Looking for Stereo 2.1 AV Receiver/Amp Advice

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  Morien on 10/04/2022 - 22:59

  Out of the options you listed, I can only see that the Cambridge Audio support dual zones. May be wrong, though.

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  Cartmanizm on 10/04/2022 - 23:03

  I would definitely consider the second hand market options. I picked up a Marantz SR7005 on eBay back in Feb for just $475, in brand new condition. Using it to drive my PC 5.1 setup. I would say there is much more supply for HT receivers, with previous owners upgrading to get higher video resolution/tech, and if you don't need the latest video capabilities it then there are good deals around.

  If you are using your laptop as a source I'd definitely output via HDMI and let the receiver perform the DAC functions. No need to use a soundcard/RCA.

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    AncientWisdom on 11/04/2022 - 14:09

    Thanks. FYI the receiver will not be connected to a TV at all in this instance.

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  spackbace on 10/04/2022 - 23:21

  I feel it's not that much more for a 5.1 with multi-room.

  My Yamaha 7.2 for atmos was a touch under $1k and does multi-room, but I know there's 5.1 units for $700-800 that do the same thing and support all the modern stuff.

  Multi-room would be easier if you don't want both outside and inside playing at once

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    AncientWisdom on 11/04/2022 - 14:02

    Yes but would money be better spent on a receiver with less features (e.g. sourround) - as in better sound quality?

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      spackbace on 11/04/2022 - 14:06

      I don't believe you'd get any difference in sq at that dollar value

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  Elppa8 on 11/04/2022 - 00:50

  I’m pretty sure by going into settings on a 5.1 receiver you can select a 2.1 setup.

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  p1 ama on 11/04/2022 - 00:55

  +1

  There's lots of information out there on Home Theatre stuff, but a lot less on stereo set ups (which don't cost $$$$).

  I might offend some people, but both are exactly the same principles. Oftentimes, the best way to get a good stereo setup is to go with an affordable AV receiver.

  • 

    AncientWisdom on 11/04/2022 - 14:03

    Yeah that's kind of what I'm trying to work out.

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  AncientWisdom on 11/04/2022 - 14:07

  I just realised maybe something that I'm taking for granted shouldn't be – what I'm looking for is the best sound quality for the money spent.

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    spackbace on 11/04/2022 - 14:37

    SQ is mainly relevant on your source and setup. Spotify = you shouldn't care as much about SQ. Tidal would make more of a difference than the brand difference between receivers. Then there's the setup, how good/bad the output is from your laptop.

    For clarity, I bought a Yamaha V6A for my stereo setup as I wanted good bang for buck for all the latest formats. Does get well reviewed for the sound for it's price, without spending stupid amounts.

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      AncientWisdom on 11/04/2022 - 17:21

      The output from my laptop is as good as it can be, loseless with a very good sound card.

      • 

        spackbace on 11/04/2022 - 17:22

        What speakers are you running?

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          AncientWisdom on 11/04/2022 - 17:57

          @spackbace: Yeah that's the next step for me. Short term I have a couple of 20 year old Wharfedale floor speakers. But the long term would be to find good wall mounted speakers (cabling was done as part of the house build) both in the lounge and the verenda (undercover but otherwise open to the elements).

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  Socialsuicide01 on 13/04/2022 - 20:23

  https://www.stereonet.com/forums/topic/538335-fs-luxman-sq-7…
  $400 for a classic.

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    AncientWisdom on 13/04/2022 - 23:32

    What a thing of beauty!

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  Socialsuicide01 on 13/04/2022 - 23:26

  https://www.stereonet.com/forums/topic/538459-fs-marantz-nr1…
  The amp supports 2 separate zones

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    AncientWisdom on 13/04/2022 - 23:34

    Thank you very much for the suggestions!

    I have a question - is 50w per channel sufficient, for say throwing a house party, while maintaing SQ?

    For the record I'm happy to spend more to the (elusive) point of diminishing returns.

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    AncientWisdom on 13/04/2022 - 23:37

    Another option I was suggested - https://www.stereonet.com/forums/topic/538065-marantz-pm6007…

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  desync on 27/06/2022 - 04:03

  you've probably already purchased by now but i'll weigh in on an a sensational ozbargainesq deal

  for best bang for buck it's hard to beat a class D amp with those cheap texas instruments chip

  i've got a douk audio 2.1 unit powering a pair of q acoustics 3010s and a sony 10" passive sub and it sounds excellent, shouldn't sound this good for the $90 i spent on it, amazing value, bluetooth aptx was a nice touch as well - similar to this but a different model - wouldn't be surprised if the insides are the same
  https://doukaudio.com/collections/digital-amplifier/products…

  douk also sell under brands nobsound and brzhifi, not sure if all the other brands of the same, there are some much cheapers ones if you dig around

  fosi is another brand i came across before i purchased
  https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/203685290725

  btw those watts are RMS but you'll need to run the chips at max 24v to get it so make sure the included power supply is rated highly enough, plenty of reviews on youtube about these magnificent little class Ds