Question about number and kind of drivers

[TLS Guy]

What is the difference betweena reciever and an integrated amp? I've never heard of that?

An AV receiver will drive 5 to 7 channels and a has a line level sub output. It has video processing capabilities.

An integrated amp, is usually two channel, with no sub output, video switching or processing. It has generally audio switching, can connect directly to most turntables, and has tone and volume controls.

 

[tesseract]

What is the difference betweena reciever and an integrated amp? I've never heard of that?

A receiver has an FM tuner, and many also have surround sound processors and room correction software. An integrated does not generally have these capabilities, it merely selects between multiple sources, amplifies the signal, and gives you control over the volume level. Many will say there is no difference, sound quality wise. I subscribe the view that simple is best.

A mass produced receiver is much more complicated than most integrateds, and usually less reliable in the long run. The only reason to consider a receiver is if you want to go surround in the future, or you need an FM tuner and are adverse to a separate FM tuner.

You can find many worthy integrateds new and used for $200-$500 that will amply suit your needs. For strictly 2 channel listening, this is my recommendation to you, for quality and budget.

 

[jjwagner18]

A receiver has an FM tuner, and many also have surround sound processors and room correction software. An integrated does not generally have these capabilities, it merely selects between multiple sources, amplifies the signal, and gives you control over the volume level. Many will say there is no difference, sound quality wise. I subscribe the view that simple is best.

A mass produced receiver is much more complicated than most integrateds, and usually less reliable in the long run. The only reason to consider a receiver is if you want to go surround in the future, or you need an FM tuner and are adverse to a separate FM tuner.

You can find many worthy integrateds new and used for $200-$500 that will amply suit your needs. For strictly 2 channel listening, this is my recommendation to you, for quality and budget.

Sounds good except for the fact you can't add a subin the future witht the integrated...

 

[KEW]

jjwagner18,

I just now read this thread. I may be reading too much between the lines, but if I read it correctly, you do not currently have any kind of decent sound. Is this correct?

Do you have very frequent opportunity to listen to live music (classical)?

My concern is - if you do not have a reasonable reference point, it is possible that a particularly nice aspect of a speaker you audition may seduce and distract you from other more subtle problems.

If you feel that this might fit you situation, I would recommend you go ahead and get your receiver (since you do not listen loud, you should not be pushing any normal receiver regardless of what speaker you finalize with) .
Buy a pair of Behringer 2030P's or 2031P's (about $150 and $160 per pair, respectively).

Even though they are dirt cheap, these are very nice speakers, and will give you a solid basis for evaluating nicer speakers. I also believe they will quench your thirst for better quality sound and buy you the time to really decide the best speaker for your ears without rushing the process.

HTH,

Kurt

 

[jjwagner18]

jjwagner18,

I just now read this thread. I may be reading too much between the lines, but if I read it correctly, you do not currently have any kind of decent sound. Is this correct?

Do you have very frequent opportunity to listen to live music (classical)?

My concern is - if you do not have a reasonable reference point, it is possible that a particularly nice aspect of a speaker you audition may seduce and distract you from other more subtle problems.

If you feel that this might fit you situation, I would recommend you go ahead and get your receiver (since you do not listen loud, you should not be pushing any normal receiver regardless of what speaker you finalize with) .
Buy a pair of Behringer 2030P's or 2031P's (about $150 and $160 per pair, respectively).

Even though they are dirt cheap, these are very nice speakers, and will give you a solid basis for evaluating nicer speakers. I also believe they will quench your thirst for better quality sound and buy you the time to really decide the best speaker for your ears without rushing the process.

HTH,

Kurt

I go listen to live music every now and then. I have really nice speakers in my car, $800 Alpine set. That would be the closest to decent sound I have.

I have been listening to a cheap Sony boombox from the 90's and I just switched from that to a Bose iPod soundock yesterday. It is much much better. I was getting a headache and my ears were ringing after the boombox but the Bose does not give me headaches. It's about a $300 dollar system. I can tell the Bose is no where near to my car system though, and that my car system is no where near to the floor standings I've heard (except for the Vienna's which I think sucked), so I have some sense of reality in regards to good sound, I'm just not an expert i.e. I don't understand driver configurations and I don't understand how to tell the difference between two $3,500 systems.

I'm tempted to take you up on that, I want to spend as little money as possible, but my $300 Bose sucks. I can tell the difference between it and my car. And my car isn't even that great either for $800. It's got good mid range but the highs are sketchy and the lows are pitiful (there's no sub btw).

I think I will put out a good amount of money because even though I don't like loud music bad speakers make my ears ring. I'm really sensitive to high frequency noise and if the speaker doesn't hit the note right is is like a stabbing sensation in my ear drums and my ears ring for 30 minutes.

 

[skers_54]

I go listen to live music every now and then. I have really nice speakers in my car, $800 Alpine set. That would be the closest to decent sound I have.

I have been listening to a cheap Sony boombox from the 90's and I just switched from that to a Bose iPod soundock yesterday. It is much much better. I was getting a headache and my ears were ringing after the boombox but the Bose does not give me headaches. It's about a $300 dollar system. I can tell the Bose is no where near to my car system though, and that my car system is no where near to the floor standings I've heard (except for the Vienna's which I think sucked), so I have some sense of reality in regards to good sound, I'm just not an expert i.e. I don't understand driver configurations and I don't understand how to tell the difference between two $3,500 systems.

I'm tempted to take you up on that, I want to spend as little money as possible, but my $300 Bose sucks. I can tell the difference between it and my car. And my car isn't even that great either for $800. It's got good mid range but the highs are sketchy and the lows are pitiful (there's no sub btw).

I think I will put out a good amount of money because even though I don't like loud music bad speakers make my ears ring. I'm really sensitive to high frequency noise and if the speaker doesn't hit the note right is is like a stabbing sensation in my ear drums and my ears ring for 30 minutes.

I'd take the Bose back ASAP. My parents have one and I've compared it to the Behringers KEW recommended. The Behringers are much, much better. You'll have to get a receiver/amp but you can find cheap ones on craigslist that will work just fine. Plus you'll save about $100.

 

[tesseract]

Sounds good except for the fact you can't add a subin the future witht the integrated...

You can if you get one with a pre-out. They are very common. I am doing it.

2.1... soon to be 2.3!

 

[KEW]

I go listen to live music every now and then.

How loud is the music you listen to live? Is it a problem? Do you wear earplugs?

I'm asking these questions because it may be distortion of the sound that is limiting how loud you play it rather than just not liking your music loud. Clean music is much more tolerable at loud volume than distortion!

I have essentially quit going to live performances unless they are in a theater or music hall. Ticket master always books the big draw bands in arenas or stadiums and it is excruciating to listen to (especially if it is some of my favorite music).

If you can, take back the Bose. I think your assessment that the Bose only really covers the mid-range is right. Do a search for Behringer 2030. I think this type of "stepping stone" is worthwhile in helping you establish your expectations for a speaker.

If you are after a portable iPod solution, post a new thread asking what to buy for $300. I'm certain you will get much better recommendations than the Bose.

This is not real portable but they sound amazing for $325:
http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/lifestyle-desktop-and-portable/audioengine-a5
Note that the amplification is built into the speakers. All you need is a music source.

Cheers,
Kurt