Stereo Receiver/Amp help

[Martiad3]

Some of you may have read my thread here, but my dad's requirements have changed a little and warrent a new thread. Currently he has a 400 CD changer from Sony connected into his Bose Wave Radio and some horrible Altec Lansing 2.1 computer speakers also connected (these actually do help the Wave Radio sound better). I'm trying to help him remedy this.

We've been throwing some ideas around and have come up with a couple different plans:

1. (cheap) 2.1 computer speakers to connect to the Bose Wave Radio

2. Connect the stereo outs from the Wave Radio to a 2-channel amp and from there to a ~$200 pair of speakers (thinking Onix X-LS as I love mine).

3. Move the Wave Radio elsewhere, connect the CD Changer to a stereo receiver and from there to a ~$200 pair of speakers (X-LS also).

So here's where I request some help: I'm looking for an inexpensive stereo amp or an inexpensive stereo receiver.

Budget remains at less than $500, the less expensive the better. Speakers are around $200 (unless there is a similar performing speaker as the X-LS for less, which I don't know of).

Thanks for any help with this.

 

[Seth=L]

2. Connect the stereo outs from the Wave Radio to a 2-channel amp and from there to a ~$200 pair of speakers (thinking Onix X-LS as I love mine).

3. Move the Wave Radio elsewhere, connect the CD Changer to a stereo receiver and from there to a ~$200 pair of speakers (X-LS also).

Slap those two together. Get a receiver or integrated amplifier and the X-LS. That would be a very good inexpensive system. This renders the Wave Radio to rather pointless state in that system so you can move it elsewhere.

If you have a Best Buy near you I would reccomend getting the Insignia Stereo receiver and pairing it with the Onix. Then you may have enough left over to buy a small subwoofer like the Onix 8" from the same line as the X-LS.

 

[Martiad3]

Re: Insignia receiver

Is this thing any good? Does anyone have any experience with it?

 

[Seth=L]

Another member has a surround sound one, the only problem he has with his was limited video switching capabilities.

I reviewed one but yeilded poor results due to my own error. I believe there was a short in my wires somewhere.

I will say this, the Insignia receivers have toroidal power supplies. Toroidal power supplies are generally more efficient and are lighter than Iron core transformers.

 

[Nick250]

3. Move the Wave Radio elsewhere, connect the CD Changer to a stereo receiver and from there to a ~$200 pair of speakers (X-LS also).

Choice three by a mile if it were me. Get the best speakers you can find and for a receiver, something around the $150 like the Onkyo linked below. It's really all about getting the best speakers you can find, the receiver is a very small part of the sound quality equation.

Nick

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-in02yXlJjcL/cgi-bin/prodview.asp?i=580TX8222

 

[furrycute]

Forget about that Onix. It doesn't give you enough power for the price you are paying. Harmon Kardon makes a really decent stereo receiver, 120 watts per channel, for under $300. It is even capable of driving 4ohm speakers. Check amazon for that model.

 

[Nick250]

Of course you can get more power for $300. But with the budget of $500 you would be nuts to spend $300 of it on a receiver. Also, unless the speakers are very inefficient the receiver will not be over taxed and the extra $150 are far better spent on better sounding speakers. There is the option of taking that $150 and buying a used receiver with better specs. Hell, buy used speakers too and get a kick butt system for $500.

Nick

 

[Martiad3]

I've spent a little more time researching stereo receivers and am leaning towards this refurbed Onkyo.

It's an older model and refurbished, but Onkyo supports their stuff well. Plus it seems like it has a very powerful amp in it. Should have no problem driving a pair of Onix X-LS.