Suggesstions for low cost receiver/amp for PC audio setup (1 Viewer)

[SQMonte]

Hey guys, i'm in the process of upgrading my PC Audio setup and would like to hear some suggesstions on a decent receiver/amp to run a set of Insignia two ways from Best Buy. My main goal is having a clean signal source that will put enough power to the Insignia's, and I'd like it to have a sub-out so I can run my Dayton Audio sub off of it as well. The sub is powered so I just need the signal.

I'd like to keep it as low profile as possible and don't want to spend more than $200 on it. A T-amp is not an option, i'm not a fan of them, and my speakers sensitivity level isn't high enough to make that choice a wise one.

So let's hear it, what amp/receiver should I get that fits my needs?

 

[Leo Kerr]

There's always the upgrade path. Years ago, I got a Yamaha RX-V870 for my HT receiver. Then I got a DSP-A1, and the 870 moved to the computer. Next upgrade, the 870'll probably go to another computer, the A1 to the computer, and the (____) to the HT.

Alternatively, haunt shops for close-outs/open box specials and things like that.

Leo

 

[SQMonte]

I was just given a Yamaha RX-750 but it's got a horrible crackling sound when the source selector knob is turned so I figured I'd play with that at my leisure and get something for my PC in the meantime since I can't just plug in the Yammy and be happy. I looked around a bit and the Pioneer VSX-518 has caught my attention, anybody ever played with this thing at all? I definitely like the price, $170, and it's got all the connections I want/need, it looks nice, and puts out 120 watts per channel which is plenty power for my Insignia's. I just need to know if I can run it in stereo instead of 5.1, if so, unless people chime in saying it hums or is a complete and total waste of money, I think i'm gonna get it and upgrade as needed.

 

[Leo Kerr]

I'm not familiar with the Pioneer, but I imagine that if you feed it a stereo source with all processing off, it'll play stereo just fine.

The horrible crackles are annoying, but it should be fairly easy. In fact, something that might work is to just (with the power off or the volume very VERY low,) run it rapidly all through the settings, extreme to extreme and back again a couple (dozen) times. It might just be a little gunk on the contacts that you can rub off that way.

Leo

 

[SQMonte]

Well, I hope the Pioneer sounds good, my current setup is a JVC G-70 and while it sounds pretty good, I get a faint humming noise when listening to my headphones at low volume and between songs and notice it without the heaphones too, it's pretty aggravating. Hopefully the Pioneer won't have that issue.

I never thought about doing that on the Yammy, I may have to give that a shot, although the led flickering is disturbing. Because the crackling is synchronized with the led flickering, i'm leaning towards a possible had solder joint but I guess I'll see once I open it up.

 

[Leo Kerr]

Which LED? If it's the source-selected light, then it might still be the same sort of issue, and the same sort of cure might fix it.

The advantage of my "cheap cure" is that it can be done without opening the box! Granted, it might just as easily not work, but...

Leo