Home Audio Help

Elwood · June 10, 2003

I'm looking to buy some home audio equipment.

I'm looking for a receiver and speakers.

I have a CD changer and turntable lined up right now from a friend, but I need the receiver and speakers first. It has to be compatiable with a turntable or I'm not interested at all. This is the main reason I'm making this investment because my turntable finally died and I can't listen to my Vinyl collection.

I would like to have the capability to eventually run a tape deck, but that is not a requirement. Also I would like the capability to run my DVD or VCR through it too, but this is also not a requirement.

Anybody have any suggestions for a reasonably priced receiver and speakers that I can add the other stuff to later?

I've been looking at Sears and Best Buy so far, but the ones I find with Phono Jacks are pretty exspensive for just the receiver. The speakers will make them even more exspensive.

Elwood · June 10, 2003

Also, if I find one that has 2 tape channels or 2 VCR channels and no Phono channel, would it hurt to run the turntable through the tape 2 or VCR 2 channel?

Wingnut · June 10, 2003

would it hurt to run the turntable through the tape 2 or VCR 2 channel?

As long as the turntable has the proper outputs, it shouldn't hurt. You just have to remember that pressing "VCR" gets you the Beatles...Not a movie.

As far as the speakers and receiver go.

-whats the budget?

-just music, or movies too?

-how big of a room?

-are you brand loyal?

I have done quite a few home stereo and/or theater setups..I'm no pro, but I can usually get pretty good sound in a space on a budget.

Kania2k1 · June 10, 2003

I've never personally purchased anything from them, but Crutchfield seems to have some decent units, and they have a nice little flow chart that you can compare units against . Might help find some clarity?!

Kania2k1 · June 10, 2003

I've never personally purchased anything from them, but Crutchfield seems to have some decent units, and they have a nice little flow chart that you can compare units against . Might help find some clarity?!

Wingnut · June 10, 2003

Yeah, I popped over there and looked at some receivers.

Onkyo

Denon

Harmon Kardon

All three of these have Phono inputs, and are under $300. I would trust any one of the three as far as brand names go. As long as they have a decent set of speakers to drive.

I don't know what brands of receivers Best Buy carries, but I would pretty much stay away from any speakers that I have seen for sale in that store.

Elwood · June 10, 2003

I've found quite a few on Crutchfield that would fit my purpose, but most of them are receiver only for $300+.

I also found one Home Theater System that looked like it would probably work for $500.

I would really like to stay under $500, and would love to get something between $300-400.

I would be happy if I got the receiver and two good speakers, and added on the sub and surround speakers later. I don't have alot of room right now, but I would like to add to the system as time goes on.

Now that I know I can run the turntable through a Tape 2 or VCR 2 channel I might find something at a lower price than what I've been finding.

Thanks guys. Keep the input coming.

Lance Link · June 10, 2003

I have a Yamaha HTR-5640 receiver (450 watts, 6.1 Dolby Digital Surround) and JBL Home Cinema speakers (5 satellite speakers plus a 10" powered subwoofer). The receiver was $300 and the speakers were around $500. I've been very happy with the results.

JonesNTN · June 10, 2003

Yamaha is an excellent receiver for the $$$. I generally don't like the Home theater in a box type stuff, but my folks got a RCA from sams for around $300 that kicks some butt.

MarkD · June 10, 2003

would it hurt to run the turntable through the tape 2 or VCR 2 channel?

As long as the turntable has the proper outputs, it shouldn't hurt. You just have to remember that pressing "VCR" gets you the Beatles...Not a movie.

As far as the speakers and receiver go.

-whats the budget?

-just music, or movies too?

-how big of a room?

-are you brand loyal?

I have done quite a few home stereo and/or theater setups..I'm no pro, but I can usually get pretty good sound in a space on a budget.

I was going to say the same thing.

MarkD · June 10, 2003

Thanks guys. Keep the input coming.

I've found quite a few on Crutchfield that would fit my purpose, but most of them are receiver only for $300+.

I also found one Home Theater System that looked like it would probably work for $500.

Are you talking about the Sony $500 home theater (on sale). A friend has an older version of this setup and it sounds good.

I would really like to stay under $500, and would love to get something between $300-400.

You can probably stretch your dollars if you buy from a discounted online dealer. You CAN NOT BEAT Crutchfields Customer Service OR Support.

I would be happy if I got the receiver and two good speakers, and added on the sub and surround speakers later. I don't have alot of room right now, but I would like to add to the system as time goes on.

Paradigm has some AWESOME smaller separates (speakers) for about $300 a pair. If you don't buy a "system" you may want to look at them.

Paradigm Stylus

If you are interested in upgrade-ability. I would buy a decent ($100-$200 receiver w/ 40 wpc rms (all you need) or more. Spend the rest on speakers, you will get your best "bang for buck" with speakers. Later add a carousel DVD/CD/MP3 player for about $200 (like the Sony 655 which is now selling discounted).

Now that I know I can run the turntable through a Tape 2 or VCR 2 channel I might find something at a lower price than what I've been finding.

That should not be a problem. Make sure the frequency response for all inputs is 20-20k+ in order to get the "ambience" associated with vinyl.

HTH

Jersey Tahoe LT · June 10, 2003

I bought a Sony Reciever, and Sony Speakers. They were seperate pieces. I built it up. It is an incredible sound. It is much better than my dads Sony Box set up. But the one my dad got is incredible for the price. At $250. He got Dolby 5.1 with speakers. Go to a Bj's, Cosco, or Sams Club. Check them out for the hell of it. Or a refurbished shop. If you lived anywhere near Middletown NY they have a Sony Refurb shop where I got my stuff. I am sure there are others. Good luck

Later,

Brandon

melbertbloosfan · June 10, 2003

I'm looking to buy some home audio equipment.

I'm looking for a receiver and speakers.

I have a CD changer and turntable lined up right now from a friend, but I need the receiver and speakers first. It has to be compatiable with a turntable or I'm not interested at all. This is the main reason I'm making this investment because my turntable finally died and I can't listen to my Vinyl collection.

I would like to have the capability to eventually run a tape deck, but that is not a requirement. Also I would like the capability to run my DVD or VCR through it too, but this is also not a requirement.

Anybody have any suggestions for a reasonably priced receiver and speakers that I can add the other stuff to later?

I've been looking at Sears and Best Buy so far, but the ones I find with Phono Jacks are pretty exspensive for just the receiver. The speakers will make them even more exspensive.

Elwood, great receiver on EBAY is the Pioneer 811S. (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3029518999&category=39799) Last years model but all the bells and whistles. $215 plus shipping. Then run (don't walk) out and buy some Paradigm atoms or, preferably, Titans. Excellent 2-channel set-up for now and easily upgradeable to a 5.1 or 6.1 dobly digital set-up when the funds come in.

I love Paradigm speakers, very neutral, excellent build quality. The Pio is (was) considered the best (budget) bang for the buck last year on all the Home Theater Forums. I *think* the AUX input would handle the phono, not sure tho. This pairing would be a great starting point.