Do I want a receiver or amplifier? (HTPC related/low budget)

[TenzoR]

I've searched the threads and sadly everyone's budget seems higher than mine

I'm looking at $600 to $800 CAD for the entire setup. I will be using it mainly with my HTPC and Nintendo Wii. These two system will be connected to my LCD TV. I don't have cable/digital satallete/etc so everything that will be play on the LCD TV will be basically through the HTPC. My current apartment is not very big (10' x 8' for the living room). I'm only looking at 2.0 bookshelf speaker setup.

So far I've tested the B&W 686 and Energy speaker (the model number escapes me). The B&W sounded a lot more crisp and the clarity was definitely better than the Energy pair. The price, well the B&W is nearly 1.5X the price of the Energy.

Another setup the shop recommended was the Cambridge Sonota DR30 paired with the Cambridge S30 speakers. But that was at the top end of my budget. They did not have this setup for hearing since it was out of stock.

Any other recommendations you guys can give would be helpful. Thanks

 

[Adam]

Welcome to the forum!

From your description, it seems that you want something that will amplify the signal, allow you to adjust the volume, and choose between two different sources (HTPC and Wii).

A receiver would certainly let you do that. An amplifier might work for you, but to better assess that, please let us know which TV you have. I'd like to check if it has variable audio output.

Because more people buy receivers than amps, receivers tend to cost less. I think that will be the best option, but if you can find an amp for cheap (probably used), it might be a good way to go.

 

[TenzoR]

Hello Adam, thanks for taking your time to help me out!

I do not have a TV yet, I was planning to buy everything together.

I'm not sure what the fixed and variable audio output does but is fixed audio a constant untouched audio signal from the source and variable audio is an audio signal that can be changed from the within the source to increase/decrease it?

I was told from the audio shop to spend more on the speaker rather than the receiver. I'm not planning to add 5.1 or any more speakers in the future, I'm not sure if that's helpful or not.

 

[Adam]

Hello Adam, thanks for taking your time to help me out!

No problem! Happy to do it.

I'm not sure what the fixed and variable audio output does but is fixed audio a constant untouched audio signal from the source and variable audio is an audio signal that can be changed from the within the source to increase/decrease it?

Yep, that's exactly what it is. If the TV has variable left/right analog audio outputs, and if you connect the HTPC and Wii audio to the TV, then you could hook an amp up to the TV's audio outputs and control the volume using the volume on the TV - so, you wouldn't need a volume control on the amp. A lot of TVs these days only have fixed audio outputs, though, and you'd need some other volume control in that case.

You can get amps with volume controls, but a receiver might still be the cheapest and best route for you.

 

[TenzoR]

No problem! Happy to do it.


Yep, that's exactly what it is. If the TV has variable left/right analog audio outputs, and if you connect the HTPC and Wii audio to the TV, then you could hook an amp up to the TV's audio outputs and control the volume using the volume on the TV - so, you wouldn't need a volume control on the amp. A lot of TVs these days only have fixed audio outputs, though, and you'd need some other volume control in that case.

You can get amps with volume controls, but a receiver might still be the cheapest and best route for you.

Would low end receiver make any difference, I assume I only need a receiver that supports atleast one HDMI (HTPC) and Components+Coaxial Audio (Wii).

Correct me if I'm wrong but if a 5.1+ receiver is being use for fronts only the front output will be higher?

 

[oppman99]

Tenzor, Have you considered the used market for speakers and AVR's? Sites like Audiogon may help you get more bang for your buck. Not everything is a bargain, but if you are patient and know what you want, it can really save you some cash and get you better quality. It has allowed me to get speakers I previously thought were out of my price range.

 

[TenzoR]

Tenzor, Have you considered the used market for speakers and AVR's? Sites like Audiogon may help you get more bang for your buck. Not everything is a bargain, but if you are patient and know what you want, it can really save you some cash and get you better quality. It has allowed me to get speakers I previously thought were out of my price range.

Thanks for the site, I am checking on craigslist, kijiji for used items. I don't mind getting used but I need to first narrow down my selection so it's easier to find it

 

[lsiberian]

Thanks for the site, I am checking on craigslist, kijiji for used items. I don't mind getting used but I need to first narrow down my selection so it's easier to find it

How savvy are you with computers?

If you are very savvy you may consider using your computer as the pre-pro to a nice amp like the one Matt34 listed for 100 bucks. You only need to use RCA for 2 channel audio. Why waste money on anything else. Get an RCA switcher from radio shack and a 2 channel amp. Put the rest of the change in your speakers and TV.

 

[TenzoR]

I'm some what confused, so these are the choices that I think will work for my situation, correct me if I'm wrong

Wii's + HTPC's Video + Audio -> Receiver -> TV (Video) & Book Shelf Speaker (Audio)

or

Wii + HTPC Video -> TV
TV + Wii + HTPC -Audio > RCA Switcher -> Amp -> Speaker

or

Wii + HTPC -> TV -> Amp -> Speaker?

 

[Lordoftherings]

Flip a 3-side coin. ^

#1 option. ^

 

[TenzoR]

So far I've found these that should be fine. I will definite look into a cheap receiver (probably newer is better?)

Used
$275CAD pair of PSB Image 2B Bookshelf Speakers
$600CAD pair of B&W 686 pair Cherry Bookshelf Speakers
$250CAD pair of PSB Image 4T Tower Speakers

Amp
$100USD + shipping for Emotiva BPA-1 from Matt34 (still have to pm him regarding shipping to Canada).

Receiver
Unknown yet

 

[Lordoftherings]

OK, here's the scoop.

These are all great choices, in particular the PSB Image 4T for a great price.

I'm less familiar with the Two B, but if my speaker's bible is right, these retail for $1,500/pair usd! They are bookshelf speakers though, but must be of very high quality.

But the Image 4T, I do know about them, and they are great speakers, even if they retail for less, at $649/pair usd. They have several praised reviews.

As for the B&W 686, they retail for $450/pair usd. They are quite small too.

And the Emotiva BPA-1 amp, I don't know, but for only $100 usd + shipping, that sounds a pretty good deal.

And for a receiver, just let me know your budget and your intentions of how you want to run your system, plus room dimensions; and I might just be able to help you out.

Bob

 

[TenzoR]

And for a receiver, just let me know your budget and your intentions of how you want to run your system, plus room dimensions; and I might just be able to help you out.

Bob

I'm trying to keep my total spending within 800 CAD, lower the better.

The living room size is about 10' x 8' but it's very open so the entire room is really 17'x16' including dining and space/nook/den at the corner. Mainly I can say we'll be using the 10'x8' for entertainment.

Since I'm in an apartment, I would prefer no bass/separate woofer as I do not want to annoy the neighbor below me so a 2.0 setup would be perfect for me. I have two naughty cats so they may jump/hop around anything so hopefully the speaker/speaker + stand can with stand their abuse.

If I pick up the PSB Image 4T, I have quite a bit of room for receiver. I'm not planning to do 5.1, even if I do it'll be way down in the future when I have a house.

My video/audio sources will be PC + Game Console. It be nice if I have a spiffy CD player but I can use the PC

 

[lsiberian]

I'm some what confused, so these are the choices that I think will work for my situation, correct me if I'm wrong

Wii's + HTPC's Video + Audio -> Receiver -> TV (Video) & Book Shelf Speaker (Audio)

or

Wii + HTPC Video -> TV
TV + Wii + HTPC -Audio > RCA Switcher -> Amp -> Speaker

or

Wii + HTPC -> TV -> Amp -> Speaker?

It depends on your budget.

If your poor do the 2nd.

 

[Lordoftherings]

Doing pretty good so far, TenzoR.

Hi TenzoR,

Ok, you're Canadian, that I can figure out.

Now, can you order online from some USA web sites?
If yes, can you tell me which ones ship to your area?
If not, can you tell me the stores that you usually shop at?

For the receiver, I know just exactly which one will suit you perfectly.
The only thing remaining, is where to get it. Where about do you live?

Is Craigslist and Kijiji, Canadian sites for used audio by individuals?
If yes, check for Marantz SR7001, SR6001 or SR5002.
Also check for Onkyo TX-SR806, TX-SR705 or TX-SR706.
And Denon AVR-2808ci, AVR-2308ci, AVR-989 or AVR-889.
And Yamaha RX-V3800, RX-V1800, RX-V2700 or RX-V1700.
And Pioneer Elite VSX-03TXH, VSX-01TXH, VSX-92TXS or VSX-91TXV.
And Harman Kardon AVR 354, AVR 254, AVR 347 or AVR 247.

If this is too many models, concentrate on these three: Marantz SR6001, Onkyo TX-SR705 and Denon AVR-2308ci.

The PSB Image 4T speakers are very nice and very affordable too (superb value), go for them.
And any of the receivers above would be a nice match with the PSB Image 4T, in particular the last three, which you should be able to find for less than your original budget, in Canadian dollars of course. You don't need more receiver (bigger with more power) than these last three.

If you want some further savings, without giving much at all, check the Marantz SR5002, the Yamaha RX-V1700, Yamaha RX-V861, the Pioneer Elite VSX-01TXH, Pioneer Elite VSX-91TXV and the Harman Kardon AVR 347.

* Take your time to study them and check their features at their respective web sites, plus check their discount prices. They are all good receivers, all equally apt to suit your needs.

When you figure that you narrow your choices, based on value and availability, let us know.

Again, there is no rush. We are always here. And tomorrow will be an even better day. Like they say, "The Best is yet to come".

Bob

 

[TenzoR]

Lordoftherings, thanks a lot for your post. I will take a look at the receivers you suggested and if I have any questions I will definitely posted here!

Craigslist and Kijiji are classified websites that any individuals can sell anything. It's searchable based on location. I'm also using canuckaudiomart, which is more of an audio/video specificed classified.

 

[Lordoftherings]

Lordoftherings, thanks a lot for your post. I will take a look at the receivers you suggested and if I have any questions I will definitely posted here!

Sounds good. You have a nice day now.

 

[TenzoR]

Not a lot of choices in terms of Receivers that I can find locally, I did however find a pair of PSB Stratus Silver. It's double the price of the 4T but I don't have to drive 8 hours to get to it.

 

[Lordoftherings]

Not a lot of choices in terms of Receivers that I can find locally, I did however find a pair of PSB Stratus Silver. It's double the price of the 4T but I don't have to drive 8 hours to get to it.

Wow! These are real nice, PSB Stratus Silver. If you calculate your time, go and back (16 hours), plus gas, food, lodging, entertainment (go-go dancers), perils, posibility of a fatal accident... you might as well get the Stratus Silver.

Hey TenzoR, where about you live? I might be able to hook you up with a receiver close by. Man, you're from Ottawa, lots of receivers where you are. What's your budget again, and what brands are you interested in? And of course, in Canadian dollars, unless you shop on line from the States too.

Bob

 

[TenzoR]

Wow! These are real nice, PSB Stratus Silver. If you calculate your time, go and back (16 hours), plus gas, food, lodging, entertainment (go-go dancers), perils, posibility of a fatal accident... you might as well get the Stratus Silver.

Hey TenzoR, where about you live? I might be able to hook you up with a receiver close by. Man, you're from Ottawa, lots of receivers where you are. What's your budget again, and what brands are you interested in? And of course, in Canadian dollars, unless you shop on line from the States too.

Bob

I'm in Ottawa, but I travel to Toronto fairly often as my family is there. Any hookups would be nice. I'm in the midst of moving so after I move I will be picking up whatever I find Slow and steady and patience is the key to finding something cheap and awesome