Music Only Receiver

[Hemlock]

Hello,
I am currently running an older PC through an older low end Kenwood Receiver (VR-305), to a set of Infiniti Primus 150's (and a crappy sub to be replaced as well).

I assume that optical is the best connection from source to receiver and I can figure our the PC end but my question is this.

what is the best ($300ish) receiver that doesn't bother with 5/7.1 surround anything that will get close to 100 watts to the Infiniti's, and offers optical (or the best interface)

Basically the 150's are the only thing in the chain not being replaced

 

[highfigh]

The optical connection only bypasses the Digital to Analog Converter (DAC) in the player. If the player has a decent one, there's no real reason that you need to use anything other than the analog outputs. There's also no guarantee that the DAC in the receiver will be better and in fact, not all stereo receivers have any kind of digital input. If you don't plan to listen to radio, I would look for a good integrated amp, instead. If you want new, they're still easy to find and if you're looking for used, there are a lot of really good ones out there.

 

[Hemlock]

now that's wy I'm here.

thanks


I admit to being clueless about Amp's

everything i've ever owned has had them built in, can you point me in the right direction on used ones?

 

[highfigh]

now that's wy I'm here.

thanks


I admit to being clueless about Amp's

everything i've ever owned has had them built in, can you point me in the right direction on used ones?

Used integrated amps and receivers? ebay and Craig's List are good for some deals. Also, Goodwill, yard sales and estate sales can be good for a stunner, too. I read that someone walked into a Goodwill one morning and left five minutes later with a Tweed Fender Champ guitar amp and if you're familiar with the Layla song and album, that model was front and center on most of the songs. He paid $15 but it's worth about a grand. If you go to Goodwill, go early.

FWIW, my stereo is just that- stereo. No digital inputs, only 2 video inputs (not enough, really) and no remote control capability. OTOH, it sounds really good and music is more important to me than surround and video effects. My TV is a 20 year old CRT and it gets its signal via composite input. If it would die, I'd replace it but it seems to like it here. The video quality is really good, even right in front of it.

I'm not a big fan of sliders for some controls on stereo equipment. On studio gear, they're used extensively but those cost more. If you look inside of whatever you buy, Alps is one brand of control that has been used by many companies.

 

[JerryLove]

Given the wide variance in PC voltages out, I recommend an amp with a volume control. I'm using a McIntosh 2120 I picked up on Craigslist myself (overkill, but until I can find a tube amp for my digital computer ).