audio receiver recomendation?

[tsvaughn]

I'm looking for an "budget audiophile" audio receiver to go with my existing Totem Mites (2 compact speakers, 20-80W recommended) and Paradigm PDR-10 powered sub. I'll be primarily listening to music, but will also play audio from my LG BD390 Blu-Ray player and Panasonic TC-P42G10 HDTV. I don't need video inputs, but I do want an optical audio input for a Apple AirPort so I can stream iTunes from my laptop. I don't need surround sound, but 2.1 audio receivers are getting hard to find. My budget is $400-600.

So far, I've been pointed towards A/V receivers with good built-in DACs, but I really don't need all the video capability at this point.

Recommendations? Thanks.

 

[j_garcia]

Since you want the optical in, you are looking for a stere receiver and they shouldn't be hard to find at all. Marantz, Onkyo and Harman Kardon all make them in your price range.

One step beyond those would be the Outlaw Audio RR2150 which has some advantages over the others if you have a sub, though it is a bit above your price range (and I am not 100% sure it has optical, but it does have USB).

 

[tsvaughn]

Which models of Marantz, Onkyo and Harman Kardon? I've searched their websites and find no stereo receivers with optical ins. Maybe they're discontinued?

 

[sholling]

I'm looking for an "budget audiophile" audio receiver to go with my existing Totem Mites (2 compact speakers, 20-80W recommended) and Paradigm PDR-10 powered sub. I'll be primarily listening to music, but will also play audio from my LG BD390 Blu-Ray player and Panasonic TC-P42G10 HDTV. I don't need video inputs, but I do want an optical audio input for a Apple AirPort so I can stream iTunes from my laptop. I don't need surround sound, but 2.1 audio receivers are getting hard to find. My budget is $400-600.

So far, I've been pointed towards A/V receivers with good built-in DACs, but I really don't need all the video capability at this point.

Recommendations? Thanks.

The problem that you are going to run into is economies of scale. The big electronics companies probably sell 1000 7.1/7.2 AVRs for every stereo receiver. Anyway if I were looking for a stereo receiver I'd look at Onkyo's TX-8555 for about $250 new or $200 refurbished.

 

[j_garcia]

http://us.marantz.com/Products/2555.asp *edit I just looked and this guy does not have optical or coaxial inputs? Odd, I know the older models did.

You can find refurb Marantz at AC4L as linked above as well.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

This one will work for you:
http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/MARSR5600/Marantz/ZR6001/SR5600-Receiver-90w-X-7ch-Home-Theater-Surround/1.html

 

[Seth=L]

If stereo is all you want or need the Harman Kardon HK-3490 matches your requirements. It has dedicated subwoofer outputs as well as two digital inputs (one optical, one coaxial). Street prices are around $300-350 for a refurb and around $400 for a new one.

 

[audiok]

I'm pretty much in the same boat, and after quite a bit research I'm thinking a receiver with Audyssey MultEQ would make the biggest improvement to the sound quality. Am I missing something? Later I could add a separate power amp like the Emo UPA-2.

 

[tsvaughn]

Thanks to all for pointing the way to Accessories4Less.com. I got a Marantz SR5004 since my GF convinced me that we need a Tivo as well. Sounds good but the Audyssey auto calibration sounds quite boomy to me. Still tweaking!

 

[rnatalli]

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=795421

Have a look at that thread. The Audyssey engineers frequent it and it also has a setup guide that make suggestions.