Simple Amp/Reciever for 2.1 Setup

[Haoleb]

If you have to run it off the B speaker terminals, then yes.

What difference would it make if I ran it off B speaker terminals? I dont because I dont have B speaker terminals but I am running it parallel with my speakers off my amp. You usually give very good advice but I truly dont follow what your saying anymore.

btw... thanks for the red chicklet.

 

[Suds]

Well, after searching for a good Stereo Reciever, I came across the Harman Kardon 3385. From what I've seen, it seems really good for the price. But then I went and looked back at the Onkyo TX-SR505. They both put out about the same Watts per Channel, but the Onkyo has many more features. Would I still benefit going with a Stereo Receiver over a HT Receiver?

Also, the Harmon Kardon has a Sub Out, but it's Mono. Will the make any difference in sound or does it actually mean anything?

 

[mike c]

the onkyo will have a low passed (subwoofer) and high passed output (mains)

the harman unit (btw, there's a new model now with suffix 90, e.g. 3390, 3490) has pre-outs.

 

[Suds]

the onkyo will have a low passed (subwoofer) and high passed output (mains)

Is that better than what the Harmon Kardon has? I'll be honest, I have no clue what that means?

As for the 3390, I didn't see much about it with a quick google search, and it seems much more expensive than I found the previous model($200 Shipped).

 

[mike c]

the pre-out enables you to add an external amp, should you need it, in the future. but only when you have hard to drive speakers.

the highpass output will save your main speakers from playing the bass frequencies the subwoofer is playing anyway.

in your case, I would recommend the one with bass management (low pass, high pass)

 

[Suds]

in your case, I would recommend the one with bass management (low pass, high pass)

Meaning you would recommend the Onkyo, correct? And if it is, I would hook my entire system(Computer -> Receiver -> Speakers/Sub) like this:

Digital In(from Computer) -> Front Speakers A -> Speakers

and

Digital In(from Computer) -> Pre Out Sub Woofer -> Sub Woofer

Or am I just completely retarded? The more people answer my questions, the more confused I get. XD

 

[mike c]

yes. that's all correct.

 

[Suds]

Thank you, mike c, and all the others who have responded. I guess I'll go with the Onkyo TX-SR505.

One thing I've seen though is the upgraded model, the Onkyo TX-SR506. Is the difference worth about $20-$30 or is it nothing important?

 

[mike c]

if the difference is 20-30 bucks ... i'd take the newer model.

 

[Seth=L]

mouettus, you got me curious so I looked up that sub. Turns out, it actually has left and right speaker-level inputs - it just has no outputs. I guess the thinking is that you'd run the subwoofer from the "B" speaker jacks on the receiver. Either that or just not run any speakers and enjoy low frequencies only.

If the terminals on the subwoofer can accomodate it, you can just run another set of speaker wire from the input terminal.

 

[mouettus]

If the terminals on the subwoofer can accomodate it, you can just run another set of speaker wire from the input terminal.

........??

 

[Suds]

I went ahead and just got the Onkyo TX-SR505 for a little less than $180 Shipped. Now I just need to pick out my subwoofer and I'm done.

 

[Suds]

Now that I have got my Monitor Audio BR2's and Onkyo TX-SR505, what is the best way to connect the two? Would I benefit from both ends of the speaker wire being bare, or would something like Banana into the reciever and Spade to the speaker? I'll be ordering them from BlueJeansCable.

 

[MDS]

Now that I have got my Monitor Audio BR2's and Onkyo TX-SR505, what is the best way to connect the two? Would I benefit from both ends of the speaker wire being bare, or would something like Banana into the reciever and Spade to the speaker? I'll be ordering them from BlueJeansCable.

There will be no difference in sound quality between bare wire, spades, pins, or banana plugs. However, banana plugs are very convenient and make it very easy to connect and disconnect and also reduce or even entirely eliminate the chance that you'd have a bare wire touching the receiver chassis or another speaker terminal and causing a short.

 

[mike c]

at the very least, i'd use banana plugs on the ones connected to the receiver. no SQ difference, but it makes your life ultra easier.

 

[Suds]

That's what I was thinking, Banana Plugs to the Receiver and Spades to the MA BR2's. I'd like the wires coming off the speakers to be angled down(if you understand what I am saying), and I'm more comfortable with a terminated cable.

 

[Suds]

So, now that that is cleared up, I have another question, possibly better suited to another thread, but meh. Anyways, while reading through the MA BR2 Manual(heheh), I came across something interesting. Basically, it stated the Monitor Audio always prefers Bi-Wiring when possible for enhanced SQ.

So, before I purchase any cables, would I benefit at all with Bi-Wiring my MA BR2's to my Onkyo TX-SR505(I believe it supports Bi-Wiring)?

 

[mike c]

nope. absolutely no benefits if your wire is of sufficient gauge in the first place.

 

[Suds]

Heh, I read that on AxiomAudio right after I posted. That's the only link on the first page of Google I didn't click. Thanks for the reponse.

One last question; Does it matter which posts I connect the amp to on the speakers(Top ones or bottom ones)? I'm pretty sure it shouldn't matter, as long as the metal thingy is still connected to both, but I like to be sure.

Edit: Not talking about the + to +, just the lower posts vs the uppers.

 

[mike c]

there shouldn't be a difference ... but i always use the top ones (because in my mind, it's closer to the tweeter)