Do I need a receiver?

[optimusprine]

Hello everyone, this is my first post and find this site very interesting. I'm very new to this whole "business" and I would really appreciate some help.
I'm planning on buying a 32" Samsung LCD TV (LN32A450) for my parents and a pair Klipsch RB10 speakers to use instead of the integrated TV speakers.

I would like to know if I need a receiver for only 2 speakers and no sub. I'm planning to hook up a basic DVD player and a Wii to the TV as well if that makes a difference. I'm not a hardcore movie enthusiast so I'm not planning on upgrading to surround sound or anything but I do appreciate good sound and from what I read, the Klipsch seem to be a decent pair. Can anyone also please explain to me what exactly a receiver is good for?

Also, does anyone know of any other places in Vancouver (Canada) to buy stuff besides Futureshop?

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I don't even own a receiver or a preamp-processor. So you don't NEED a receiver.

Basically what you need is some kind of amplifier w/volume control for the speakers.

The easiest thing for just 2Ch stereo is an integrated amplifier that has audio selector and volume control so that you could hook your analog Left & Right cables.

But you might as well get a cheap < $100 5.1 receiver or just a stereo receiver.

If your TV has a built-in amp (probably 20 watts per ch), you might try hooking your speakers to the External Speaker hook-up. If you value your speakers, you probably should not do that, however.

The receiver lets to hook up all your sources and speakers and serves as a video switcher - DVD, Wii, etc.

 

[optimusprine]

Thanks for the response. Can you recommend any cheap but decent receivers?

 

[Midcow2]

Inexpensive receivers

Thanks for the response. Can you recommend any cheap but decent receivers?

Here is a basic inexpensive one:
Sherwood RX4105 $59.99
http://www.consumerdepot.com/products.asp?id=RX4105R&referer=google


A better one if you are willing to spend a couple of hundred:
Yamaha RXV-363 Receiver $199.95
http://www.onecall.com/ProductDetails.aspx?id=90956

cheap sounds bad; inexpensive means you are frugal!

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I bought from eCost.com before:

http://www.ecost.com/Detail/Receivers/Sherwood/RX4103/40778247.aspx

 

[optimusprine]

I think I'm leaning toward Yamaha but only because I know them and feel more comfortable because of that. Does anyone know where I can get RXV363B in Canada? I prefer to buy in a store and rather not order online unless I really have to. Also, I read that you should test out speakers before you buy them. Is there anything I should test with a receiver or is it pretty safe to just buy one according to the listed specifications?

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I think I'm leaning toward Yamaha but only because I know them and feel more comfortable because of that. Does anyone know where I can get RXV363B in Canada? I prefer to buy in a store and rather not order online unless I really have to. Also, I read that you should test out speakers before you buy them. Is there anything I should test with a receiver or is it pretty safe to just buy one according to the listed specifications?

Yeah, the Yamaha is definitely the better one.

 

[optimusprine]

So has anyone managed to buy the Yamaha RXV363 here in Canada? I could get it from Amazon.com but I would like an alternative.

 

[forkbeard]

As an alternative...

...for the simple set-up you described, you could use active (powered) speakers. Unless you're locked in to the RB-10s, of course. Simpler wiring, simpler set-up and operation, smaller form factor (no amp).

 

[optimusprine]

I really would like to get a good pair of speakers and I hear good things about the RB-10. I'll try them out first though. Anyway, does anyone know where I can get the Yamaha RXV363B in Canada?

 

[allargon]

I really would like to get a good pair of speakers and I hear good things about the RB-10. I'll try them out first though. Anyway, does anyone know where I can get the Yamaha RXV363B in Canada?

Best Buy carries Yamaha. You're not planning any trips to Seattle anytime soon, are you? There's also that option, but I know Canada can be merciless about import duties.

http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0926INGFS10085833&catid=20313

 

[Sheep]

Is your name a typo or was the real deal taken? BTW, I live in Vancouver (Coquitlam).

SheepStar

 

[Sheep]

If you want decent gear, go to A&B sound, ID, or DIY. Those are your only decent choices.

SheepStar

 

[jcPanny]

stereo amp.

If the TV has a variable output (i.e. adjustable with the TV remote) then you can connect a small audiosorce or similar stereo amp to power the speakers and minimize the electronics. This minimizes the electronics and potential for problems.

If you/they plan to add a sub or surround sound in the future then an entry level receiver is the way to go.