Totally new to receiver

[2channelstereo]

In the past Ive only ever used pre-boxed computer speakers, up until about 2 years ago they worked perfectly fine, but I never really thought about changing as they generally worked fine. I live in my own house now, so have alot more freedom when it comes to music. My current source is my laptop, I'm running Audio Engine A5's. The speakers themselves sound great, a review can be found at Audioholics, but I just picked up a SVS PB10, and well, I'm not happy with the speakers. They lack the control and clarity I'm looking for when it comes to the sub/speaker combo.

What I'm looking for is a receiver that will only be used for music, 2.1, and would like to run music from my laptop if possible. I'm planning on spending $500-$750 on my speakers, so would like something equivilant receiver/amp/pre-amp wise; IE- $500-$1000 for the initial setup. I don't really understand the difference between the three, and what's needed, if anything for my first setup.

The stereo will be used in my bedroom, which is 13x13 or 15x15, or in between. I really want loud, clear sounding speakers, that will blend with the sub well. Only thing I need with the receiver is Laptop input....unless I can find a good quality cd player, and fit it with in the budget.

Any advice would be awesome.

 

[Adam]

Hey, 2channel. What type of laptop input are you looking for? RCA analog, digital optical (Toslink), or digital coax?

Would you be against getting a home theater receiver? Those are so popular anymore that you can get good quality and capabilities for the same or less than you would in a comparable stereo receiver (at least, in my thinking).

 

[2channelstereo]

It seems like HT receivers are the way to go right now, so yes, I would be fine with that. My laptop is pretty basic, I was really hoping for a USB connection, but I'm not even sure if those exist, it may be a matter of going with a CD player, but that's ok really, just want good sound.

 

[Haoleb]

I would personally suggest that you look at some of the smaller integrated amplifiers from Cambridge audio and NAD If your only going with a stereo setup there is no need to pay for a bunch of things your not going to use as you would be doing with a surround reciever. You dont need to spend much on a cd player to get something that will sound great $100 bucks or less can get you going no problem for a cd/dvd player.

For hooking to your laptop you could just use the headphone to Stereo RCA jack cable's that are about 10 bucks. There are also other solutions that would most likely offer better sound quality but of course, at a cost.

Definetly spend the most on your speakers. $5-700 is a good pricerange, I would definetly be looking more at speakers closer to $700pr which leaves you enough to get something decent to power them. If you buy used you can really score.

www.audiogon.com is a place for used HiFi stuff. Maybe there is something in your area.

 

[Adam]

You can find receivers with USB inputs, but they aren't that common. An option is to get an inexpensive USB dongle that will output a digital audio signal (like this one that I bought my parents years ago). Most receivers these days will have an optical digital input, so you'd be set for the laptop.

 

[2channelstereo]

I've had a look at Cambridge Audio, and there stuff Looks really nice, but since I've only ever used pre-boxed computer systems, all that ever really matter to me was how many watts they were, and more=better.

Would something like -->http://www.cambridgeaudio.com/series.php?SID=39&Title=340+Stereo work well enough for what I'm looking for? I don't mind spending abit more if I get the clear sound I'm looking for. Oh yes, the sub I'm using is the SVS PB10, and will probably be paring with bookshelves.

 

[Haoleb]

I did not realize the SVS subwoofer only has LFE inputs on it. Most subwoofers have Speaker level inputs on them so that you can use them in systems that do not have the proper outputs for using the LFE input.

You could also use that input with preamp outputs. Sadly however the cambridge audio does not have them. Nor does the NAD C320BEE that would have also worked well in your application.

As far as power goes, 50wpc will satisfy nearly anyone. I have run my 4ohm floorstanders off 50wpc and got them much louder than I would need.

Perhaps a reciever is your best bet because of the subwoofer, your selection just got narrowed down quite a bit

 

[2channelstereo]

I guess I technicaly could return the subwoofer and go with the PB12 insteaqd, since I think it has abit more features then the 10. I'm really open budget wise to, so I can flex on prices as I really just want a good sounding system, also don't mind if it takes awhile to get, such as ordering online.

 

[Haoleb]

Sounds to me like your getting the upgrade bug pretty badly

I read your other thread and saw the damaged sub, If you have to return the sub to get it fixed and want to spend the extra money the PB12 does have more flexibility hookup wise. Sound wise you may not be able to tell the difference between something that is a bit nicer like a good integrated vs a reciever. But I really do believe that you would be spending the money more wisely going with a nice integrated amp vs a reciever if you only plan on sticking with a 2 channel system.

 

[bandphan]

the harmon kardons have some units w/ sub outs

 

[2channelstereo]

Yes, I've been infected by the bug, it's rather severe, haha. I'm so critical when it comes to listening music now, but that's ok because I love it!
Now this is where I get confused, I don't really know the difference between an integrated amp and a receiver.

Ive only ever had experience with basic car audio and a amp hooks up to the receiver, so I thought you would need both, but I'm not sure?

Oh ya, in regards to the sub, they are just going to replace the amp, so I don't think Ill be upgrabing to the PB12 at this time, anyway.

 

[bandphan]

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?p=440551&posted=1#post440551 Similar situation