receiver & amps?

chu

Hi!

I decided to take a plunge to create a two channel setup for my room. I'm mainly looking for opinions on which receiver & amps I should look into. I doubt I will expand more than 2 channels, since I have limited space. I will be using this setup primarily for music roughly 95% music 5% tv/movies. I don't really care for the video processing, up-converting, and etc since my desktop is more than capable to handle those projects on its own.

Thus far I have:

Speakers:
Lsi9

Sub:
dsw micropro 3000

(I picked up both those on the cheap)

What I'm looking at:

Receivers: limit $1000
onkyo 806
Yamaha RX-V863
Denon AVR-2309CI

amp: limit $800

xpa2
rpa2

I would like to have a phono out as well, it would be sweet to hook up my tables to the receiver.

I primarily listen to electronica music, especially live performances if that helps any.

metal83

The RPA-2 is out of stock and discontinued, so you can rule that one out.

Retro152

chu wrote: »

Hi!

I decided to take a plunge to create a two channel setup for my room. I'm mainly looking for opinions on which receiver & amps I should look into. I doubt I will expand more than 2 channels, since I have limited space. I will be using this setup primarily for music roughly 95% music 5% tv/movies. I don't really care for the video processing, up-converting, and etc since my desktop is more than capable to handle those projects on its own.

Thus far I have:

Speakers:
Lsi9

Sub:
dsw micropro 3000

(I picked up both those on the cheap)

What I'm looking at:

Receivers: limit $1000
onkyo 806
Yamaha RX-V863
Denon AVR-2309CI

amp: limit $800

xpa2
rpa2

I would like to have a phono out as well, it would be sweet to hook up my tables to the receiver.

I primarily listen to electronica music, especially live performances if that helps any.

The Xpa-2 is $799 + $25 for shipping, not much over your budget with very favorable reviews.

tcrossma

I'd be looking into a 2-channel preamp instead of a receiver.

metal83

Pioneer Elite SC-05 for $899......Amazing Deal!!!
http://www.valueelectronics.com/

cnh

metal83 wrote: »

Pioneer Elite SC-05 for $899......Amazing Deal!!!
http://www.valueelectronics.com/

That's a great price! If I were in the market I'd have that on my short list. It's also true that if you don't plan to run any more than 2 channel, a good pre-amp may be all you need and you can find some nice used models on sites like Audiogon--which almost everyone here knows well, better than I, in fact.

Personally, I like Onkyos and if you're not disturbed by possible upscaling glitches on video on the 806...you can get those for less than 699 online. Which makes it a pretty good deal.

Hope I haven't added to your confusion? I run a Denon AVR2807 and am looking into a 2 channel power amp myself--pretty much for the same reasons you are (a two channel set up so I can run my mains separately with more power). The Denon is rated a 110 watts and does OK, but...?

cnh

chu

metal83 wrote: »

The RPA-2 is out of stock and discontinued, so you can rule that one out.

bah, 2 months of research gone down the drain lol

retro152 wrote: »

The Xpa-2 is $799 + $25 for shipping, not much over your budget with very favorable reviews.

Yeah, that is what I'm thinking. A little over is fine.

tcrossma wrote: »

I'd be looking into a 2-channel preamp instead of a receiver.

Any suggestions? It takes me while to review and research products. Since this is my first time picking out audio equipment for home use. Any help would be appreciated.

cnh wrote: »

That's a great price! If I were in the market I'd have that on my short list. It's also true that if you don't plan to run any more than 2 channel, a good pre-amp may be all you need and you can find some nice used models on sites like Audiogon--which almost everyone here knows well, better than I, in fact.

Personally, I like Onkyos and if you're not disturbed by possible upscaling glitches on video on the 806...you can get those for less than 699 online. Which makes it a pretty good deal.

Hope I haven't added to your confusion? I run a Denon AVR2807 and am looking into a 2 channel power amp myself--pretty much for the same reasons you are (a two channel set up so I can run my mains separately with more power). The Denon is rated a 110 watts and does OK, but...?

cnh

I like the onkyo as it leaves me a path for expansion in the future that is if I can find a bigger place to rent. But I don't really see that as a possibility in the near future. As for the upscaling aspect, I don't really care for it. I rarely watch tv/movies (its been about 2months since I last turned on the tv). However, I will look into denon and the pioneer and will check out audiogon as well!

Thx for the suggestions guys

CRESCENDOPOWER

tcrossma wrote: »

I'd be looking into a 2-channel preamp instead of a receiver.

What he said. Check out Audiogon, E-bay etc.

Ron Temple

I've been using an HK AVR for years as a pre/pro. I've always felt it sounded better than any Pio, Denon or Onk I tried. That said, a buddy gave me a Luxman TP-114 (tuner/pre), he no longer used. For 2 channel listening it's a significant upgrade over an AVR. Neglible noise floor and the overal tonality is a real step up. I'm not recommending this piece in particular, but I think you'll find that there are many used 2 channel pre's that can be had for a song, that will be a better option for you.

mantis

metal83 wrote: »

Pioneer Elite SC-05 for $899......Amazing Deal!!!
http://www.valueelectronics.com/

Crazy as it's a 1800.00 receiver and worth the asking price. Thats a stupid deal for a killer receiver but this is not the right piece for this dude.

I suggest you look into a stereo receiver or Integraded. Check out Rotel and NAD. They both offer beautiful 2 channel stereo stuff and entry level audiophile sound.

Dan

Mike21

Hi chu

I don't see why you would need a surround sound receiver like the Onk 806 for 2.1.

Unless you need a radio tuner, I recommend a stereo integrated amp w/ at least 100wpc power (your speakers are rated up to 200w).

Its hard to find an integrated w/ a phono input, but you can always use an outboard phono pre (which I think is better anyways).

You might want to take a look at the Cambridge Audio 840A V2 which Audio Advisor is selling for $1,600:
http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=CA840AV2

The Cambridge has a preamp out for your sub and is rated at 200wpc into 4ohms (which is what your speakers are).

You could pair the Cambridge with the Vincent PHO-11 for $150 at AA.

IMHO, Cambridge Audio and Vincent are the next level up from Onkyo and Emotiva.

Let us know what you get.:)

chu

Mike21 wrote: »

Hi chu

I don't see why you would need a surround sound receiver like the Onk 806 for 2.1.

Unless you need a radio tuner, I recommend a stereo integrated amp w/ at least 100wpc power (your speakers are rated up to 200w).

Its hard to find an integrated w/ a phono input, but you can always use an outboard phono pre (which I think is better anyways).

You might want to take a look at the Cambridge Audio 840A V2 which Audio Advisor is selling for $1,600:
http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=CA840AV2

The Cambridge has a preamp out for your sub and is rated at 200wpc into 4ohms (which is what your speakers are).

You could pair the Cambridge with the Vincent PHO-11 for $150 at AA.

IMHO, Cambridge Audio and Vincent are the next level up from Onkyo and Emotiva.

Let us know what you get.:)

Wow Mike, you're awesome. I think you found the perfect fit for me. I will be ordering the cambridge once I get paid at the end of the month .

renowilliams

chu wrote: »

Hi!

I decided to take a plunge to create a two channel setup for my room. I'm mainly looking for opinions on which receiver & amps I should look into. I doubt I will expand more than 2 channels, since I have limited space. I will be using this setup primarily for music roughly 95% music 5% tv/movies. I don't really care for the video processing, up-converting, and etc since my desktop is more than capable to handle those projects on its own.

Thus far I have:

Speakers:
Lsi9

Sub:
dsw micropro 3000

(I picked up both those on the cheap)

What I'm looking at:

Receivers: limit $1000
onkyo 806
Yamaha RX-V863
Denon AVR-2309CI

amp: limit $800

xpa2
rpa2

I would like to have a phono out as well, it would be sweet to hook up my tables to the receiver.

I primarily listen to electronica music, especially live performances if that helps any.

I'm Just wonderring what you think of your RX-V863, I have the RX-V861 and I am happy with it. Is there much difference between the two?

cnh

Hi Reno.

The 861 is a nice receiver...What Hi-Fi? Seems to Love the 863.

Here's the link:

http://whathifi.com/Review/Yamaha-DSP-AX863SE/

But I don't think I'd make the move myself. The 861 has some good features/power.

cnh