Best entry hifi stereo setup (newbie)

[Von Garcia]

Hi Guys, I need your opinion regarding my planned stereo setup. I already have the Wharfedale Diamond 225 but I'm choosing whether to use an AV or a separate components. Here are my options:

1. Onkyo C-N7030 + Onkyo A-9030
2. A/V stereo Onkyo TX-8270 + budget blu-ray player (as transport only)

I am more into music however I can't deny the versatility of the receiver. Hoping for your suggestions.

Thanks!

 

[lovinthehd]

Not sure what you mean by separates, nothing you posted would be considered such normally. Separates usually refers to a separate pre-amp/processor and separate amp as basis (integrated amps are a combo of pre-amp/amp in same box, receiver adds radio/internet capability in the one box). The Onkyo has audio video capabilities, but an avr would usually offer more flexibility and often at a better price (even if you don't use all the features).

A blu-ray player as transport for all sorts of optical discs is just fine, and more formats are available with digital connections but if you're limited to 2ch audio that may not make much difference to you. If your pre-amp/receiver is analog only then the use of the dac in the player may make more sense, but I prefer digital.

Do you need the video capabilities at all, no plan to use this with a display of some sort?

Welcome to the forums, good luck in your search.

 

[Von Garcia]

Thanks for your quick reply.

What I'm referring to 'separates' is that the onkyo c-n7030 is a dedicated cd player but also has a network audio features but no amp, so I need an amp like the onkyo a-9030. By this setup, do you think it is more sound superior than the receiver (tx-8270) I mentioned?.

Occasionally, yes I do need the video capabilities. I'm really new to this world and I thought it's just like matching apples to apples, but I guess i'm wrong. It's more complicated than I thought.

Glad to be member of this forum. Btw, I'm from Philippines.

 

[lovinthehd]

Many disc players (blu-ray/dvd) have internet apps but only a line level output as your "N-" unit I don't find easily here in the US at least (and not on Onkyo US site at all). That just makes them an optical disc player with some internet apps, maybe some wi-fi connectivity (and definitely can be handy). The better term over "separate" would be component or source.

Choose your integrated amp/receiver choice by features and connectivity needed (both now and in the future....do you want to go multi-ch, manage subs, use video capabilities?). The sound quality in basic modes is going to be generally same/similar, the dsp sound modes can be different between brands/levels of processing.

There's a lot of marketing and bullshit in audio, the trick is to cut through it to best suit what's available for your budget....

 

[Von Garcia]

Update: I have already the tx-8270 but my problem is that this unit is running on 50hz.. our country utilizes 60hz frequency. I dont have problem with the voltage since I can just buy a step up/down transformer. My concern is the frequency.

1. Will my receiver be damage (blow up) if I plug in on 60hz?
2. Will my receiver able to deliver optimum audio quality at 60hz?
3. Will it damage my receiver in the long run?