Effective receiver for running a 2.1 HT set-up? (1 Viewer)

[calvin_b]

I'm currently looking for the best combination for a 2.1 HT set-up. No clue on the speakers yet, but they will for sure be bookshelves (furniture restriction).

I know this is not asked very often, but what receiver will be best for powering just 2 speakers? It will be ran in the phantom mode to simulate a center.

Any suggestions toward receivers or speakers would be helpful. I am restricted to a budget around $750 for the whole combo.

Thanks, in advance

 

[gene c]

For stereo, the common suggestions are Onkyo and Harman Kardon. For those with a higher budget, the Outlaw 2150 looks good. It has a subwoofer output with real bass management but costs $649. I'm currently drooling over their 1070 avr.

 

[FeisalK]

calvin,

check out Panasonic XR55 or XR57 DUAL-AMP mode



and this thread about the AV123 x-ls speaker

 

[calvin_b]

FeisalK, you just pretty much picked my receiver for me I was looking for a receiver that I may want to use later on when I upgrade, and as of now, all my components are silver. A smaller receiver is perfect, as well (as space is limited).

So that Dual Amp Drive diagram you attached above isn't a specific way I have to wire it myself, it's just the way the XR55 and XR57's run the speakers, right?

I want to understand this fully: a- you suggested this receiver because it'll drive a 2.1 set-up better than other receivers because of the way it runs in 2-channel mode, and b- since HDMI is video and audio, i need 2 HDMI cables, right? one from the source to the receiver, then from the receiver to the TV? im guessing the HDMI-capable receiver acts as a switcher for a few sources.

 

[FeisalK]

Dual amp drive works without having to rewire anything - in fact it'll work even if you hook up a 5.1 but choose stereo playback (with the XR57 dual amp even works in 5.1 mode)

but if you are running purely in 2.1 you can TRIPLE amp, but this needs bi-wiring - if your speakers support it - how-to is in the receiver manual

Note that the XR57 isn't a switcher it has only one HDMI input and output, and cannot convert video from other inputs.

I'm suggesting it because it sounds great - how do you feel about B&W 802Ds

 

[calvin_b]

but if i were to want to run HDMI from my blu-ray player, i have to buy 2 HDMI cables, correct? source -- receiver -- tv.

 

[FeisalK]

yes