Advice on sound system replacement.

[Xellos2099]

I am current using my computer SB X-fi sound card and use its optical output to a "hand me down" Sony STR-DE915 with 5 speaker, Sony SS-V345, and 1 sub. It has serve me very well for the past year but I got a feeling that the amp is going to die soon, as the dreaded "PROTECT" show up on screen. however, the lowest cost replacement i could find that have 5.1, optical in cost at least 200-300. I am not sure if I really want to invest so much on a bedroom pc sound system.

As stated above, I don't really need the video function of the receiver, only optical audio, hell, I don't even need control center since I only have 1 audio input, so I am wondering is there such a receiver that do 5.1 audio with optical-in with no selector as I only need something to power the speaker and the audio control. If it is no possible, is there a recommend one that don't cost over 150-200. If not, am I better off trying to find someone to repair my amp when it die? OR should I go for a good quality 2.1 sound system? I had a logitech X540, it is ok but it lack the clear sound of the amp sound.

I am thinking about this.. cheap and have optical audio.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/RCA+-+F...ategoryId=pcmcat186600050005&id=1218178657230

 

[queequeg99]

\the lowest cost replacement i could find that have 5.1, optical in cost at least 200-300.

Have you checked Craigslist? I normally don't go for used equipment of this type but I had a recent need for a receiver similar to yours (i.e. no concerns about video features) and found that the current emphasis on integrated AV capabilities has resulted in a ton of awesome 5-6 year old receivers being dumped on Craigslist. I picked up a Pioneer Elite model that retailed for almost $1500 6 years ago for just $100. The only problem is that it doesn't have any HDMI inputs. But I'm using solely for its audio capabilities to replace an ancient receiver that died in my home gym.

 

[Xellos2099]

I might give it a try, but don;t receive usually last 5-6 years?

 

[queequeg99]

I might give it a try, but don;t receive usually last 5-6 years?

Unless they've been abused, receivers (especially higher end receivers) should last forever. That's an exaggeration but the point is that if the video switching features are not of use to you, a 5-6 year old receiver should easily satisfy your needs. The Craigslist offerings really vary by locality. Here in the PDX area, the listings are a bit thin and you have to keep looking. Up in the Seattle area, there are always tons of deals (just more people with more money looking to upgrade their toys). I just took a quick look at listings and found a Denon AVR-3802 for $200, which would be great for your use. That's a model that came out almost 8 years ago. But since it isn't 7.1 and has no HDMI inputs, it's a dinosaur for home theater purposes. If spending more than $200 is really not cool for you, getting a good used receiver is probably your best bet. If you can go up to $300, you might be able to find a halfway decent new receiver with the features you need. The sound and build quality might not be as good but if you're not listening in a carefully controlled environment or otherwise stressing the receiver, top quality might not be needed. If you think you might want to go with a new receiver, you might want to head over to the audio forums at avsforum.com. You'll learn more than you ever wanted to know about your options.

 

[Xellos2099]

You u think of the best buy one that I listed? I know it is re certified but maybe I can buy a insurance on it, not to mention I got 60 bucks for trading in 2 x MW 2 lol. As for lasting forever, I doubt it.... I have 2 x sony model that went protector mode in my household.

How about this one?

http://cgi.ebay.com/Onkyo-TX-SR600-...17204?pt=Receivers_Tuners&hash=item2c58e5d0b4

Someone from crag is selling it for 140 pickup but this one is 125 shipped...

 

[queequeg99]

You u think of the best buy one that I listed? I know it is re certified but maybe I can buy a insurance on it, not to mention I got 60 bucks for trading in 2 x MW 2 lol. As for lasting forever, I doubt it.... I have 2 x sony model that went protector mode in my household.

Depends on want you are looking for quality-wise. I might not have concerns about that unit if I were going to put it in my garage as low level background music while I worked on some project (and most likely listening to the radio). But I wouldn't want to have to depend on it for any amount of more critical listening of nicely mastered CDs or SACDs.

As for the longevity of receivers, Sony receivers are generally poorly regarded, at least until you get up into the ES line (significant dollars). The folks at avsforum dump on the non-ES receivers with great regularity. But any receiver potentially can fail after time. And the risk with buying used is that you don't know how the unit has been handled. Even the best receiver can fail prematurely if it's been pushed too hard. But if you happen to buy from someone who's honest about how they used the device, you can end up with a phenomenal sounding receiver for very little money.

In my case, I wanted something to drive just two speakers. But I wanted very clear sound at reasonably high volumes and I knew I would be concentrating on the music at times (while riding a bike on a wind trainer). So taking the chance on a used high end receiver made some sense for me.

 

[Xellos2099]

I guess the question is, would you trust ebay seller more or crafliost more?

 

[Number1]

Craiglist is your friend. Just look for an updated Sony receiver. You should be able to find one for $50.00 Just make sure to test it before taking it home.

 

[queequeg99]

I guess the question is, would you trust ebay seller more or crafliost more?

For the reason cited by another poster, I would tend to trust Craigslist more because you should have the opportunity to actually hear the receiver. I've bought two receivers off Craigslist and both sellers were more than willing to hook the receiver up to their HT systems to allow me to verify that the receivers worked. You want to be sure that none of the speaker outputs have problems. If they can't hook it up to their system, I would bring a speaker with you that you can hook up to all of the speaker outputs separately to ensure that they all work.

 

[queequeg99]

One other thing to consider is what (if any) size and weight limits you have. That RCA unit is most likely relatively small (or at least a more reasonable sized) and pretty light. So if you're putting this thing on a shelf, you shouldn't have trouble with it. Higher end receivers, on the other hand, can be used as effective trebuchet projectiles. My main Yamaha AVR weighs well over 50lbs and is nearly 18 inches deep. Moving that thing around is a total pain. Even the Pioneer I recently bought for my home gym is over 35lbs and is 17 inches deep. I had to custom build shelving for both units.

 

[Xellos2099]

How about Polk Audio Monitor30 Series II? I heard many good thing about tyhis and it is on sale at newegg. Hpowwever, how does this work and would that unit require a receiver or is it a standalone unit?

 

[queequeg99]

I don't know anything about the Polk speakers other than the written specs (which show them to be a moderately sized bookshelf speaker). However, in looking at their specs, it is clear that they are passive speakers (i.e. will need a receiver or other amplifier to drive them).

If you're looking for bookshelf speakers, you should really go check out the avsforum.com subforum on speakers. Here's a link.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?f=89

Free registration is required to search the forums. There are a lot of options. I recently had to buy a couple of good bookshelf speakers and ended up going with some Energy RC-10s (about $300 a pair at the time). But another set I looked at very closely was the WAF-1 speakers made by Tweak City Audio. At the time, they were around $225 but I see that they are now just $150. They appear to be a direct competitor to the Polks. Again, however, I strongly urge you to go to avsforum.com and ask around.

 

[Xellos2099]

I am debating on getting my sony fix or get the 89.99 set from best buy and purchase a 2 year squaretrade warranty on it. Even if best buy don't offer warranty the squaretrade should cover it, right?

As for size? Yeah I put it on my desk next to my computer tablr and it is already taking a crap load of room.