Receiver/integrated amp advice.. newbie here

[rmichaelson85]

I have the Focal 706V speakers on order. The specs for the speakers can be found here: http://www.focal-fr.com/accueil_en.htm

Here is where the speakers will be placed and this is what my apt. looks like:

I will not be listening to really loud music, don't want to bug the neighbors. I am hoping to find a used receiver/integrated amplifier, so if you can recommend products from mainstream companies I feel like I'd have better luck finding something used; however, I am open to suggestions.

Ideally I want a two channel receiver with a sub out. I will never be upgrading to a full HT setup.

I have been looking at the Yamaha RX 797, I can get this for a price in my budget. Is this a good receiver?

I have been looking at this list: http://hometheater.about.com/cs/topp...p2channela.htm


Any guidance would be much appreciated. I want something that will compliment these speakers nicely. Thanks,

Ryan

 

[emorphien]

As far as receiver vs. integrated amp, will you be needing something with digital inputs? Do you need a built in radio tuner? Is there any kind of wall behind the speakers? They are front ported so that's less of an issue, but even still I'd prefer to have them backed up near a wall.

 

[rmichaelson85]

No, I do not need a built in radio tuner. What are digital inputs?

I'm going to end up buying a stand for these speakers eventually, but as for now, they will be on either side of my tv. There will not be a wall behind the speakers (is this an issue?).

Thanks emorphien, sorry for the rough sketch, hope it makes sense.

 

[zumbo]

http://nadelectronics.com/products/hifi-amplifiers

 

[rmichaelson85]

I can get the NAD 325 (within my budget), and I am also looking at the NAD
C352. It is a $100 price difference. Worth the extra $100? Would your average joe notice any difference?

 

[chicomoralessxm]

I'm intrested in those same speakers you have the 706v but i'm still deciding on the hk3480 receiver cause i want a built in tuner, the nadc325 is a solid entry level for sure why give Cambridge Audio a look as well

http://www.cambridgeaudio.com/summary.php?PID=104&Title=Azur+540A+(Version+2)

 

[garthr]

Tuner or no tuner, the Harman HK3480 is not only a best buy, it sounds better(to me) than either the overly bright in the treble Yamaha, or the overly dull in the high end NAD.

However, no two of us hear the same, so what I or anyone else likes to hear doesn't mean a whole lot. I'd suggest buying one of each of whatever you're interested in and trying them in your home with your speakers.... not a retail studio. Buy from retailers with good return policies only .

 

[zumbo]

Tuner or no tuner, the Harman HK3480 is not only a best buy, it sounds better(to me) than either the overly bright in the treble Yamaha, or the overly dull in the high end NAD.

This is interesting.
Yamaha is bright with what speakers, what listening room, and what was the source?
NAD is dull with what speakers, what listening room, and what was the source?
Did you have all three in the same room?
Were they all running the same speakers?
Were the speakers Focal?
Were they set-up exactly the same(x-over, calibration, speaker size)? I can answer this question. NO! It would take too much time to set-up each receiver with the same speakers in the same room. The dealer would have to have only one set of speakers for sale. LOL!

The labels given to different receivers are BS. Find the receiver/i-amp that has the features you need that sounds good with your Focals, for the best deal. I am a Yamaha fan. But in this situation, NAD gets the knod for sure.

And, yes, to go up a model is worth the money. Probably not going to be able to hear the difference, but the speakers will thank you. And, the i-amp will not have to work as hard for the desired level.

 

[rmichaelson85]

http://nadelectronics.com/products/hifi-amplifiers

I purchased a brand new NAD C325 integrated amplifier for $350 shipped, they retail for $400.

While it may not be the best out there, it is really all I can afford. As I was told, the 706 'V' is a brand new model, many stores do not have them stocked. I won't get the speakers for another week.

 

[emorphien]

While it may not be the best out there, it is really all I can afford.

You've done pretty damn well for a starting system.

 

[zumbo]

I purchased a brand new NAD C325 integrated amplifier for $350 shipped, they retail for $400.

While it may not be the best out there, it is really all I can afford. As I was told, the 706 'V' is a brand new model, many stores do not have them stocked. I won't get the speakers for another week.

That is a great price. If you can change your order and get the 352 for $450, I would do so. You stated you could get it for $100 more. That thing is normally $600.

 

[garthr]

This is interesting.
Yamaha is bright with what speakers, what listening room, and what was the source?
NAD is dull with what speakers, what listening room, and what was the source?
Did you have all three in the same room?
Were they all running the same speakers?
Were the speakers Focal?
Were they set-up exactly the same(x-over, calibration, speaker size)? I can answer this question. NO! It would take too much time to set-up each receiver with the same speakers in the same room. The dealer would have to have only one set of speakers for sale. LOL!

Maybe we have a misunderstanding here. These were hooked up in my home with my speakers.All in the same room , same speakers , same cd player and everything else. It's very easy to swap out amps in my home. No, the speakers were not Focals.

I found the NAD particularly disappointing, as if there was a veil over the high end. The resolution just wasn't there. It was the same using my Bose 601 II's and Sennheiser HD-595's.

As I said, no two of hear the same.... and many like the nad sound. Some like the Yamaha sound. I currently use the Outlaw RR2150 it's just right for me and my equiptment. We all decide for ourselves. No one is better or worse for what they prefer.

When someone asks in a forum if a receiver is good ...... it's kind of a pandora's box. You're going to get any and all sorts of opinions and answers. I speak only from my experience, no "labels" attached.

 

[emorphien]

I've heard several amps running Focals and I have to say I noticed no loss of high frequency detail on any of the NADs so I'm a little surprised you found that to be the case. Certainly not compared to the Yamaha which as you probably know most people consider to be somewhat bright and overexpressed in the high frequency range.

Personally, from owning a Harman and a NAD I'd say the NAD has it beat hands down in terms of resolution and dynamic power, however as mass market receivers go the Harman is quite good and has no huge hotspots (not overly emphasized in the high or low frequency) but it does have a warmer sound.

 

[wire]

it sounds better(to me) than either the overly bright in the treble Yamaha, or the overly dull in the high end NAD.

However, no two of us hear the same, so what I or anyone else likes to hear doesn't mean a whole lot. I'd suggest buying one of each of whatever you're interested in and trying them in your home with your speakers.... not a retail studio. Buy from retailers with good return policies only .

Hehe
I couldnt agree with you more , are hearing is the same . 1 thing with NAD although , its got headroom ,so if your music needs short term power the NAD will deliver , the yammy will not .
Years ago i traded my NAD for the dull reason (bridged , Intergated and power envlope ) for a upgrade to Carver , Then Upgraded to a Carver pre and Bryston 4b and now i have had this for over 20 years and still sounds outstanding .
Good return policy , is a smart way to go and see what you like .

 

[wire]

Maybe we have a misunderstanding here. These were hooked up in my home with my speakers.All in the same room , same speakers , same cd player and everything else. It's very easy to swap out amps in my home. No, the speakers were not Focals.

I found the NAD particularly disappointing, as if there was a veil over the high end. The resolution just wasn't there. It was the same using my Bose 601 II's and Sennheiser HD-595's.

As I said, no two of hear the same.... and many like the nad sound. Some like the Yamaha sound. I currently use the Outlaw RR2150 it's just right for me and my equiptment. We all decide for ourselves. No one is better or worse for what they prefer.

When someone asks in a forum if a receiver is good ...... it's kind of a pandora's box. You're going to get any and all sorts of opinions and answers. I speak only from my experience, no "labels" attached.

Your Outlaw stuff is a higherend piece of equipment ( did Outlaw buy out Sonicfrontier ? ) . Did you have a chance to try Sunfire ?

 

[wire]

For the original poster , if your going 2 Channel and a beginner , a good starting point is NAD and go from there . I dont believe starting any lower ( mass produced stuff ) . Atleast if you upgrade , your going to highend gear . The amp section on the NAD's are very good , also the H/K are good choice ( back in my day H/K made very good gear , not sure now although) .

 

[garthr]

Your Outlaw stuff is a higherend piece of equipment ( did Outlaw buy out Sonicfrontier ? ) . Did you have a chance to try Sunfire ?

As far as I know(from Outlaw's website), they started the company from scratch a few years ago ...... more or less a mix of designers & engineers and such from here and there that wanted to start their own company without the corporate restraints. I personally like the internet only sales because there's no place like home to try your goods anyways.

I've not tried any Sunfire goods, but I've heard nothing but good about them.