Total Newbie - Need help with Receiver choice

[Liggysasha]

At present I have a Onkyo TX-SR receiver. It's very fancy, and does lots of things that I don't use (or even know how to work!) - a hand-me down from my brother!

I have speakers built into my ceiling inside and outside. At the moment I have it set up as 2 zones - one zone inside and one zone outside. The receiver is then plugged into my Squeezebox (Network music system). I don't use it for surround sound or anything else. And it's now broken!!!

So I want to replace the receiver so I can continue to listen to my Squeezebox around the house (and outside).

Can anyone suggest a (very) affordable option? Not sure if I need a receiver or just an amp - it basically just needs 2 zones (and a tuner would be a bonus). I'm not overly bothered about high quality audio, as the speakers are pretty basic.

(Sorry to be so clueless... we all have to learn at some time!)

 

[Adam]

Hi, and welcome to the forum!

I would initially recommend something like the Onkyo TX-SR506 (currently $195 at Amazon). It can power two zones, has a tuner, and will allow you to adjust the volume. It also has some nice features that you might want in the future.

At $195, I think it's a good deal. However, is that within your budget, or are you looking for something more affordable?

 

[Liggysasha]

Hi and thanks for the welcome.

That is a little more than I was looking at spending - something less than $100 would be ideal, but I'm guessing that isn't realistic. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[Adam]

If you aren't wanting to power both zones at the same time, and can go without the tuner, then perhaps the Audiosource AMP-100 ($80 at Amazon) would be a better choice.

I know that others here have good ideas about this stuff. Give it some time, seeing as how it's Sunday and a number of people aren't on the forum right now.

I'm guessing that your brother doesn't have another receiver to give you. BTW, do you know what is wrong with the receiver that you have? What isn't working with it?

 

[Liggysasha]

No, my brother doesn't want to part with his receiver right now... shame!!

I did see the Audiosource and wondered if that would work. That is definitely more budget friendly!

Not too sure what is wrong with the receiver. Zone 2 works fine, but there is no audio from Zone 1. When I switch the cables and have the indoor speakers (normally zone 1) hooked up to Zone 2, they work. so I know it's not the speakers or the wiring. I've messed about the the settings on zone 1 to check it, but nothing seems to work. I'm sure it's something very very basic that is wrong, but I just can't figure it out! I've never really liked the receiver - too big and complicated for my uses.

 

[Adam]

There are some people on this forum that own the AMP-100 and like it. ParadigmDawg is someone that comes to mind.

If you have any interest in troubleshooting your current receiver, just let us know. We do it all the time. It could be something as simple as having the speakers shut off. Again, just let us know.