Energy RC 10 vs Polk rti a3 vs klipsch rb 51 ii vs klipsch rb 61

For music only I would go to RC-10s. Very detailed and smooth for music. Great for Jazz but a little laid back (lacking attack if you know what I mean?) for techno. Still better than those other IMHO. Find horn tweeter to harsh for music and the Polk is to soft and lacks detail.

For just music take a look at the s30s from cambridge. I used the rc 10s and s30s before and both are great! Dig low for bookshelves. If you listen to a lot of bass songs check out the hsu hb1 mk2s

Although on the plus side, what I like about the RC-10s is the strong mid-bass for their small size. They will need a sub for that low end bass for techno; any speaker this size will.

You may want to look used for a receiver if you only want to spend $150-$200.

Since the RC-10's only cost $250/pr, can you add that to your receiver budget?

Whoops, I see the price is back up to $299/pr. Call Vanns and you might be able to get a better deal by speaking with a salesperson.

accessories4less.com has refurbished receivers and they are authorized dealers. They have denon, marantz, onkyo, you should be able to find a good receiver at a good price there.

If you only need a stereo receiver then there are a few available at AC4Less under $200.

http://www.accessories4less.com/make...ceivers/1.html

NewEgg regularly has deals on new Yamahas and Pioneers (so they include the warranty) that are being replaced by newer models. They're not absolutely up to date but they have a lot of features that may turn out to be useful. Eg, HDMI, iPod connections, subwoofer management. For example:

Pioneer VSX 821 $180 shipped

If you're only using two channels you might actually get the rated power - usually the power supply is the limiting factor.

"Similar items" at NewEgg

NewEgg is an excellent vendor.

Or Denon 1312 at Amazon, $175

+1

If you definitely want a 2 channel receiver instead of an AVR, there are also Denon and Onkyo 2 channel receivers in your budget range at accessories4less. If you want new, you should up your budget a little for the HK 3390 or Onkyo TX-8050.

mickyd98, don't assume that just because someone has posted a comment, that they've actually read your post, or thought about your needs. Much of the time, the comments here are what the person posting would buy, for their own needs and budget, or what was discussed the last time a question sorta like this came up.

In particular, this forum is flooded with "Raise your budget and get a _______" posts with no explanation of why that meets the needs of the person who asked the question, or even what the benefit might be (if any).

Since I'm the only one who suggested upping his budget, I would assume you are talking about me but either are (a) too shy to respond directly, (b) feel inarticulate at the moment, or (c) speaking generalizations when you have no direct feedback to offer on the recommendation.

Your first assumption would be wrong if you'd read the thread carefully. My first post in the thread indicated that I was aware of his needs. Plus, the difference in budget is not dramatic, especially considering the speakers he is going with come in significantly under his budget for that. But it's up to him to decide.

Now, the OP did mention an integrated amp. Since quality integrated amps that people would normally recommend to go along with the RC-10s are way outside his budget range, one alternative is 2 channel stereo receivers. In fact, we don't even know from his post whether or not he is interested in AVRs at all.

Granted, the HK receivers and that Onkyo are very highly recommended in general on the 2 channel audio forum on AVS. However, you would be wrong in your assumptions again. I tested the HK 3390 against 2 AVRs in the $175 to $250 range, as well as against an older HK AVR and vintage Denon integrate amp (devices I own) with RC-10s (I'm listening to the RC-10s and the HK 3390 right now) before purchasing the 3390. As for the Onkyo TX-8050, there is another user on this forum whose opinion I greatly respect who has commented on it very positively repeatedly.

Finally, with any purchasing recommendation here on AVS, there comes the assumption from most posters that the OP will do their due diligence on research. I'm sure mickyd98 would read up on those receivers and ask questions if he was interested, and of course he is under no obligation to consider them at all. It's free advice here. Take it or leave it. Although advice like yours is even less helpful

Wow, the fact that you took the time or space in this thread to actually write that... Everyone knows (or should know) that people's suggestions will always be slightly biased and to pull the good advice from each person's post to help.

@mickyd98, as far as the RC-10s go, I have a pair in a music only 2.1 setup. It's possible that you could find a good used stereo receiver in your area on craigslist. This might give you a little more of a budget for a small subwoofer. Or do it the other way around and get a new/refurbished receiver and buy a cheaper subwoofer to handle the lower end. The RC-10s are great alone, but with a subwoofer there isn't ANYTHING to complain about on frequency response.

This might help. Read the AVS Amplifier FAQ.