers

 

[Ritesh Banka]

Ok, I think I should look into receivers then if everyone over here is suggesting to get a receiver.
Again, any recommendation for a receiver under $400.

 

[Latent]

Buying new you can only get the most entry level receiver for $400. And these may be a bit too under powered for your speakers unless you only want to listen at low-medium volume levels. eg: Onkyo TX-SR343 ($399) is like 65Watts per channel at a not very nice distortion level. Or Yamaha RX-V379 ($299) is 70W. Denon AVR-S510BT ($279) is 75W.

Last year's model on special you may get a better deal than this. Or you can search local auction sites and find a 100W 5+ year old receiver for maybe $200.

 

[Ponzio]

another vote here for a receiver. check out your local Craig's List or eBay. For example I'm in the process of selling a Yamaha RX-V2700 (140WPC) with a bad HDMI board for $200, which is a steal.

 

[fmw]

The advantage of an AV receiver for your application is price. AV receivers cost less because of economies of scale. Two channel amps are obsolescent and sell to a fraction of the units of AV receivers. The AV receiver will have more resale value. It will do anything a 2 channel integrated will do. You don't need to use all the features. I think I paid less than $200 for the AV receiver I use in my bedroom with a 2.1 speaker arrangement. I'm not aware of any $200 integrateds, at least not any good ones.

 

[PENG]

From the information given all you need is an integrated amp but AVR gets my vote too for reasons others explained already.

 

[Ritesh Banka]

I am planning to get Yamaha RX-479 receiver for my room after listening to everyone's recommendations. It's in my price range and has awesome reviews. I am not sure about it's power output though. It has 80w per channel. Do you think it is good enough RBH R55ti speakers? Product page to R55ti says recommended power to be 50-200 watts. I don't listen to music very loud.

 

[KEW]

People here who have bought refurbbed units through Accessories4less have gotten some great deals and been happy (including myself):
If you want to stick with simple 2 channel:
http://www.accessories4less.com/?type=&page=category&action=&id=stereoreceivers&skip_redirect_suffix=&view_id=282c7ac7469a389c9b068a3b52fc0cf1ea9285de&mode=&search_query=&category=&thumb_sort=store_price.asc
And for an AVR:
http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/category/avreceiver/home-audio/receivers-amps/home-theater-receivers/1.html

As has been said, AVR gets you better value, but some would like to avoid the extra controls (which often can be difficult if you cannot hook to TV for on-screen display) and the retro look of the stereo Yamaha's is nice IMHO.

The AVR does offer better integration of your sub. I don't think anyone has mentioned that yet.

The 80 WPC of the Yamaha will do a fine job with your R55ti as long as you don't crank them too hard (and doesn't sound like you will).

What kind of price did you find on the 479?

 

[Ritesh Banka]

Thanks for suggesting accessories4less website. It seems they have some really good deals.

I am getting yamaha 479 for $399.