Stereo vs. Digital receivers

[Virgil]

guys and gals,

I'm pretty sure I only need a stereo receiver, and I've seen that both H/K and Marantz make them, IMO two of the best budget manufacturers. They would also go well with the speakers I'm planning to get, which I've narrowed down to between the Paradigm Monitor 7's and Athena AS-F2.2.

Only problem is, from reading extensively online apparently receiver makers aren't pouring their R&D or effort into stereo receivers since no one buys em anymore, and they aren't even as good at cranking out stereo sound as the manufacturer's digital receivers! I don't need all the gizmos, I just want as good a sounding receiver as possible for under $400 (street price).

So whats the deal? Anyone else know about the stereo receivers (HK-3480, Marantz SR4320) sounding crappier than the digital ones?

Wes

 

[jaxvon]

Do you ever plan on upgrading to surround sound? If so, then it would be worth it to get something with the capability, even if you only use stereo for awhile.

The HK is a good price...<$270 shipped from an authorized dealer.

Marantz is another good option, but I don't see it at awesome prices. They're both high quality units.

 

[brendy]

A quality stereo receiver will sound just as good for two channel sound.In addition to the brands you mentioned Denon & Onkyo still make stereo models.The digital part only comes into play for DSP enhancements & multi-channel audio.The models you are considering will sound no worse than the digital ones in two channel mode.

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

I'm pretty sure I only need a stereo receiver

How sure is pretty sure? Not going to hook it up to a video source? Is this a second system? Not into SACD or DVD-A? If your goal is to reproduce stereo cd's and fm stereo, you may be looking in the wrong place.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5790095926&category=50591&rd=1

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5790530901&category=50591&rd=1

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5789921761&category=39789&rd=1

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5789921761&category=39789&rd=1

I don't need all the gizmos, I just want as good a sounding receiver as possible for under $400 (street price).

Again, look at the older Marantz and Pioneer SX units. Unless you pay a grand or more for a high end digital receiver, you won't get the sound or power that you'll get from these older models, which may be perfect for you. Some of these transformers are as large as the new $3000-$5000 flagships 7-10 channel amps.

So whats the deal? Anyone else know about the stereo receivers (HK-3480, Marantz SR4320) sounding crappier than the digital ones?

They don't sound "crappier," they just don't have the power supply needed to reproduce the important low bass notes. Even the high end "digital" receivers use bass management. Older units couldn't rely on bass management, so they put their "r&d" into beefing up the units. Without a dedicated sub, or a higher rated spl speaker, those stereo receivers are about worthless for two channel music reproduction when compared to the units listed above. $200-$400 will buy you some fantastic vintage sound if you don't mind the "retro" look.

 

[jaxvon]

I forgot about vintage *slaps forhead*. Older equipment, if it's in good condition, will beat the crap out of a lot of newer stuff. It's just plain beefy.

A great option:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5789201587&category=50596&rd=1

If you shop hard on eBay, you can pick up an old Harman Citation preamp/amp pair. These are some other vintage units that sound great and have lots of guts.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5789624200&category=71546&ssPageName=WDVW&rd=1

Other options:

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?intatran&1126492404

 

[j_garcia]

Your assumption that stereo receivers don't sound as good may be a mistake. I think most of the stereo receivers mentioned from Onkyo, Denon, Marantz and H/K will sound just fine. For floorstanders though, you'll want to go with a more powerful one, ie; most of them have a 50w and a 100w, so you'd want the 100w model.

If you can also live without FM and can use only analog (which is made easy when doing stereo only), you might consider an integrated amplifier. This is the easiest way to get great 2ch sound and will definitely outperform a stereo receiver and even most surround receivers in their price range.

I previously had a Marantz PM7000 - these can be picked up used for $300 and they are very solid performers. I had a problem with mine recently, but it was still under the standard 3 year warranty. When I took it in, the shop just offered to allow me to pay the difference and upgrade to the latest model, the 7200. This guy is even a bit better than the 7000 was. There is a pretty good used market for integrateds too, many excellent offerings in the $300-400 range from NAD (C320BEE) and Marantz can be found regularly. www.audiogon.com

New, you might take a look at Cambridge Audio. They have 2 integrateds, the 340A and 540A that are both under $400.

 

[Rock&Roll Ninja]

I'd say to go with an Integrated. You can always buy an AM/FM or XM tuner if you really want broadcast radio in your house (most people I know only listen to it in the car).

Also look around for some used McIntosh receivers. You probably won't find one at your buget, but if you do...SCORE!

 

[msmith855]

I haven't researched them since I've been purely into digital receivers for several years now, but I do know Yamaha still makes a lineup of stereo receivers and you can't go wrong with a Yamaha.

http://www.yamaha.com/yec/products/receivers/RX_series.htm

Their top line model can be found for just barely over $400....

http://www.etronics.com/product.asp?stk_code=yamrx777&store=&catid=4118

Still, all things being equal I would steer towards digital, I know most (if not all) Yamahas and Pioneers (as well as most others I would assume) have a "Pure Direct" option to bypass all decoding for 2 channel sources and then you still have the flexibility to grow and use it for other things later.

 

[Virgil]

Thanks a ton for all the help. I finally decided on a Marantz SR5400; I heard they were built like bricks and I'm a big fan of durability. Plus I've heard some speakers on them and they sound wonderful.

peace

Wes