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AVR for speakers

ArchDevil

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Hi,
I just got my first Bookshelf Speakers Polk XT15.
I am looking to get a used AVR instead of an AMP because i would like to use HDMI ARC so i can control the volume from one remote and also i would add a sub later and who knows maybe a center channel in the future but right now 2.0 set and sub later.
I have several old used AVR's here locally and i would like to ask if do i need to look for anything specific to run the 2.1 and 3.1 maybe in the future setup?
All i know is i want ARC to be supported of ease of control.
There is different power outputs on different AVRs and i would like to know what power specs should i look for?
Right now i found a used Sony STR-DH590 for 150$.
New to the speakers space
 

DVDdoug

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There is different power outputs on different AVRs and i would like to know what power specs should i look for?
Most AVRs have plenty of power so it shouldn't be a problem. "Typical listening" in an average living room is usually just a few watts. But when you want to go loud, it gets complicated... +3dB (a small volume increase) requires twice the power and +10dB (generally perceived as twice as loud) requires 10 times the power.

also i would add a sub later
That would probably make a big difference since the Polks have small woofers. And if you ever go "full surround" a subwoofer is required for the "point one" LFE (low frequency effects) channel. The other channels contain regular bass but the LFE is only routed to the sub.

In case you don't know this, the subwoofer output on an AVR is line-level so you need an active/powered sub (and most subs are active).

and who knows maybe a center channel in the future but right now 2.0 set and sub later.
With movies, the rear channels are more important and make a bigger difference than the center. ...I wouldn't add a center without rear speakers.
 
OP
ArchDevil

ArchDevil

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Most AVRs have plenty of power so it shouldn't be a problem. "Typical listening" in an average living room is usually just a few watts. But when you want to go loud, it gets complicated... +3dB (a small volume increase) requires twice the power and +10dB (generally perceived as twice as loud) requires 10 times the power.

That would probably make a big difference since the Polks have small woofers. And if you ever go "full surround" a subwoofer is required for the "point one" LFE (low frequency effects) channel. The other channels contain regular bass but the LFE is only routed to the sub.

In case you don't know this, the subwoofer output on an AVR is line-level so you need an active/powered sub (and most subs are active).

With movies, the rear channels are more important and make a bigger difference than the center. ...I wouldn't add a center without rear speakers.
Yes i know adding a sub will make a big difference but my living room right now is not big so at the moment i want to try just 2.0 as this is my first speakers and later I'll add a subwoofer. I don't listen on High volume anyway.
So basically any 5.1+ AVR with ARC will do? Ok!
What about even the older 10ish years ones?
These are the options i find locally that in good conditions:
Sony STR-DH590 -150$
Pioneer VSX-423 - 140$
Pioneer VSX-330 / 329 - 125$
 
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Head_Unit

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What about even the older 10ish years ones?
Probably still working fine, and you can save big $$$ on used AVRs. You are absolutely correct to get an AVR for "just stereo" due to ARC and bass management. However from personal experience I'm a big believer in good room correction with or without a subwoofer, and longtime Denon satisfied guy whereas my brother had several poor Sony experiences. Receivers have pretty much the same power, since our hearing is logarithmic. That said, power should be rated 20-20k Hz, distortion below 1%. Few are rated at 4 ohms so never mind about that. I'd look for
- Denon with Audyssey XT32, hopefully new enough to be App compatible, like an AVR-2312Ci I have at one place.
- ARC Genesis room correction I have also used and very good but those Anthem are $$$. Dirac is supposed to be good but not in any budget used stuff AFAIK.
- Really old receivers will not have Dolby TrueHD or DTS MasterAudio decoding. Hint: anything that says "Dolby EX" is likely too old, that's outmoded.
This https://www.ebay.com/itm/165806772147 has a lesser flavor of Audyssey but good for the price depending on final bid, and you have to get/make a foot and get a remote. Also this one https://www.ebay.com/itm/155142498335
This https://www.ebay.com/itm/144830050530 also has AirPlay, incredibly convenient if you are an AppleHead. Even if not, you can use a cheap used SIMless phone as a controller and stream whatever. This one also https://www.ebay.com/itm/265939991029
What Craigslist area are you in?
 
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ArchDevil

ArchDevil

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Probably still working fine, and you can save big $$$ on used AVRs. You are absolutely correct to get an AVR for "just stereo" due to ARC and bass management. However from personal experience I'm a big believer in good room correction with or without a subwoofer, and longtime Denon satisfied guy whereas my brother had several poor Sony experiences. Receivers have pretty much the same power, since our hearing is logarithmic. That said, power should be rated 20-20k Hz, distortion below 1%. Few are rated at 4 ohms so never mind about that. I'd look for
- Denon with Audyssey XT32, hopefully new enough to be App compatible, like an AVR-2312Ci I have at one place.
- ARC Genesis room correction I have also used and very good but those Anthem are $$$. Dirac is supposed to be good but not in any budget used stuff AFAIK.
- Really old receivers will not have Dolby TrueHD or DTS MasterAudio decoding. Hint: anything that says "Dolby EX" is likely too old, that's outmoded.
This https://www.ebay.com/itm/165806772147 has a lesser flavor of Audyssey but good for the price depending on final bid, and you have to get/make a foot and get a remote. Also this one https://www.ebay.com/itm/155142498335
This https://www.ebay.com/itm/144830050530 also has AirPlay, incredibly convenient if you are an AppleHead. Even if not, you can use a cheap used SIMless phone as a controller and stream whatever. This one also https://www.ebay.com/itm/265939991029
What Craigslist area are you in?
I am on in US or Canada so no craiglist here.
I am in the Middle East and there is very limited options of used. that's why i listed what was available near me.
I picked a VSX-524 in good condition for 120$.
While it says it have Dolby TrueHD, i am not expending the system to 5.1 or higher due to space limit so i don't think those codecs will come in any help as they are for surround system only am i right?
Sadly there were no Denon options available that are not for a ridiculous price..
 

Head_Unit

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While it says it have Dolby TrueHD, i am not expending the system to 5.1 or higher due to space limit so i don't think those codecs will come in any help as they are for surround system only am i right?
Ah that is true, stereo is always available uncompressed. I hope your "new" receiver helps out!
 
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