Quality Receiver Wanted - Low Cost desired

[Brazoo]

I have a small office and kids playroom (about a 11'X 13' sized room for each) I am wiring with 2 in ceiling speakers in each room to be powered of a receiver located from the office. I want an A and B speaker switch to control which room receives what sound. The speakers I am installing are on the low-mid range for quality as follows:

AudioSource AS6C 6.5-Inch In-Ceiling Speakers (Pair)
*Two-way speakers with frequency response of 43 Hz to 22 kHz
* Power handling of 100 watts
* Sensitivity of 90 dB
* 0.75-inch center-mounted pivoting tweeter: 43 to 22000 Hz
* Dimensions: 9.0 x 3.25 inches (diameter x depth)

The purpose of the room is to listen to mp3's from my computer in the office and music from the radio. I was thinking that perhaps I wanted something that was also theater enabled so I could get it and use elsewhere if long term I decide to do. I know of the receiver companies of Denon and Onkyo as my 6.1 in family room is using the OnkyoTX-SR600.

I would love to spend under $200 more close to $100 if I could would be awesome for what I want to use it for.

All your suggestions and help in advance are much appreciated. Thank you - Brazoo

 

[Halon451]

I'm using this right now in my HT setup and it works very good for a sub-$200 receiver. Of course there are better out there, but this may be the best in this price range, for what you want to do with it.

http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/item/features/538199282

Vanns has it listed at $199, but I've seen them elsewhere for less, you just have to shop around a bit.

 

[fmw]

You post isn't clear on one important point. Do you want to stream audio from your hard drive on a wireless network or are you going to run long patch cables from the computer sound card to the receiver? In the first case you will need more than just a receiver. In the second case you may need to understand that there is a limit to how long audio cables can be.

 

[B3Nut]

You know, if you're willing to forgo theater functions for this unit in this application, you'd be hard pressed to beat the Onkyo TX-8522, there's a screaming bargain on them at eCost for $96 right now:

http://www.ecost.com/detail.aspx?edp=40159585

A and B speaker outs, tuner, can use an XM adapter, remote, and more than adequate power. Worth considering IMHO, since this sounds like a background-music application.

If you do want the surround capability just in case, the Yamaha Halon posted is a good unit, an Onkyo TS-XR304 wouldn't be a bad litte unit, Vann's has them for $159 right now:

http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/item/features/538199368?v_c=CI&srccode=cii_5784816&cpncode=10-62769295-2

I'm assuming you will be playing the mp3 files on your PC using the normal software and obtaining audio from your computer's stereo line output, and that the receiver will be located close to the PC. As fmw noted, there are limits to how long line-level audio cables can be.

Todd in Cheesecurdistan

Todd in Cheesecurdistan

 

[Soundman]

How about this? This is excellent for the money!

http://www.ubid.com/Marantz_SR4001_560W_A/V_7.1_Ch._Home_Theater_Receiver/a11225442-rsearchone.html

 

[Brazoo]

Location of my PC

My PC will be located all of like 3-6 ft away from the receiver. I will build a shelf above my PC desk for the PC holder. Not sure the technical jargon but I want to use like winamp or some other media player to play the mp3 on the pc but push the sound out overhead to the speakers via the receiver input from the pc. Hope that clarifies my usage intentions.

Cheers - Brazoo

 

[Halon451]

Soundman just gave you a great find!

 

[Halon451]

My PC will be located all of like 3-6 ft away from the receiver. I will build a shelf above my PC desk for the PC holder. Not sure the technical jargon but I want to use like winamp or some other media player to play the mp3 on the pc but push the sound out overhead to the speakers via the receiver input from the pc. Hope that clarifies my usage intentions.

Cheers - Brazoo

You should be able to get away with a simple 6 ft stereo cable (3.5 mm jack on one end, dual RCA on the other). Length won't be an issue here. Any application you use to play your mp3's on the PC will output what you need as far as sound from the PC's stereo out jack. You'll be controlling the media through your PC, so all you have to do is get the audio signal through the receiver and to your speakers.

 

[bitpoh]

For closer to $100

Check out the Sherwood RD6500:
http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&Partnumber=252-105
(Note: Dolby Digital Only, no DTS)

If you don't mind getting a refurbished unit, the previously mentioned Onkyo TSX-304 can be had for $109.99:
http://www.accessories4less.com/cgi-bin/item/ONLTXSR304BLK
http://www.accessories4less.com/cgi-bin/item/ONKTXSR304S

or the TSX-505 for $179.99:
http://www.accessories4less.com/cgi-bin/item/ONKTXSR505SLV

There is also the Pioneer VSX-517 recently reviewed here on Audioholics:
http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/receivers/pioneer-vsx-517k

 

[Soundman]

Check out the Sherwood RD6500:
http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&Partnumber=252-105
(Note: Dolby Digital Only, no DTS)

If you don't mind getting a refurbished unit, the previously mentioned Onkyo TSX-304 can be had for $109.99:
http://www.accessories4less.com/cgi-bin/item/ONLTXSR304BLK
http://www.accessories4less.com/cgi-bin/item/ONKTXSR304S

or the TSX-505 for $179.99:
http://www.accessories4less.com/cgi-bin/item/ONKTXSR505SLV

There is also the Pioneer VSX-517 recently reviewed here on Audioholics:
http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/receivers/pioneer-vsx-517k

These aren't bad prices, but personally, I'd go for the Marantz: http://www.ubid.com/Marantz_SR4001_5...searchone.html If you don't mind a refurbished unit, it's definitely the way to go. It's a higher quality product for a just a few more dollars.

 

[Brazoo]

Not a fan of refurbished

Thanks guys for all the advice so far, keep it coming. I went out to look at ecost as was all set on the Onkoyo until I saw it was refurbished. For many folks they are willing to take a chance with them, it would be a great deal. I however, am not a fan of buying anything electronic that was not an original new unit. Just my preference to pay a little more to know I am the first to touch and use.

The response and willingness to help a guy out of this board is tremendous and much appreciated by us rookies old and young. I am by the way checking all the sites out that you listed so your advice is not falling on deaf ears.

Cheers - Brazoo

 

[jcPanny]

Speakers and VC

Check out my review of the Phoenix Gold ATc6 speakers and VCs. They would work great for your application and are a little better quality then the Audio source and are usually available for less on Amazon.
http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=34083&highlight=Phoenix+Gold

I would also recommend Impedance matching Volume Controls in each room (or IM speaker selector). This will make it convenitent to adjust the volume independently and will also allow any receiver or amp to drive both pairs of speakers. Most receivers with the "A" and "B" speaker connections are designed to run "A OR B" and not "A AND B".

 

[Brazoo]

Phoenix a good choice

Phoenix Gold ATc6 speakers are going to be used above my bar area in place of polk because of price. I agree they are a good speaker. Good point by the way on A&B vs A or B on the receiver selection. I was debating whether to throw in vol control on each of those rooms or just use the receiver to control it. I have seen way to much wiring for my lifetime on this project but if you want it done well and 1st time you need to take the time and really get into it.

Thanks for the tip on the Phoenix and other above mentioned catches.

 

[Seth=L]

If this eases your mind at all, Marantz tests their gear after refurbishing them and they do offer a 90 day warranty with their refurbished products. The SR-4001 is far superior in build quality, features, and power to the other "new" receivers mentioned here. The Sherwood and Pioneer are both nice, but they can't compete with the Marantz SR-4001 in any way other than warranty.

 

[Soundman]

If this eases your mind at all, Marantz tests their gear after refurbishing them and they do offer a 90 day warranty with their refurbished products. The SR-4001 is far superior in build quality, features, and power to the other "new" receivers mentioned here. The Sherwood and Pioneer are both nice, but they can't compete with the Marantz SR-4001 in any way other than warranty.

I agree! Also, many professionals agree that some refurbished units are better than an original product because they've had to go through much more testing, so as far as quality control goes, you may end up with a better built product then the original. I also agree that the SR-4001 is a superior product then some of the others that were mentioned.

 

[Seth=L]

I agree! Also, many professionals agree that some refurbished units are better than an original product because they've had to go through much more testing, so as far as quality control goes, you may end up with a better built product then the original. I also agree that the SR-4001 is a superior product then some of the others that were mentioned.

It's far superior, but may not be necessary for the use. It offers HDMI with audio decoding, how cool is that at this price? But from what I understand, the OP is only doing stereo with this receiver. The OP could just as well get an Insignia Stereo receiver from Best Buy (it's made by Sherwood anyway) for less than $100 and just be done with it. The thing that sucks about it, it only has 4 audio inputs (one of which is a phono input), so it isn't very flexible.

 

[Brazoo]

Marantz @ ubid.com

So if I understand this right now there are 3 units and it appears that 2 had been purchased so that leaves bidding can be had via auction style on the 3rd one unless I decide to also buy it out right. Do I have this about right for all purposes.

http://www.ubid.com/Marantz_SR4001_560W_A/V_7.1_Ch._Home_Theater_Receiver/a11225442-rsearchone.html

 

[Soundman]

So if I understand this right now there are 3 units and it appears that 2 had been purchased so that leaves bidding can be had via auction style on the 3rd one unless I decide to also buy it out right. Do I have this about right for all purposes.

http://www.ubid.com/Marantz_SR4001_560W_A/V_7.1_Ch._Home_Theater_Receiver/a11225442-rsearchone.html

That sounds right. But I wouldn't worry too much. I see them pop up on Ubid all the time.

 

[Soundman]

It's far superior, but may not be necessary for the use. It offers HDMI with audio decoding, how cool is that at this price? But from what I understand, the OP is only doing stereo with this receiver. The OP could just as well get an Insignia Stereo receiver from Best Buy (it's made by Sherwood anyway) for less than $100 and just be done with it. The thing that sucks about it, it only has 4 audio inputs (one of which is a phono input), so it isn't very flexible.

That't true, that one is much cheaper, but for having something longterm...Man....it's really hard to justify passing on the Marantz at that price.

 

[Seth=L]

So if I understand this right now there are 3 units and it appears that 2 had been purchased so that leaves bidding can be had via auction style on the 3rd one unless I decide to also buy it out right. Do I have this about right for all purposes.

http://www.ubid.com/Marantz_SR4001_560W_A/V_7.1_Ch._Home_Theater_Receiver/a11225442-rsearchone.html

They have had that same unit up for that auction countless times, with the low buy it now price. The SR-3001 is even cheaper, but lacks HDMI and preouts for additional amplification. If you don't need HDMI, why not get that?

http://www.ubid.com/Marantz_SR3001_A/V_6.1_Ch._Home_Theater_Receiver/a11225582-rsearchone.html

If you want low cost, quality gear, you gotta sacrifice the "brand new, never used" thing. If you spend less than $200 on a brand new receiver, you can expect it to perform as an inexpensive receiver, and lack features compared to the refurbs.

Some other great deals...

http://www.ubid.com/JVC_RXD301S_110_watts_X_7_Receiver_with_Wireless_PC_Connectivity/a602163211.html

http://www.ubid.com/Pioneer_VSX-816_770_Watts_7.1_Ch._A/V_Home_Theater_Receiver/a11225586.html

http://www.ubid.com/Yamaha_RX-V361_500W_5.1_Ch._A/V_Home_Theater_Receiver/a11225588.html