Receiver for good 'ol 2 channel, non-networked, audio only use

[BikeProf]

Greetings,

After drifting from attention to my music listening for many years, I'm looking to get back to it...and will soon be purchasing a receiver and either a pair of floor speakers, or bookshelfs and a sub for my living room.

And I will be using some networking tech (streaming from laptop and ipod touch, through Apple Airport express, into the receiver), but I don't need or really want networking built into the receiver (I'd rather keep that evolving tech external). I also don't need any video support.

Looking at (lower end of) mid-range receivers, the market is chocked full of AV equipment, with many networking receivers, and lots of the reviews focus on how many HDMI ports are included (etc.)

Any guidance for this quest (either in terms of getting relevant reviews, or buying strategies)? Is it worth avoiding video and networking capabilities built in, either to save money/get more audio bang for the buck, or to avoid potential problems?

 

[bikemig]

Greeting Bikeprof from bikemig: The AE express is a very competent streamer but it does not sound that great via the analog out. You want to use a digital connection which means either a separate dac that can feed rca into the receiver or a stereo receiver/integrated amp with digital inputs. Two good, relatively inexpensive choices are the HK3490 and the Onkyo TX 8050 in this regard. I haven't seen any reviews of the Onkyo but I'd lean in that direction even if it is more expensive because I think it will do a better job of integrating a digital input into your music system. From what I've read of the HK (I considered buying it), using the digital input requires a few steps that are not intuitively obvious.

 

[BikeProf]

Greeting Bikeprof from bikemig: The AE express is a very competent streamer but it does not sound that great via the analog out. You want to use a digital connection which means either a separate dac that can feed rca into the receiver or a stereo receiver/integrated amp with digital inputs. Two good, relatively inexpensive choices are the HK3490 and the Onkyo TX 8050 in this regard. I haven't seen any reviews of the Onkyo but I'd lean in that direction even if it is more expensive because I think it will do a better job of integrating a digital input into your music system. From what I've read of the HK (I considered buying it), using the digital input requires a few steps that are not intuitively obvious.

Thanks much...I'm planning to go the latter route, using a toslink connection between the AE and receiver with digital inputs. Although that raises the question of the best method for addressing DAC (and I'm talking beyond my real level of understanding here). I was assuming that a decent, new receiver with digital inputs should have reasonably good DAC, and wouldn't need a dedicated external DAC (?!).

 

[bikemig]

You're right; there is no need for an external dac unless you were to buy a stereo receiver or integrated amp that lacks one. Whether or not you could better the SQ by going with a dac is a whole other question. Personally, I would get a receiver with digital inputs and not worry about an external dac. You can always add one later if you think it would make a difference. That's why I recommended those two stereo receivers.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

first let me comment on interesting nicks you both habe
2nd: Op mentioned Sub - this means for proper integration speakers with sub he be better served by proper cross-over found in most a/v receivers, but not so much in stereo ones. 8050 does have sub out, it's confirmed its a full range one.

Imo you bet choice for the money is slightly older model of mid or mid-hi series refub A/V AVR like this one:

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/ONKTXSR707/Onkyo/TX-SR707-Thx-Select2-Plus-100-watts-channel-7.2-Receiver/1.html

or this one :
http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/MARSR6004/Marantz/SR6004-110w-X-7ch-Home-Theater-Surround-Receiver/1.html


They doesn't have 3D, network, other latest bells and whiles, but it do all you need and much more. Btw both models have DAC which is more than sufficient to save the $ and skip external DAC.

 

[BikeProf]

first let me comment on interesting nicks you both habe
2nd: Op mentioned Sub - this means for proper integration speakers with sub he be better served by proper cross-over found in most a/v receivers, but not so much in stereo ones. 8050 does have sub out, it's confirmed its a full range one.

Imo you bet choice for the money is slightly older model of mid or mid-hi series refub A/V AVR like this one:

They doesn't have 3D, network, other latest bells and whiles, but it do all you need and much more. Btw both models have DAC which is more than sufficient to save the $ and skip external DAC.

Thanks a bunch...I'm not sure about the floor speakers or the bookshelfs and a sub...what receiver features do I need to best handle the latter?


Any other rec's or words of wisdom?

 

[bikemig]

You don't need a sub if you have a pair of good, full range speakers. I use an AV receiver with a 2.1 set up and do not use the sub when listening to music. One thing I worry about with an inexpensive AV receiver is that some speakers are difficult to drive; for the same price, you can buy a stereo receiver that should be able to drive most speakers comfortably. I bought an AV receiver and I'm happy with it but I think I would have been just as happy with a stereo receiver. If you want a stereo receiver with bass management features, get the Outlaw 2150 but it lacks a digital input. If all you want to do is listen to music and you mainly plan to stream using the AE express, I'd go really simple. Get a stereo receiver with digital inputs and put your money into a great pair of full range speakers.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Thanks a bunch...I'm not sure about the floor speakers or the bookshelfs and a sub...what receiver features do I need to best handle the latter?


Any other rec's or words of wisdom?

If you don't have speakers, start by choosing speakers first, then match the receiver

 

[GranteedEV]

If you haven't bought speakers yet, then I recommend active studio monitors:

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/LSR2328P

Use a miniDSP if you want to add a sub into the mix.

 

[BikeProf]

If I'm looking to dodge bells and whistles and just go for 2 channel audio, is a 2 channel integrated amp (like the marantz pm5004) a solution?

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

If I'm looking to dodge bells and whistles and just go for 2 channel audio, is a 2 channel integrated amp (like the marantz pm5004) a solution?

How about lets go back to blank page (if I understand correctly) is what you are at and ask ourselves:

How big is your room? how much you are willing to spend? is this system for critical listening or just casual background music?

All of these will affect choice of both speakers and receiver.

For example this Marantz you mentioned is a nice unit, but would not be able to play loudly with demanding speakers

 

[bikemig]

How about lets go back to blank page (if I understand correctly) is what you are at and ask ourselves:

How big is your room? how much you are willing to spend? is this system for critical listening or just casual background music?

All of these will affect choice of both speakers and receiver.

For example this Marantz you mentioned is a nice unit, but would not be able to play loudly with demanding speakers

This is a good place to start thinking about what you need. Plus the OP said he wants to use the Airport express to stream music. The Marantz amp lacks a digital input which means you will have to invest in a dac to get good quality sound out of the express.

 

[markw]

It's the didital input that limits your selection.

Harmon Kardon makes a pretty fine two channel unit with digial inputs.

OK, I'm going back to sleep now...

 

[jinjuku]

I would looked for a used higher end receiver. Denon 4XXX or Yamaha RX V2XXXor Onkyo 1XXX, Pioneer Elite, Sony ES series.

You can often find these thousand and multi-thousand dollar receivers for pennies on the dollar. Most lost their value with the advent of HDMI. This is your advantage. What city to you live close to? A Craigslist search for starters would be in order.

 

[BikeProf]

I keep getting the HK3490 recommendation, so thinking hard on that.

I have to keep the whole setup well under $1K or no more lovin at home...($800 is more like it).

I'm leaning toward 2 floor speakers with the money left over. Room is divided, with one section about 12x25 (living/dining, and a 12x20 kitchen open to the living/dining area).

Struggling with the speaker decision...too much info. and very little access to places to listen to the options (so, for instance, considering just going with Polk Monitor 70's, which can be had for $200). I can get to BB/Magnolia, and that is about it for listening where I live.

 

[jinjuku]

I keep getting the HK3490 recommendation, so thinking hard on that.

I have to keep the whole setup well under $1K or no more lovin at home...($800 is more like it).

I'm leaning toward 2 floor speakers with the money left over. Room is divided, with one section about 12x25 (living/dining, and a 12x20 kitchen open to the living/dining area).

Struggling with the speaker decision...too much info. and very little access to places to listen to the options (so, for instance, considering just going with Polk Monitor 70's, which can be had for $200). I can get to BB/Magnolia, and that is about it for listening where I live.

What city do you live in? If you have a $800 to $1K budget then burn as much into your speakers as you can. Again you may get lucky and find a seriously high end 5 year old receiver for pennies on the dollar.

Since we are talking stereo only your main connections you are going to be concerned with are S/PDIF, TOSLink, Analog in.

The HK is definitely solid but there is a good chance you can do better used.

As an example near me: Adcom GTP-400 Preamp + Adcom GFA-545 II Amplifier + Denon CD player - $225.

It's cheaper and I would bet a better built solution. SQ wise you would need to be the judge.

 

[bikemig]

I keep getting the HK3490 recommendation, so thinking hard on that.

I have to keep the whole setup well under $1K or no more lovin at home...($800 is more like it).

I'm leaning toward 2 floor speakers with the money left over. Room is divided, with one section about 12x25 (living/dining, and a 12x20 kitchen open to the living/dining area).

Struggling with the speaker decision...too much info. and very little access to places to listen to the options (so, for instance, considering just going with Polk Monitor 70's, which can be had for $200). I can get to BB/Magnolia, and that is about it for listening where I live.

Go with some of the mail order speaker companies for speakers; you can return them if you don't like the speakers. The HK 3490 with the Magnepan MMG will fit your budget, sound great, http://www.magnepan.com/model_MMG, and keep your love life intact . . . . What more could you want?

Edit: here is a review of the MMGs, http://www.soundadviceblog.com/reviews/review-magnepan-mmg-speakers/.

 

[James9934]

Again you may get lucky and find a seriously high end 5 year old receiver for pennies on the dollar.


As an example near me: Adcom GTP-400 Preamp + Adcom GFA-545 II Amplifier + Denon CD player - $225.

It's cheaper and I would bet a better built solution. SQ wise you would need to be the judge.

This is the exact route I have been wondering if I should go down.

I have a 1992 Sony STR d2090($1000 back then). The center and rear channels dont work anymore but if I run it in stereo mode I get 120wpc. (dolby digital knocks it down to about 50wpc for the front 3 and 25 for the rear, but since they dont work anymore I dont even own a center, or surround speakers)
I run the EMP e55ti towers with a Bic Acoustech PL-200 Subwoofer.

Music and blu ray through an Oppo BDP83 with the stereo output obviously.
The sony only has an EQ which is set to Flat. No audessy or anything fancy(bass managment? I have no idea, I just use the sub out on the sony and set the crossover on the sub). I also have no idea if the DAC in the oppo is being used or is the Sony reconverting the signal that is already proccesed in the oppo? So as far as SQ goes I dont know what I could be missing(if anything).

Also, I cant believe how much heavier and robust my almost 20 year old made in Japan receiver is compared to these newer guys with similar power ratings.

I live in FT Wayne Indiana so Im a few hours drive from Chicago, Detroit, Indy etc.