Receiver for 2.1 (music only)

[KEW]

Okay, it looks like I will end up with a 2.1 bookshelf speaker system.
The sub will have a built-in crossover.
1) Is it better to send the full signal or to apply a high-pass filter to the main speakers?
2) If a high pass filter is desirable, should I look for this feature in the receiver, or are there good add-on units. I don't need any video function.
3) Somewhat related - How much sound tailoring do modern receivers allow? From my "vintage" perspective, the absence of bass, treble, and loudness controls on many modern AV receivers seems problematic.
Thanks!

 

[rnatalli]

Are you planning to go to HT in the future? If not, you could look at some integrated amps from NAD and Cambridge Audio.

Most modern receivers will have a preamp out and allow you to set the crossover at the receiver. In this case, you set your sub to bypass or turn the crossover knob to its highest setting. As for SQ, most modern receivers will sound alike when set to pure mode and most have treble and bass. Where a difference will be audible is in the EQ system. And of course if you hook up 4 Ohm insensitive speakers to an underpowered receiver you'll have problems.

 

[WmAx]

Okay, it looks like I will end up with a 2.1 bookshelf speaker system.
The sub will have a built-in crossover.
1) Is it better to send the full signal or to apply a high-pass filter to the main speakers?
2) If a high pass filter is desirable, should I look for this feature in the receiver, or are there good add-on units. I don't need any video function.
3) Somewhat related - How much sound tailoring do modern receivers allow? From my "vintage" perspective, the absence of bass, treble, and loudness controls on many modern AV receivers seems problematic.
Thanks!

Ideally, you shall use an integrated amp or stereo receiver that has pre-amp outputs on the back AND direct amp inputs, that allows you to send a pre-amp signal out to a signal processor and then back into the internal amplifier. This is because for best sound quality, you shall use an external active crossover to high pass the main speaker and low pass the subwoofer(s). The crossovers built into receivers are very limited; a proper external unit allows for substantially more flexibility to achieve seamless integration with the subwoofer(s). Some have this pre out/ pre in ability; but no surround receivers have this ability of which I'm aware at the moment. Also, consider stereo subs (one near each bookshelf speaker) if you want perfect seamless sound.

-Chris

 

[Lordoftherings]

Hi KEW,

Here's the type of Stereo receiver you want (and it's only $199.99),
it has preamp out/main in terminals, and 80 watts per channel. It usually retails for $449.99.
And it's a MARANTZ too.

* http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/MARSR4021/Marantz/SR4021-receiver-80W-X-2ch-stereo-with-video-switching/1.html

That would do.

Bob

 

[lsiberian]

Okay, it looks like I will end up with a 2.1 bookshelf speaker system.
The sub will have a built-in crossover.
1) Is it better to send the full signal or to apply a high-pass filter to the main speakers?
2) If a high pass filter is desirable, should I look for this feature in the receiver, or are there good add-on units. I don't need any video function.
3) Somewhat related - How much sound tailoring do modern receivers allow? From my "vintage" perspective, the absence of bass, treble, and loudness controls on many modern AV receivers seems problematic.
Thanks!

with a 2.1 setup you can do a lot of fun stuff.

I suggest starting out a with 2channel pre-pro and 2 channel amp. But your budget will ultimately decide your starting point.

You can also go vintage which is a lot of fun IMO.

 

[rnatalli]

HK also makes some nice stereo receivers with plenty of power.

 

[KEW]

Ideally, you shall use an integrated amp or stereo receiver that has pre-amp outputs on the back AND direct amp inputs, that allows you to send a pre-amp signal out to a signal processor and then back into the internal amplifier. This is because for best sound quality, you shall use an external active crossover to high pass the main speaker and low pass the subwoofer(s). The crossovers built into receivers are very limited; a proper external unit allows for substantially more flexibility to achieve seamless integration with the subwoofer(s). Some have this pre out/ pre in ability; but no surround receivers have this ability of which I'm aware at the moment. Also, consider stereo subs (one near each bookshelf speaker) if you want perfect seamless sound.

-Chris

Great! I have a good old integrated amp which has pre out/main in connectors. Any suggestions on a good signal processor? I'm also looking for an equalizer to throw in the loop (I don't know if there are units with both functions). Suggestions?

 

[KEW]

You can also go vintage which is a lot of fun IMO.

I'm there!

 

[Lordoftherings]

Great! I have a good old integrated amp which has pre out/main in connectors. Any suggestions on a good signal processor? I'm also looking for an equalizer to throw in the loop (I don't know if there are units with both functions). Suggestions?

Don't use a graphic EQ though. That will corrupt the sound.

And yes, you can put any kind of toy between your integrated amp and any type of EQ.
*** Chris is the guy to ask for, about a digital or analog EQ to throw in there.
But because you have a complete Pre out/Main In from your amp, you're well setup to put any sub or toy you wish for. But you already knew that, didn't you?

Bob

 

[j_garcia]

Outlaw Audio RR2150. The ONLY stereo receiver with variable x-over.

Most stereo receivers do not have bass management, even if they have a preamp out for a sub. Most integrated amps do not have sub preamp outs either; only L&R preamp outs which may be used for sub(s), but they are full range.

 

[Lordoftherings]

To j_garcia:

^ Yeah, but his (KEW) integrated amp has Pre Outs/Main Ins.
So, he (KEW) has a wide open range of options available.

 

[KEW]

Don't use a graphic EQ though. That will corrupt the sound.

I wasn't aware of that. Are you saying 1) there is a non-graphic type of EQ available which doesn't corrupt the sound, or 2) any EQ corrupts the sound.

Thanks,
Kurt

 

[bandphan]

I wasn't aware of that. Are you saying 1) there is a non-graphic type of EQ available which doesn't corrupt the sound, or 2) any EQ corrupts the sound.

Thanks,
Kurt

A unit like the behringer dcx2496 or deq2496 would be nice solutions but require an outboard amp or an eq loop inorder to work. I think that the term graphic eq is a bit misleading.

 

[dougg]

Harmon Kardon

I have a HK3485 with Inifinity 362 towers and PS10 Sub in my Bedroom.
Very pleased with it at the price point of HK's refurbished Prices.
Harmon Audio has a E-Bay store for Factory direct Refurb. Units.
My 3485 was $182.00 shipped.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Harman-Kardon-HK-3480-Z-AM-FM-Stereo-Receiver-Tuner_W0QQitemZ180385690581QQcmdZViewItemQQptZReceivers_Tuners?hash=item29ffd333d5&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262&_trkparms=|293:1|294:30

 

[agarwalro]

Considering that any decent active sub will have crossover and phase controls (more expensive ones even have 1 to 3 PEQ controls) IMHO, not have a sub out+crossover is a non-issue from a stereo pre-pro perspective. Further, no budget pre-pro or integrated amp will provide room correction capabilities.

IMO, considering that a pre-pro+amp combo will cost at least as much as an entry level AVR minus the features, get a low end AVR, perhaps one from the recent AH article. DakMart has the Denon AVR-589 refurbed for $220, which is a pretty great price considering everything you get.

 

[Lordoftherings]

^ +1 Absolutely agree with the above poster, agarwalro.

 

[mplee79]

do you guys generally think that a a/v receiver has sound reproduction equivalent to a hybrid tube / ss amp such as the fatman itube? I'm considering the receiver route.

 

[biz97]

I would say put your emphasis on speakers, placement, and room treatments when you are dealing with sound reproduction quality.

 

[ski2xblack]

do you guys generally think that a a/v receiver has sound reproduction equivalent to a hybrid tube / ss amp such as the fatman itube? I'm considering the receiver route.

An inexpensive receiver would likely be more versatile. The fatman is cute, but even an entry level receiver would be less finicky re speaker choice and have features the fatman lacks.

If you're into tubes, FTB and get a SET; there are several fantastic ones available at a similar price as the Fatman.

Allright, we're off topic and mentioned tubes. Let the flames begin!

 

[mplee79]

thanks for your response. No this is entirely on subject I recently purchased the fatman but am regretting it due to the fact that it lacks certain digital inputs that I now deem important (it only has 2 analog rca inputs). I can't seem to get the ipod video output functioning so...

I'm trying to make the decision to return the itube and pick up a denon avr-2308ci after reading wonderful reviews about it. I can pick one up for around 500 atm. I just want the denon to have decent audio quality like the itube for 2 channel listening.