Suround Sound Amp

[OldEar]

Hello,
I am new to the forum and I would appreciate any expertise or knowledge members might have.
I am looking for a discrete component stereo or surround sound amp specifically for TV viewing. No built in in tuner/receiver. Does anyone know if there is such an animal (at a relatively modest cost)?
Thanks for any info.
OE

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

You mean an integrated stereo amp?

No Tuners. No AVR.

http://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-A-S500BL-Integrated-Stereo-Amplifier/dp/B0044779HW/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1399668675&sr=8-4&keywords=integrated+amp

 

[markw]

If you want a two channel stereo amp, many are available. The one mentioned above will wotk fine.

But, if you want surround sound and price is a concern, you get better bang for your buck with a receiver. These can be had for < $200 and up.

You might want to narrow your scope, clarify your question, and state what you consider a "relatively moderate cost".

Also keep in mind that you'll want/need speakers as well.

 

[OldEar]

Thanks Guys,
I'll check out your suggestions.
To be more specific, I'm not looking for a high end audiophile amp. Something in the $200 to $300 range. I am looking for an amp that takes audio out from my set top cable box, has at least Left, Center, and Right speaker outputs and preferably sub, LR and RR surround channel outs as well. Also knob controlled bass and treble adjustments. I currently have a consumer grade "home theater" system but it is lacking in tone adjustment range with it's menu driven tone controls. These "old ears" need a little more punch to get TV program dialog past the music and background sounds. Internet searches I have done just come back with the full AV receivers or the standard stereo amps. I thought you guys might know of something in the category that I'm looking for.
Thanks again for your suggestions and any additional input would be welcome.
OE

 

[markw]

Simply wanting a center (and other) channel and a price range of $200 -$300 mandates that you need a home theatre unit.

But you can forget knob operated bass/treble controls on them. These have gone the way of the dodo bird on them

But, they DO exist on two channel amplifiers and, I think, some two channel receivers.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Just get an AVR and call it a night.

If an AVR is good enough for some of us who own $20K speakers and $10K amps, it will be good enough for your setup.

 

[herbu]

These "old ears" need a little more punch to get TV program dialog past the music and background sounds.

In my experience, the answer for this is not bass/treble tone knobs. It is the volume adjustment of the center speaker relative to the left/right fronts.

In TV and movies, almost all dialog comes from the center speaker. In a receiver, you can adjust the volume of each speaker separately, and raise the level of the center channel as much as you want. Some even have a "Dialog Level" adjustment that is essentially the same thing. But an amplifier simply amplifies whatever input you give it.

I suggest going with a receiver as suggested above. It will give you everything you're asking for.
Yamaha and Denon both have nice value-priced receivers, and you can likely see them at local electronics chain stores. Check the features, and outputs, to pick the model you want, then shop for price online.