How to setup up simple stereo system

jasonc
jasonc Posts: 3
edited May 2010 in Speakers
So i just got two Monitor 70's. I'd like to set up a system for just listening to my records and cds. I'm new to all this audio stuff so I'm guessing all i need is a stereo amplifier and some cables??? Am i right? I figure those surround sound video/audio receivers are a bit over kill for my needs, no?
So what's the best thing to get? Something like the Pyle - Mini 2x75W Stereo Power Amplifier?
What's the best kind of cabling to get?
Would you recommend anything else?

Thanks!
Post edited by jasonc on
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Comments

  • coolsax
    coolsax Posts: 1,824
    edited May 2010
    If you just want a good stereo receiver I would look at H/K ebay internet store they usually have their 2 channel receivers refurbed on there they have a warranty. the 3480, 3485,and 3490 should all be able to drive the 70's fairly well.
    Main 2ch -
    BlueSound Node->Ethereal optical cable->Peachtree Audio Nova 150->GoldenEar Triton 2+
    TT - Pro-ject Classic SB with Sumiko Bluepoint.

    TV 3.1 system -
    Denon 3500 -> Dynaudio Excite 32/22
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  • packetjones
    packetjones Posts: 1,059
    edited May 2010
    i agree on the HK comments. If all you plan to do is listen to music in a 2 channel setting then there is no need for a big AVR. Keep in mind that the monitor 70's will need a little more power to get them to really sing. i would look at something with over 100w per channel.

    If you do not mind used, check out ebay and audiogon for good deals.
    Front - RTiA5's
    Rear - RTiA3's
    Center - CSiA4
    Sub - PSW110
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  • seeclear
    seeclear Posts: 1,243
    edited May 2010
    This doesn't look like it has sold yet---

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=101138

    Now, that is an integrated and not a receiver, so you won't get the radio without a tuner with that.
    Nice amp for a decent budget price.

    For cabling get some 12g speaker wire from Monoprice.com-->
    http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10239&cs_id=1023901&p_id=2816&seq=1&format=2
    And you should be good to go, at least to get started.

    Do you already have interconnects for your CD?
    "Don't forget to change your politician. They are like diapers they need to be changed regularly, and for the same reason."
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  • jasonc
    jasonc Posts: 3
    edited May 2010
    Thanks guys! this is great info!

    that amp is only 40wpc. isn't that a little low for 70's? I'm willing to spend a reasonable amount for good quality.

    I do not have interconnects... I'm not even sure what that is. like i said, i'm new at this. haha.
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  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited May 2010
    This should take care of you just fine.

    http://www.outlawaudio.com/products/rr2150.html
    Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2
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  • PerfectCreature
    PerfectCreature Posts: 1,456
    edited May 2010
    I'd go with the 3490 in my opinion, I have monitor 50s, and they sound amazing with the 3490. Plus you can pick one up under 250 any day of the week (on ebay that is...just amke sure to bid only on items that are being sold by HarmonAudio they are the factory ebay dealer) You will get warrenty and everything that way.
    Although, don't expect to use spades with any of the HK for the receiver end. Also if using optical out, you have to hold vid 1 or whichever video you want to use and press Tape monitor to get the optical or the coaxial. I have never put my receiver past -10 decibels for fear of losing my hearing instantly so... you will most likely be set.
    Receiver
    Harman Kardon HK 3490
    Speakers
    Polk Audio Monitor 50s
    Subwoofer
    Klipsch KSW-100
    Cables
    AudioQuest Rocket 33s 10ft
    AudioQuest Optilink1 2m
    AudioQuest Alpha-Snake 25ft Interconnect
    AudioQuest HDMI-1 2m

    Alienware X51 R2
    PS4
    Samsung Smart TV 40" 1080p 3D
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,811
    edited May 2010
    You have many choices for 2 channel music. You can use an AVR or 2 channel receiver. You can use an integrated amp. You can use a pre amp and power amp. You can use a pre amp and mono block amps. The integrated or separates are better choices for music reproduction.

    Regardless of the choice(s) above, you will also need interconnect cables and speaker cables.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • jasonc
    jasonc Posts: 3
    edited May 2010
    Cool, thanks a bunch guys. That was a lot of recos on the 3490 so i went ahead and bought one. the cheapest i could find in the last few days was in like new condition (the box had been opened for testing) on amazon with warranty for $292 with $0 shipping cost. I also got 50ft of the 12g wire reco'ed. Now i just gotta wait for it all to come in.

    Thanks!
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  • 4thHorsemen
    4thHorsemen Posts: 18
    edited May 2010
    I read a really good review of the Onkyo A-9555 integrated amplifier here: http://www.stereophile.com/integratedamps/907onk/

    Seen it for $495 new, shipped, from Vann's: http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/item/details/538123591/onkyo-a-9555

    The review was pretty impressive and had me wanting it :)

    Let us know what you do end up gettin and how it works out for ya.
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