stereo receivers

[jabumbo]

i am in the market for one, but don't know where/what to look for in getting one that will do the job i want it too.


i'd like to use it for both my TV and stereo set up. additional bonus for something that i can use to hook into my ipod and/or laptop to shoot tunes out of the speaker set up.


assistance? suggestions?

[kaiser soze]

Technics might have what you need.

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&hs=LhG&sa=X&oi=spell&resnum=0&ct=result&cd=1&q=technics+receiver&spell=1

[RobMoney$]

I just went through the process about a year ago of buying a new reciever. I went with Yamaha and am very happy with it.

The number one question is...How much do you have to spend?

[Drederick Tatum]

if you don't need a tuner you can probably find a straight amp for less than a receiver.

[jabumbo]

tuner could stay or go really, i don't think i would use it often if i did have it. would a straight amp be able to regulate all that i need? i want to use it both for the stereo and tv purposes....


money wise, i'd probably not want to spend much more than $400, but would be able to get it sooner if its less than that.


what about wattage and such? how much do i really need? i don't really know much in the differences between the specs that they usually display.

[RobMoney$]

You're looking for a home theater system.

Here's a nice reciever that'll do everything you need and then some,
Yamaha RX-V661 (http://www.yamaha.com/yec/products/productdetail.html?CNTID=547398)

Don't pay attention to the Yamaha retail price there. You can find this amp on sale for around $350 if you do a simple google search.
I recommend spending as much as you can on a reciever. You really do get what you pay for when it comes to recievers. It's kind of like buying a computer, get the most advanced specs you can because it'll be obscelete in a year.
You can look around Yamaha's website there and comparison shop. And again, don't pay attention to the Yamaha list price, you will be able to find everything cheaper, even at your local Best Buy or Electronics store.

As far as specs go,
You're going to want to have HDMI inputs. Even if you don't have an HD set yet, you will eventually. This particular amp has two of them so you can run your Cable or Dish TV line through it and a DVD, Blu-Ray, or Gaming console.

This amp has 90 watts per channel (per speaker). Ideally I like 100 watts, but for the money you're looking to spend 90 watts through 7 speakers and a subwoofer will rattle you new living room walls just fine.

You're going to see amps listed at "5.1" or "7.1" surround. That means 5 speakers or 7 speakers. The .1 is for the subwoofer. This amp can run both, as well as just run everything through 2 stereo speakers if that's all you have. Obviously, the more surround speakers you use, the better movie and music experience you're gonna have.
If you follow that link and view the "Back Panel" view, you'll see the different speaker outpus and how to connect everything.
You can also play two different sources at the same time if you want, like you can watch the TV while playing your turntable at the same time. Or if you set it up to run two different rooms, you can watch TV in one room while playing the turntable through the speakers in your basement, all through this one amp.

This amp has different effects you can adjust too. Like there's several "Concert Halls" and "Basement Club" settings that'll give you various levels of reverb which will completely change the way your music sounds.

As far as the Ipod input, you'll have to buy the Ipod dock which you can pickup for around $50 on ebay. I'm particular to vinyl though myself and couldn't be bothered playing MP3's through my home stereo. But you're probably not as crazy about the way your music sounds as I am, so it's all good.


One thing I will stress to you though is DO NOT buy anything used or "B stock" or "Manufactured Refurbished". This is stuff that was sent back to the manufacturer because someone returned it, and the manufacturer repaired it and is re-selling it again. The "ebay store" or "Pawn Shop" type of electronics stores will buy these "B stock" items in bulk from the manufacturer.
Whatever you decide to do, make sure you buy a NEW system from a repudible shop, someone you can return it to if you have a problem. It's worth the money to buy NEW. That's my #1 piece of advice to you.
You're much better off with a brand new $400 amp, than a B-stock $600 amp that you got on sale for $400.

[jabumbo]

awesome (y)


i'll be hitting the stores as soon as i take care of paying for the new bed!

[Lyman Zerga]

i wish this thread was about stereo typings

[b i o n i c]

this audiophile dude i used to work with SWORE by ONKYOs.

he spent all his time on his home theater system. im sold