Role of the receiver

[uncle_sam]

If my intention is only to play music via my mp3 player, and connect it simply via analog audio, is there much point in going for a high(er)-end receiver?

Since the digital processing will be done by the MP3 player, I'm guessing that any receiver should do fine. Perhaps I don't even need the receiver, only an amplifier? (no need for radio).

Can someone please shed some light on this? I keep hearing about one receiver sounding better than the other on the same set of speakers, but I don't understand if this pertains to digital processing only or analog audio as well?

Thanks.

B.

 

[bandphan]

define higher end. Your speakers are not mentioned which will dictate power requirements, along with room size.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

define higher end. Your speakers are not mentioned which will dictate power requirements, along with room size.

bandphan as always right, what are looking for in general is integrated amplifier (pre-amp + amp)
But choice of it's type will depend on your speakers/room size.
Receiver is radio tuner + integrated amplifier
Audio/Video receiver also includes audio/video processing/switching

 

[zhimbo]

The choice of receiver is going to depend on what you want to DO with your audio signal as much as (or more than, actually) the source of the signal.But no, you don't want to spend extra money on fancy digital-to-audio converters if you're only feeding in an analog signal - but that mostly just rules out esoteric gear, anyway.

BTW, If that is really and truly your only use, and you don't have certain speakers already in mind (or purchased), you might look into getting powered speakers or a powered 2.1 speaker system with an analog input. This limits your choice of quality speakers considerably, but that may or may not be important, depending on use.

 

[uncle_sam]

Ok, juding from your questions I would say that the the capability of digital processing is not the only important thing.

My speakers will likely be Axiom Audio's M80 V2 and the receiver I am thinking about is the Harman Kardon HK3490.

As far as the power requirements and the room size, I think these should be fine (room is 13' x 20').

The only concern I had was whether or not to buy a cheaper receiver because I likely will not be using it's digital input capability, only the analog audio in. That's all.

Thanks for your quick replies!

B.

 

[Knucklehead90]

I have the 3390 - the smaller 'little brother' to the 3490. The 3490 is a great choice for 2 channel music. I use my 3390 in the bedroom to power a pair of Emotiva ERM-1s with a DIY 12" sub - sources are audio from the HDTV and a DVD/CD player. It sounds great.

You can get the 3490 from HK's ebay store for much less than retail at Amazon and other outlets. There are currently 13 listed on their ebay store. I bought my 3390 from there - it was brand new when I got it -not a mark on it and still had the plastic wrap on the receiver face and on the remote. This is not how they handle actual refurbished items - trust me on that! I've bought from them 20+ times and some stuff - like a 3480 I got was obviously used. This doesn't mean what you get will be new - but you never know - they have to make room for the next models to come.

If you don't need the optical and coax inputs the 3490 gives you look for the 3390 - 3480 and 3485 - all are great sounding receivers.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Axiom M80 v2 is great speaker, however it's rated 4 Ohm - You'll some serious muscle to give it juice it needs ...
Not sure about their efficiency - can't find the number (am I missing something?)
HK-3490 Receiver seems like a good choice, given H/K is very humble in their power specs, it should be more then enough

 

[zhimbo]

Not sure about their efficiency - can't find the number (am I missing something?)

SPL Anechoic 1w/1m(db): 91 dB

So, pretty sensitive.

 

[selden]

Bear in mind that there can be good reasons for using an MP3 player's digital output instead of its analog outputs. The digital to analog hardware in a receiver might be enough better than the circuitry in the player that you can hear a distinct improvement.

Only your ears can tell for sure, though.

 

[zhimbo]

Bear in mind that there can be good reasons for using an MP3 player's digital output instead of its analog outputs. The digital to analog hardware in a receiver might be enough better than the circuitry in the player that you can hear a distinct improvement.

Only your ears can tell for sure, though.

Seconded. If your player has a digital out, then definitely use that.

 

[Josuah]

Also, a "cheap" volume control unit can make the sound worse because of noise floor, channel crosstalk, and the signal is likely going through a digital IC for volume and some active gain/buffer stages.

 

[the grunt]

Ok, juding from your questions I would say that the the capability of digital processing is not the only important thing.

My speakers will likely be Axiom Audio's M80 V2 and the receiver I am thinking about is the Harman Kardon HK3490.

As far as the power requirements and the room size, I think these should be fine (room is 13' x 20').

The only concern I had was whether or not to buy a cheaper receiver because I likely will not be using it's digital input capability, only the analog audio in. That's all.

Thanks for your quick replies!

B.

I ran 3 M80s and 4 QS8s in a 12 x 20 x 8 viewing area in a 20 x 20 x 8 room for 2 years with a Denon 2807 rated at 120w/ch so I don’t think you’ll have any problems with that HK3490.