What will satisfy my need?

[ivseenbetter]

I’m looking to find a cheap solution to running a pair of 4ohm speakers. Right now I am thinking I should buy a Behringer A500 and then finding a cheap receiver with preamp-outs to fill in the rest. What are the thoughts on that? I would only have about 200 – 250 to work with for the receiver. I would like to have three component inputs if possible too. I’m taking suggestions!

If you think the above don’t work then maybe you know of another solution (I only have 400 to play with to include amp and processing). Maybe a cheap receiver that can drive 4 ohms?

Thanks

 

[markw]

You've been here for long enough to know that, realistically, you're going to have to either raise your budget or lower your expectations.

Your best bet is an external power amp with something driving it even though that something may not have all you desire in I/O though.

 

[ivseenbetter]

You've been here for long enough to know that, realistically, you're going to have to either raise your budget or lower your expectations.

Your best bet is an external power amp with something driving it even though that something may not have all you desire in I/O though.

Yep, I have been here long enough but I was hoping that somebody might tip me off on something I wasn't aware of. I'm not all knowing and I was hoping maybe somebody might know of a sale or some "good buy" that I haven't seen. Ultimately I don't need any features in the processing unit other than getting the info to the speakers. I already have a switch for the video but was hoping to retire it to the bedroom.

I totally agree with you about the external power amp being my best bet and I think the A500 is where it is at...and I think I can get an older Onkyo at accessories4less but I am just looking to see if I might have missed something.

Oh, and this is my 100th post! YEAH ME. I know compared to a lot of you users that is like turning 2 yrs old, but for me, that is a lot of posts. I should say something meaningfull so: HD DVD soooo should have kicked Blu-ray's arse!

 

[rlj676]

Your plan could work fairly easily. Try accessories 4 less to get a refurbed Marantz. I got a 4600 there for $200 bucks a month or so ago as a bedroom unit. It's very nice with good SQ, but none of the current bells and whistles which it seems you don't need either.

The A500 provides good power, especially to 4 ohms I'm sure, and sounded good to me while I had one. The problem was it lasted a month and crapped out. So...I'd recommend picking one up locally so if it dumps out early you can just take it back to return/exchange hopefully without waiting for shipping.

Also, the Marantz's may be 4 ohm stable, or a refurb H/K unit might be as well if you want just a nicer reciever for $400.

 

[rlj676]

Also, if you want to order the A500 online I went through ZZounds and their return policy was great, easy to deal with people.

 

[mtrycrafts]

..., or a refurb H/K unit might be as well if you want just a nicer reciever for $400.

Which H/K is specked as driving a 4 Ohm load on a continuous basis?

 

[jcPanny]

Receiver options

What are the speakers? What is your receiver? What are the room dimensions and listening preferences?

I have a lower end Yamaha receiver and it was driving my 4 ohm Onix ref speakers at moderate volumes without any problems. Just make sure the receiver has adequate ventallation and doesn't overheat. My current Emotiva amp, however, is more capable and barely get warm drivng the HT and distributed audio system.

For about $400, you could get the new Yamaha RX-V663 with all the latest HDMI features. It also has pre-amp outputs so you can upgrade later (if necessary) to an external amp.

 

[ivseenbetter]

Thanks rlj676. I appreciate the input. I will definitely look into zzsound if I go this route.

JCpanny,

I have decided to purchase the Swan Diva 4.1 from the Audio Insider. My listening proferences will be for mostly TV and then a few hours of background music (usually 80's rock or Hawaiian music) while we clean the house. The room itself is only about 20' x 20' but it opens up to other rooms through a few hallways.

I was emailing the Audio Insider owner and he told me that the 4.1 may be rated for 4ohms but that it is a "nominal" rating that doesn't accurately reflect the ability of this speaker to be driven. I'm not 100% clear on what that means but I may just go ahead and hook them up to my Sherwood RX-4105 (I know this is not a good receiver but I got it back before I knew anything...even though I still know next to nothing ) and see if they can be driven. If they can then I might just get a regular receiver to do the job.

I don't need HDMI as none of my sources are running off of HDMI so I can save and go component...

 

[tomd51]

I'd suggest the A500 paired with an older Denon or Onkyo that has pre-outs. uBid, eCost or Accessories4Less all should have some options available that have pre-outs with 3 component inputs.

Here's some options:

Denon AVR-1905
Denon AVR-1906

Granted these aren't the latest and greatest, but they'll do well for the money and quite well coupled w/an A500 for the mains... -TD

 

[ivseenbetter]

Ecost! I use them for stuff and I totally overlooked them. Thanks for pointing that out. I think either of these will definitely support what I am asking for. I had checked out Accessories 4 less last night and I found the ONKYO TXSR703 for 400. It is 4ohm capable. Which would sound better? The A500 and Denon receiver combo…or this Onkyo?

 

[tomd51]

I'm currently using a TX-SR702 to replace a problem I had w/a Denon AVR-886/2106, which is the next model up from the 190x. I haven't noticed any difference in sound quality, however I didn't necessarily expect to, either. They're similar receivers with similar capabilities, much along the lines of the 703, so I can't see how that would be worth the additional cost unless there's features it has that the others don't.

For speakers that dip down to 4 Ohms, I wouldn't necessarily trust any receivers other than flagship models (or one step down from the flagship receivers) to drive them at high levels. If you've got the room to accommodate for a receiver and the A500, go w/the combo... -TD

 

[ivseenbetter]

Combo it is! Thanks.

 

[tomd51]

NP, you're welcome!

I'm sure that'll be a good solution for you, let us know once you get everything in, setup and dialed in what you think... -TD

 

[rlj676]

Which H/K is specked as driving a 4 Ohm load on a continuous basis?

I said may be as I'm not sure. I just know that they are frequently brought up as having a robust/ underrated amp section (similar to NAD which is 4 ohm stable). I was just suggesting check it out if you can get a good deal.