Stereo Receiver Specifications

[Dr. Watts]

Hi everyone, I have a very rookie-ish question that I'm hoping someone could help me out with.

Until recently I have been using an old Panasonic SA-AK600 stereo system. It is not the highest-quality system but certainly fits my needs. I have been using it primarily as a speaker system for my TV. I custom built shelves to hold the speakers and greatly prefer the sound over that of the speakers built into the TV.

Recently the receiver stopped working. I have the option to take it to a technician, but I am afraid of repairing a stereo that is this old and already has other parts (CD changer) that are beginning to malfunction.

I was trying to look for a suitable replacement for the receiver, so I could keep the speakers which are functioning perfectly well. But I want to make sure that I am buying one with the right specifications to hook up to the speakers so I don't damage those as well.

The speakers I currently have are a pair of 90W speakers with 6 ohm impedance that came with the original stereo and a pair of sharp 3-way speakers with 6 ohms impedance and a rated power of 150W.

I was wondering if since I don't need any CD player or tuner (just an input for RCA), if I could hook the speakers up to an amplifier say like a SSL F4.400 FORCE 400W, 4 Channel Power Amplifier

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[MDS]

Any receiver/amp that can handle a 6 ohm load will work fine. I'd double check the speakers that originally came with the system because many times if it is all-in-one type system the speakers are much lower impedance than stated.

 

[KEW]

SSL F4.400 FORCE 400W, 4 Channel Power Amplifier

Generally, not a good plan.

This is a car amplifier. You will need to give it 12Volt DC power instead of 120V AC power.

Also most dedicated amps will not give you any way to control volume, so you will need to have a source with variable output.

Last (which I think you realize), you can only play whatever is plugged into the single set of input terminals.

I'm assuming you are on a pretty tight budget, your local Good Will often has some bargains and if you have a little more money to spend, Craig's List is the next step up the ladder.

Let us know your budget and what you need to buy for more specific help.

 

[ski2xblack]

If you can find a repair shop, they will typically charge a minimum diagnostic fee. Expect to pay $60-$120 to get your receiver fixed, perhaps less and quite possibly more.

As KEW mentioned, you may be able to get up and going for less with used gear.

If you decide to go new, take a look at the HK3490, a great performing two channel receiver (with digital inputs, a nice feature) in the $500 range. Such an item would keep you happily in the music for another 25 years. Here's a link:

http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/receivers/hk-3490

I realize that you like your current speakers, but I was wondering if you are using the two sets simultaneously, as that could have stressed your receiver a bit much. (The HK I linked to has a pretty robust amp section and would probably not have any issues driving both, but I can't say for sure.) Also, running two sets of stereo speakers in the same room is a recipe for poor sound, but I'm not sure if you do that. How exactly do you listen to your system?