do I need an amp and a receiver?

[giantslayer]

This is verymuch a newbie question. More newbie than most that say so in the title line. At this point, my sound setup is my computer running some crappy laptop speakers. I'm seriously looking into buying some half-way serious speakers. I'm thinking of going for some Sony ss-mb350h's, with the possibility of getting a woofer later if I decide they don't have enough bass.

I have deduced that my computer won't crank out 55-120 watts of power, so I need an amplifier or something. I'm looking around and receivers also have outputs rated at howevermany watts per channel. Does that mean a receiver could power some speakers without an amplifier? Do I need both an amplifier and a receiver for some reason? If I only need one, which should I get?

I'm on a tight budget and don't need bells or whistles. I just need to know what I would need to get to be able to hook up my computer to some shelf speakers. Any help would be appreciated. I also don't mind lengthy explanations if anyone reading this would be kind enough to provide one.

 

[markw]

A receiver is an integrated amp with a built in tuner.

An integrated amp is a preamp with a built in power amp.

These you need. The tuner is optional.

 

[jaxvon]

So, what kind of budget were you looking at for speakers and the associated integrated amp?? There are lots of good, cheap bookshelf speakers out there.

 

[j_garcia]

You could pick up an integrated amp and that will sound great, but your best bet and less expensive path, would be a stereo receiver (you only need stereo right?).

Yes, what's your price range? IMO, I'd probably stay away from Sony in general for speakers. Every once in a while they come out with a very good speaker, but for the most part, their stuff leaves a bit to be desired.

 

[MacManNM]

This is verymuch a newbie question. More newbie than most that say so in the title line. At this point, my sound setup is my computer running some crappy laptop speakers. I'm seriously looking into buying some half-way serious speakers. I'm thinking of going for some Sony ss-mb350h's, with the possibility of getting a woofer later if I decide they don't have enough bass.

I have deduced that my computer won't crank out 55-120 watts of power, so I need an amplifier or something. I'm looking around and receivers also have outputs rated at howevermany watts per channel. Does that mean a receiver could power some speakers without an amplifier? Do I need both an amplifier and a receiver for some reason? If I only need one, which should I get?

I'm on a tight budget and don't need bells or whistles. I just need to know what I would need to get to be able to hook up my computer to some shelf speakers. Any help would be appreciated. I also don't mind lengthy explanations if anyone reading this would be kind enough to provide one.

You can use a receiver, an integrated amp, or a power amp. All three can power speakers. A receiver has a tuner in it so you can listen to the radio, or select different sources and has a volume control. An Integrated amp has the ability to select different sources, and has a volume control. A power amp can usually operate from one source and usualy doesn't have a volume control. My advice is to go to a thrift store or on e-bay and find an old Marantz, Kenwood, Sony, Pioneer receiver from the 70's. You can get one for next to nothing.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-Marantz-2230-Stereo-Receiver-Wood-Case-NR_W0QQitemZ5805584805QQcategoryZ50591QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I have a few of these. They are very good units, and the output power is equivalent to some of today’s 70-80w/ch units. I believe these units are sonically superior to most of the receivers’ built today.

As for speakers, I recommend these:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00006JPDI/104-7523640-2597556?v=glance

That combination is going to sound wonderful. There are tons of used speakers out there that will sound good and you can prob get for half that price. But for new speakers you won't find anything better.

Good Luck,
John

 

[j_garcia]

For the price, the Athena AS-B1 are quite good too. The highs are a bit bright, but midrange is very good, and for $100/pr, they're a good deal.

I agree with MacManNM, the trusty old 70s receivers sound pretty darn amazing, and they STILL WORK. They were simple and did what they needed to do: sound good. You can pick them up very cheap quite often at yard sales, goodwill etc...

 

[giantslayer]

Thanks for the replies

My budget is somewhat flexible at this point. I was originally thinking $100 or less for speakers and now that I need an amplifier or something, I was thinking $50-100 for that.

Just looking around at popular electronics sites (circuit city, best buy, etc), it appears that cheap receivers are cheaper than cheap amps. Seeing as receivers have bells and whistles on them, it would make sense that amps have better sound quality, right? If so, how much better?

Also, earlier today, I saw a pair of Polk S4 shelf speakers for $30 on an I-gotta-sell-my-stuff poster on a bulletin board. It sounds like a pretty sweet deal to me. Anyone know anything about these? (Info online is pretty scarce; all I could find is that they are two-way with a 6 1/4" woofer.) Should I bite?

 

[j_garcia]

Just looking around at popular electronics sites (circuit city, best buy, etc), it appears that cheap receivers are cheaper than cheap amps. Seeing as receivers have bells and whistles on them, it would make sense that amps have better sound quality, right? If so, how much better?

Not exactly, and an amp is not interchangeable with a receiver. You need something to control the volume of the amp (preamp); you can't just plug a CD/DVD player directly into an amp. An integrated amp is basically a preamp and amp in one and will generally have few features and sound better than pretty much all stereo and surround receivers of the same MSRP.

Also, earlier today, I saw a pair of Polk S4 shelf speakers for $30 on an I-gotta-sell-my-stuff poster on a bulletin board. It sounds like a pretty sweet deal to me. Anyone know anything about these? (Info online is pretty scarce; all I could find is that they are two-way with a 6 1/4" woofer.) Should I bite?

Never heard of that model, but I'd go check them out and if they look/sound OK, I'd take them for that price.

 

[avnetguy]

For the price, the Athena AS-B1 are quite good too. The highs are a bit bright, but midrange is very good, and for $100/pr, they're a good deal.

I'll second that, I have a pair of AS-B1s and they sound awesome.
Alot of places are clearing them out right now for the AS-B1.2 so they can be snagged for a really good deal, easily worth twice the money.

Steve

 

[markw]

Circuit City /Best Buy stuff

My budget is somewhat flexible at this point. I was originally thinking $100 or less for speakers and now that I need an amplifier or something, I was thinking $50-100 for that.

Just looking around at popular electronics sites (circuit city, best buy, etc), it appears that cheap receivers are cheaper than cheap amps. Seeing as receivers have bells and whistles on them, it would make sense that amps have better sound quality, right? If so, how much better?

Also, earlier today, I saw a pair of Polk S4 shelf speakers for $30 on an I-gotta-sell-my-stuff poster on a bulletin board. It sounds like a pretty sweet deal to me. Anyone know anything about these? (Info online is pretty scarce; all I could find is that they are two-way with a 6 1/4" woofer.) Should I bite?

First off, go for the little Sherwood receiver that generally sells from anywhere between $80 - $100, depending if it's on sale or not.

As far as speakers for that price, well, http://www.audioadvisor had Athena AS-B1's on sale for $100/pair with free shipping. If you can swing it, the B2's (($150) are a little larger and go a bit deeper.

Either Athena will mate happily with that Sherwood. A friend has one and for it's price, it's prety durn good. ...avoid the Insignia...

 

[giantslayer]

So much for the Polk speakers

He had 'em 5 hours ago, but someone bought them up.

I suppose I can make a more deliberate, less rushed decision.