Question about what Audio Receiver I should get (1 Viewer)

[Leonardo]

Hi guys,

I am sorry for the beginner question:

I got an Yamaha speaker system NS-AP2600 and a subwoofer system YST-SW012. My goal is to hook them up with my TV, and possibly using it with Amazon Alexa as well. I realized I have to buy an audio receiver but I have no idea what type of specs I should look for. My goal is to buy something that costs no more than 400$. I would prefer getting something from Yamaha since everything else is from it.

How should I start? Do I need to do any math to see how much power will I need? Does anyone know a good audio receiver that would work well with my current equipment? Thanks

 

[JohnRice]

This isn't exactly what you're asking, and I have no personal experience with those speakers, but my gut feeling is the best thing to do is return them and try something like the Energy Take 5.1 system instead.

As far as a receiver, any lower end (I'd avoid the bottom of the line ones) receiver from a reputable manufacturer will be just fine. find the features you want.

 

[Todd Erwin]

I think Leonardo means he has the speakers, not that he just purchased them, as they have been discontinued for some time. These used to be sold as a speaker set or bundled with whatever was Yamaha's entry-level receiver at the time. I actually had these speakers about 20 years ago, and although not great, they weren't necessarily bad, and originally sold for about the same price as the Energy set.

I'd recommend the following receivers (all have Alexa capability):
Yamaha RX-V485BL: $349.95 - Amazon
Yamaha RX-V483BL: $279.95 - Amazon (2017 model)
Denon AVR-S640H: $379.00 - Amazon
Denon AVR-X1400H: $399.00 - Amazon

The Denon AVR-X1400H would be my prime choice of the four, offering the capability to upgrade to 5.1.2 Atmos in the future, and even play around with DTS: Virtual X, which virtually fills in the missing speaker channels. Virtual X is not perfect, but it is the best sounding virtual surround mode I've heard yet. I do not use it, but was impressed with it when it became available on my Denon AVR-S930H receiver. If you are looking to save some money, the Yamaha RX-V483BL is a steal at $280 - it's last year's model, so that is why the clearance price, but the specs are very comparable to this year's 485.