Not sure where this belongs, but can you guys educate me on Audio Receivers?

[erikiksaz]

I've been wanting to upgrade my speakers (Cambridge Microworks) and at first i was looking into computer speakers. I was reading reviews on speakers such as the Altec Lansing 641s, Logitech z560s, and of course the Klipsch systems. But, there's always one or two people stating that all computer speakers sound like crap compared to real speakers--eg. Paradigms. So, i read into Paradigms and found that the Atom might be in my range.

Now, this is where the problem starts. I need a receiver right? Aren't they expensive? And my second problem, i don't even know what the point of a receiver is! And thirdly, CABLES!! I know that for my headphone system, my interconnects cost 50-60 dolars, which isn't even considered that much by any means. But when we're speaking about 180 dollars for two speakers + another ___ hundred dollars for a receiver, things start getting expensive!

So, can ya'll please enlighten me?


Edit - I'm poor as well, i'm talking about entry-level-whatever-i-can-muster-for-the-best-price/performance here.

 

[boyRacer]

What do you plan to do with your computer? Are you going to be using it as entertainment center?

 

[erikiksaz]

No, i just enjoy music I'd prefer to get the most quality out of whatever i can afford. I already own a good headphone system, so i've been itching for a solid speaker system.

 

[compudog]

A receiver is basically an amplifier with an AM/FM tuner (radio) built in. It acts as the nexus for all of your audio source devices. CD Player, Cassette Deck, Turntable, and yes, your computer. You would basically take the output from your PC's sound card and connect it to the receiver's Aux input (or whatever.) You can get a decent interconnect cable at Radio Shack for under $20 that has a 3.5mm stereo jack (hook to computer) and two RCA jacks (left & right channels to receiver) on the other end. If you have optical out or SPDIF out on your computer, get a receiver that has those type of inputs for best sound.

 

[DaveSimmons]

You can get decent old 2-channel and pro-logic receivers at garage sales for $20. If you want dolby 5.1 surround support brand-new ones are as low as $100, better ones $200-300. Look at crutchfield.com to window-shop, and check your Sunday paper to compare local prices.

Good speaker wire is actually cheap, the "monster cable" $10/foot stuff is a total rip-off. Look at radioshack.com speaker wire and get the next-to-cheapest grade. Never buy the cheapest grade

 

[Novgrod]

i've been looking around for yon paradigm speaker prices, and i can't find much--anybody know how much their bottom-of-the-line models run?

thanks in advance

 

[bmacd]

i just bought an excellent Pioneer (can't remember the model #) for $299 at BB. I have nothing but great things to say! It's probably still in Hot Deals if you look for receiver or Pioneer.

-=bmacd=-

 

[DanJ]

For receivers I'd recommend Onkyo, Denon and Yamaha

For speakers Pardigm is good, Energy has a nice package, but my personal fav is Axiom Audio, could get a killer system for very little cost (well, ~$1000 isn't that much for 5 speakers). Check the reviews, they all praise the Axiom's.

I personally have the Onkyo TX-DS595, a pair of Axiom M50Ti's at front, Axiom VP100 at center and a pair of Axiom's M3Ti's on the rears. Plus a sub. Its incredible bang for the buck IMHO.

Oh, and for the love of god, don't buy Bose.

 

[Howard]

Not all receivers have built-in tuners, but some/most do. Receivers are basically integrated amplifiers (pre-amps built in) with a variety of inputs and surround sound processing.

 

[glen]

The short of it:
Amps and wires do not matter.
Speakers do.
$10,000 speakers have infinately more distortion than any amplifier.
Any normal room has infinately more distortion than any amplifier.
What you eat for breakfast will affect your hearing more that the distortion in any amplifier.
So, who makes a "good" inexpensive reciever?
Pioneer. They are the OEM for lots of other brands.

 

[DanJ]

I'd have to disagree with the receiver is the same as the wire thought; they might not be as key as speakers but they are in no way fall into the category in difference in brand/type/cost as does speaker wire. Many receivers sound very different, plus better ones have greater format compatability and the allowance of future expandability (DVD-Audio, many digital ins, firewire, etc..), pre-outs (for dedicated amps, etc). Plus, the power output a receiver can dish out is very very important. Drive speakers on too low of power at too high a volume and you'll know why.

Don't skimp too much on the receiver; its not worth it in the upgrade path.

 

[erikiksaz]

Alrighty, thanks for all the input guys, i'll be looking into it.

 

[compudog]

Originally posted by: Howard
Not all receivers have built-in tuners, but some/most do. Receivers are basically integrated amplifiers (pre-amps built in) with a variety of inputs and surround sound processing.

Wrong.

If it's a receiver, it is "receiving" radio signals. It has a tuner built-in. A pre-amp is a seperate component that manages and directs the signals to the amplifier from the tape deck, cd, turntable, tuner, etc. An integrated amplifier has the functions of pre-amp and amp, but not a tuner. A receiver is an all-in-one unit. Tuner, pre-amp and amp in one package.

 

[apriest]

I regularly sell JVC equipment and Monster Cables on eBay. I just got done with a bunch of auctions and I haven't got new ones back up yet, but you can check out the amp I'm using at the moment (same one I'm selling, found a good deal on it), and all of the cables (really good prices) at http://www.coastaltech.org/ebay.htm. Just click the links to the left...

I don't know if you are looking into surround sound or not, but I can tell you a few things to look for in a good home theater receiver:

• Dolby Digital EX, DTS-ES, and Dolby Prologic II. Those are the three best sounding formats out there at the moment.

• 5.1 channel analog and 5.1/7.1 analog output for future equipment you might hook up, especially the Audigy II soundcard (Direct3D, EAX, etc. only work out the analog outputs).

• Component Video Switching, if you have a TV that supports this, or ever want to do high definition. Most DVD players have component output, and some of the high end Radeon cards do as well.

• Plenty of S-Video and composite inputs and outputs if you truly want an A/V receiver. Plenty of coax and optical digital inputs as well. You can never have too many inputs and outputs!

If you can find all that for around $300-325ish you have got a good deal on a receiver!

 

[murphy55d]

Onkyo HT-S650. $499 at Circuit city, the receiver is totally awesome... DTS/DD/Pro Logic II, TONS of inputs(i think 4 s-video inputs which was big draw point for me), plus you get 5 speakers and a very nice sub.

 

[jcuadrado]

The most important question is how much do you want to spend? Forget the computer speakers...I own a set of Klipsch...and yes they sound great...but nothing compared to my Harman Kardon Home Theatre speakers that I bought from CC open box item for $240...I also picked up the Harman Kardon AVR 125...entry level receiver and this thing rocks my condo...and sounds quite clear....forget the Monster cables...you can pick up other good cables much cheaper from Amazon I think..

hope this helps..

Jaime

 

[Huma]

Since you're on a budget, I'd look into local buy&sell papers, classifieds, or even decent pawn shops.

If you plan on running any video or multiple audio sources, you'll want an AVR (audio / video receiver). If you just want stereo sound, you can find an integrated amp instead.

My friend picked up a used kenwood vr-405 for $125CAD ($80US) from a pawn shop. Nothing spectacular, but it did the job fine. The good thing about receivers is that like all tech products, used ones lose a lot of value, so you should be able to find a decent one used for $100US without much trouble. Kenwoods are reasonable low end receivers. If you could muster up the dollars, and think you might want to expand your system more in the future, something like an onkyo sr-500 for sub $300 might be something to look at.

Keep an eye out for used onkyos, denons, marantz receivers. They'll offer the best bang for buck compared to Sonys etc. If you want, in the meantime you can always pick up an older stereo amp for $50 or so. Any old cheap marantz, onkyo etc would probably sound pretty good for the money, but they usually won't have a digital connection.

And atoms are excellent budget speakers. Axioms as well, but if you don't plan on adding a subwoofer, the atoms have a fuller sound where as axiom M2i's are a little clearer and more detailed but might sound a bit thin on their own.

as for cables, for short lengths (10-15ft), some cheap 14-16 gauge should be fine. My rears use 16gauge monster cable (25cents/ft), mainly because the matte black rubber jacket on them was so nice (and the cable was not overpriced like much monster cable). My front cables were $2/ft. On a budget, I'd skip banana plugs and just use bare wire.

If you can, drop by a store and give a few speakers a listen (bring your favourite cds). Different brands have different sounds, so find one that sounds right to you. Paradigm is a great bang for buck brand, but also check out mission, energy, axiom, dahlquist. If you have any friends in canada, they can get incredible prices on paradigms or other canadian speakers.

Good luck, and have fun.

 

[thomsbrain]

Originally posted by: DanJ
I'd have to disagree with the receiver is the same as the wire thought; they might not be as key as speakers but they are in no way fall into the category in difference in brand/type/cost as does speaker wire. Many receivers sound very different, plus better ones have greater format compatability and the allowance of future expandability (DVD-Audio, many digital ins, firewire, etc..), pre-outs (for dedicated amps, etc). Plus, the power output a receiver can dish out is very very important. Drive speakers on too low of power at too high a volume and you'll know why.

Don't skimp too much on the receiver; its not worth it in the upgrade path.

yeah i agree with you. different receivers do have different sounds. it may not be so much "distortion" as more abstract terms like "warmth" or "crispness." I think it would be a good idea to choose a fairly nice receiver to test speakers at the store, then once you've picked your speakers, try them through the different receivers. different receivers can also have different tone controls and things like that. the bass control may operate at a different frequency and have a different spread, and different boost and cut ranges, for instance. choose what sounds right.

 

[erikiksaz]

Thanks again, but one more question. Since i doubt i'll be using this for home theater (just pure audio), is there much of a difference between receivers when it comes to stereo output?

 

[Huma]

Different receivers will differ in tone and sound. More wattage isn't as much a measurement in loudness as it can be one of clarity.

A more powerful receiver can push cleaner sound out at any volume level, so a good onkyo or marantz stereo receiver can still be better than a low end sony.