Searching for a basic amp, what to look for?

[Kirk]

Hi guys,

I just started digging into audio reviews and forums. I'm thinking about upgrading my audio system and thought I'd start with the amp. Now there are tons of new amps with tons of new features out there. Maybe you can help me find what I'm looking for, or even where to look because I don't want to spend a fortune and I don't need most features.

The only thing I really need in an amp is the ability to plug in digital coax or digital optical and get good sound with 7.1 speakers (and a remote control with on/off and volume). No bluetooth, no wifi, no USB or any other features are needed, just sound for my room I have a knack for simplistic devices that do what they are built for. The only thing that maybe would be nice is an equalizer. My price range would be around 400€, preferably less. I don't mind buying old devices, as long as it can do what I need. Maybe you have a good suggestion what to look for.

I got one little question about the cable stuff:
Why is the cable important in any way when the signal is digital? I mean it contains values of 0 and 1 that are either delivered or not.

Thanks in advance!

Regards,

Kirk

 

[markw]

When you get into the 7.1 arena, you're better off looking at receivers. I can't think of any amps that meet your criteria.

 

[Kirk]

Well I actually don't even know what the difference between an amp and a receiver is...
I mostly asked because many of the devices I saw are loaded with features I probably don't need, I just need something that produces good sound.

 

[macddmac]

Well I actually don't even know what the difference between an amp and a receiver is...

Hi Kirk, welcome to the forum!
markw is right, you need a receiver (integrates audio- video source control and amplifier).
They are the best value devices for what you you wish to accomplish regardless of the features you deem unnecessary.
look for last years models for the best prices.
I checked amazon uk and they have some stuff ( mostly 5.1 though) in your price range.
Denon, yamaha, and pioneer all make reliable products.
Where are you located?
Cheers, Mac

 

[Kirk]

Thank you for the info! I'm located in Germany.

This somehow opens more questions though:
Why would anyone need a video source control?
From what I know a newer device does not equal better sound quality. I don't really care for how old the device is as long as it is capable of digital in and 7.1 out

 

[markw]

I understand you not wanting to spend more than you have to for features you don't want but you've got to face the reality that to get the things you DO want, you'e gonna have to pony up for some things you really don't want. It's all part of the package.

If you want 7.1 out, you're talking a receiver, particularly in your price range. And, a receiver is a tuner, processor and an amp in one box and you can't simply to delete featurees you don't need.

But, feel free to look used. I have no idea what your market has to offer.

 

[Kirk]

I found something that caught my interest: Pioneer VSX-827
It's kind of hard to find a professional review, the user reviews say it's features are hard to navigate but the sound quality is that of a higher price range. Is this device a trap?

 

[markw]

What do you mean "a trap"?

Any unit of this complexity will require a bit of learning and reading the owners manual to get the most out of them. These aren't table radios.

 

[Kirk]

What do you mean "a trap"?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4F4qzPbcFiA
It means: Is there anything I need to be aware of because of which I shouldn't buy this product?

I don't mind the controls, I probably won't be using most of those features anyway. The main question is: How good is the sound quality? I couldn't find a professional review

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

I think Pioneer VSX-827 is a solid avr, the only "trap" imo, is it's missing 7.1 pre-outs which could be a problem if you have a) demanding speaker and a b)large room and would need to add an external amp.

 

[JerryLove]

Now there are tons of new amps with tons of new features out there. Maybe you can help me find what I'm looking for, or even where to look because I don't want to spend a fortune and I don't need most features.

Reading this (and farther down), I don't think you are discussing an amp. Amp "features" are the connectors, soft on/off, and a gain control. That's about it.

The only thing I really need in an amp is the ability to plug in digital coax or digital optical and get good sound with 7.1 speakers (and a remote control with on/off and volume).

Neither digital coax nor digial optical supports most 7.1 channel sources. If you want 7.1 channel, you will most likely need HDMI.

Why is the cable important in any way when the signal is digital? I mean it contains values of 0 and 1 that are either delivered or not.

It mostly isn't.. though obviously it needs to be "good enough".

 

[Kirk]

Thank you for taking your time answering all my questions!

Well, I need the digital coax or digital optical because I want to connect it to my sound card

So would you agree that the Pioneer VSX-827 has a good bang for your buck concerning audio quality while not missing key features for basic use?