Help a noob figure out what receiver and system to run?

[Hatfield101]

Hi. I have been lurking a bit on several sites and this one looks like the most knowledgeable and has the best 'feel' to it. Its time for me to upgrade my receiver and I need some help on 2 fronts. I will present the questions first, what I am looking for/want second, and what i already have last (some of it so you can chuckle at me...lol)

To be up front with the questions:
1) What receiver would you recommend
2) How would you recommend playing a library of FLAC files and high end MP3s from a computer through the receiver you suggest in #1 above? (Ideally i would like to use a laptop connected to the receiver...)

My budget for the receiver is around $500.00 (yes i already read the article on the budget receivers on the main page but i think i need more info/advice on making that decision), and i would like to get a cheaper laptop/ultrabook/netbook to allow it access to all my digital media files. I am a little scared of purchasing a laptop due to all the issues i have seen with HDMI not working on some models for audio only but i will tackle that research when i feel good about a couple of receivers. I may be wrong but i dont think connecting a 3mm to split RCAs is very good quality compared to any other options but that is why I am here. I have read about using separate DAC and using the DAC on the receiver and don't know which way to go. My reading so far also suggests that S/PDIF connections seem to be inferior to HDMI but again I do not know for sure.

What i plan on doing with the system is listening to some GREAT music. I have a few friends that used to be tapers and have very good quality audience recordings of a lot of taper friendly bands that i listen to, some band issued soundboard recordings, and some matrices of both. I have a mix of FLAC and MP3s and dont even know if FLAC is an issue for receivers these days. I have some music still on CD (for now) so i will continue to use my CD player. I would also like to use the computers Sirius subscription to occasionally stream SiriusXM. Eventually, I will get 3 more speakers and convert to a 5 speaker system for watching movies - but most likely will stay in 2 speaker mode for listening to music unless the 5 speaker mode truly sounds better and more accurate.

The 5 AVRs for under 500 bucks listed on this site are what i will start reading about next but was wondering if they were the right direction for me and what i want? The only thing i remember from the days when i bought my current system was Total Harmonic Distortion was my #1 stat priority as i associated it with clarity/clean and power was #2.

Here is my current system - its old people .... 1992 old

Receiver - Sony STRD1011 - 0.04% THD at rated output!!! 120 watts. If sound is clean id go a little lower in power.
(http://www.docs.sony.com/release/STRD1011.PDF)

Speakers - JBL L7s - i love these bad boys and will keep them! Is 6 Ohms a problem with the newer receivers?
(http://www.fatwallet.com/static/attachments/14533_page06.jpg)

CD player
Technics SLPD927 (5 CD changer - carousel)

Current Laptop
Alienware Area-51 m5750
I have since built my own desktop computer and dont really use my laptop much anymore so it would be awesome if it would work as my input device for the system i want to 'create' - but it has no S/PDIF or HDMI ports - only USB, Ethernet and firewire ports.

TV - Samsung Series 6-6300 with a currently unused PS3.

Thoughts?

Cheers and thanks for at least reading!

 

[His dudeness]

Just got the Pioneer SC1222-k. They're regularly on sale on newegg.com for $499. Tons of power, lots of networking capabilities. It's normally about a grand but is a last year model so the price goes down quite a bit. Research it, buy it, be happy.

 

[Hatfield101]

Thanks Dude! 1% THD may put it a touch below those listed on the main page here but i will spend some time reading about it.

Cheers

 

[Hatfield101]

Perhaps i was wrong on several fronts. Now thinking about just getting a DAC (Modi from Schiit - About Modi « Schiit Audio — Headphone amps and DACs, made in USA.) and wait a bit on the receiver. I dont know that I can get one that is clean and strong enough to drive the 6 ohm JBL L7s for 500 bucks or less. The Marantz NR1504 listed on the main page under budget receivers had my eye but i dont know that it is enough power. It is upgradable though with the preamps.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Modi seem like really nice product, but in same weight category - Audioengine D1 uses same Dac chip, has great headphone amp and in addition to usb 2.0 has optical in. Thou it priced higher.
On the lower end - Behringer UCA202 - it's a terrible headphone amp, but pretty decent dac.
For only $30 you can't go wrong for the money (just make sure to use rca line out, not 3.5 mm headphone port)

 

[CDogg]

If you want to save some $$ go to Accessories4Less. They offer refurbished, straight from the companies and also offer extended warranty as well. They do sell brand new in box products, such as speakers are sold new. Picked up a Marantz SR5005 receiver for under $500, and if you find a new one, you're looking between $700 to $800. They are located in Florida and shipping from there to WV was two days via FedEx. Before you do anything, check them out first.