I've just had an epiphany that I don't want to deal with an AVR anymore. I can set up a smart TV with a soundbar/sub combo, plug in a BluRay/DVD and be perfectly happy with that setup for watching video/streaming Netflix. I don't spend much time in front of the TV.
So that means I'm now in the market for a 2-channel stereo setup for music. I do spend a lot of time listening to music. Let's say my budget is $500. The speakers I have now are an old pair of Technics SB CR77, 8 Ohms, 200 Watts leftover from college that still sound surprisingly good. I would like to use these at first, but upgrade them down the line.
Currently, I've got a Denon AVR-1610. This receiver drives those speakers well enough, but I want to make sure I'm setting myself up for a speaker upgrade in the future.
From the limited research I've done so far, it seems a fork in the road is whether to buy a networked or non-networked amplifier.
Non-Networked, I can continue to stream via the laptop… and continue to enjoy the features of Media Monkey for my digital music collection (we love the juke-box-esq Party Mode feature). I'm thinking I'll probably also get a better amplifier within my budget as I won't be spending the $ on networking features.
Networked, I'm free of the laptop, would probably need to figure out a DLNA setup for my digital music, and I would probably need a tablet to run the remote app for the Internet capable features. Is there a way to wirelessly play music through the laptop to the receiver without losing audio quality? That could influence this decision… it would be nice for the laptop to not be connected to the receiver.
I'm honestly leaning towards non-networked but not opposed to networked if it gets me superior sound for the price.
How many Watts am I going to need to power my current speakers and to allow for a speaker upgrade in the future? Looks like my current Denon AVR 1610 has 75W RMS Stereo.
It's interesting… I'm having a hard time finding many 2-channel products…
Looking at the Yamaha A-S line
Looking at Onkyo TX series
And then there's the Sony (which I'm not sure I trust) STRDH130 claiming to have 270 watts.
I also found a Sherwood RX5502 4 Zone for only $153.99, but I'm not that familiar with their products and if reliable.
I guess I'm looking to you guys to help me understand why the Yamaha is so much pricier, and if the audio it produces is that much better and why…
Also what am I missing? What other brands/models should I be considering? Are there sites out there specializing in refurbished audio equipment?
I really appreciate any help you can give.... also, It's just it time for Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals!
Thanks!
So that means I'm now in the market for a 2-channel stereo setup for music. I do spend a lot of time listening to music. Let's say my budget is $500. The speakers I have now are an old pair of Technics SB CR77, 8 Ohms, 200 Watts leftover from college that still sound surprisingly good. I would like to use these at first, but upgrade them down the line.
Currently, I've got a Denon AVR-1610. This receiver drives those speakers well enough, but I want to make sure I'm setting myself up for a speaker upgrade in the future.
- I listen to high quality digital music files (currently on a laptop w/external HD & MediaMonkey).
- Stream Internet radio/pandora/etc… through that same laptop.
- I'm currently using 3.5mm > RCA converter to supply what's on the laptop to my current receiver.
- I listen to vinyl using the built-in pre-amp on my turntable, but a true phono input would be nice.
- And normal FM radio of course.
- I would like A/B zone capability.
- I would consider last year's models, refurbished or even classic 1970s used models… any resources would be appreciated.
From the limited research I've done so far, it seems a fork in the road is whether to buy a networked or non-networked amplifier.
Non-Networked, I can continue to stream via the laptop… and continue to enjoy the features of Media Monkey for my digital music collection (we love the juke-box-esq Party Mode feature). I'm thinking I'll probably also get a better amplifier within my budget as I won't be spending the $ on networking features.
Networked, I'm free of the laptop, would probably need to figure out a DLNA setup for my digital music, and I would probably need a tablet to run the remote app for the Internet capable features. Is there a way to wirelessly play music through the laptop to the receiver without losing audio quality? That could influence this decision… it would be nice for the laptop to not be connected to the receiver.
I'm honestly leaning towards non-networked but not opposed to networked if it gets me superior sound for the price.
How many Watts am I going to need to power my current speakers and to allow for a speaker upgrade in the future? Looks like my current Denon AVR 1610 has 75W RMS Stereo.
It's interesting… I'm having a hard time finding many 2-channel products…
Looking at the Yamaha A-S line
- Seems like the A-S501 would be a slight upgrade to 85w/ch, but at $549, it's at the top of my budget.
Looking at Onkyo TX series
- The 8020only has 50W/ch… so that's out.
- The 8140 ($349) adds Networking and 80w/ch with two channels driven and 110w/ch one channel driven (I'm assuming that if I want that 110, I lose the A/B Zone Capability.
- The 8160 ($399) has the same power, but adds networking features that I understand (zone 2 digital > analog conversion) and some that I don't (WRAT, HCPS, Discrete Output Stage Circuitry)
And then there's the Sony (which I'm not sure I trust) STRDH130 claiming to have 270 watts.
I also found a Sherwood RX5502 4 Zone for only $153.99, but I'm not that familiar with their products and if reliable.
I guess I'm looking to you guys to help me understand why the Yamaha is so much pricier, and if the audio it produces is that much better and why…
Also what am I missing? What other brands/models should I be considering? Are there sites out there specializing in refurbished audio equipment?
I really appreciate any help you can give.... also, It's just it time for Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals!
Thanks!