Looking for a nice 2 channel receiver for testing speakers?

[Jeff M.]

Good morning everyone. So I am now looking for a nice testing receiver for my speakers. I’m looking for a very low distortion one. It doesn’t have to have radio. Also it has to be able to drive down to 4 ohms. I have a few full range drivers from mark audio that goes down to 3.4 ohms. I haven’t been in the market for a while on buying used or new Equipment. It can be new or used. I would like to keep it below $500.00 if possible? Any suggestions? Reviews or experiences? Thanks Jeff

 

[staticV3]

It doesn’t have to have radio

What does the receiver have to have?

For loudspeaker testing, a pure power Amp is usually the tool of choice.

 

[Jeff M.]

Awesome. So what amplifier do you recommend and I would need a pre amp as well? Or would an integrated amplifier do the same thing without the separates?

 

[staticV3]

Still a bit confused about the use case here tbh.

What does "testing" entail exactly? Just listening? Or more scientific tests?

If the latter, then you'd typically look for a Mono Amp, not Stereo.

 

[Jeff M.]

Sorry for the confusion. Scientific testing. Measuring the speaker drivers out of the box they came in. Then measuring the drivers after a few days at low volume . Then measure each channels speakers proto type and keep tweaking the speakers in-till I get the frequency response I am looking for. I hope this clears things up. Jeff

 

[Jeff M.]

Would this one be okay or would the fan add to the back round noise? It has a mono switch. I can always put an acoustic foam panel behind it to absorb the fan noise no problem . Looks like it’s on back order.

 

[staticV3]

Sorry for the confusion. Scientific testing. Measuring the speaker drivers out of the box they came in. Then measuring the drivers after a few days at low volume . Then measure each channels speakers proto type and keep tweaking the speakers in-till I get the frequency response I am looking for. I hope this clears things up. Jeff

What's the use case for Stereo here?

 

[Jeff M.]

I wanted to use the same amplifier for breaking my drivers in and then swapping the amplifier out for testing. Saving money and killing 2 birds with 1 stone. You’re right I have 1 microphone so only 1 speaker can be tested.

 

[staticV3]

I wanted to use the same amplifier for breaking my drivers in and then swapping the amplifier out for testing. Saving money and killing 2 birds with 1 stone. You’re right I have 1 microphone so only 1 speaker can be tested.

Ah ok, got it.

For testing, I'd highly prefer a clean A/B or B Power Amp with switchable gain but no volume pot (for repeatability).

The Topping B100 is attractive there, due to switchable L/M/H gain, no load dependency, and class-leading noise and distortion.

Only thing you'd have to make sure of is whether it has enough headroom for your purpose.

Getting a Stereo Amp of the same quality for breaking in drivers seems like a waste as that has pretty different requirements.

For break-in, I'd prefer a volume pot and cheap power (Class D), the rest doesn't really matter.

 

[Jeff M.]

Sounds good. I will look into the Topping B100. Now the volume pod I can get but, cheap power what did you have in mind as what brand and does it matter if it’s A or B or Class D amplification? I going to need some help getting the break in amplifier suggestions. Thanks so much.Jeff

 

[staticV3]

Sounds good. I will look into the Topping B100. Now the volume pod I can get but, cheap power what did you have in mind as what brand and does it matter if it’s A or B or Class D amplification? I going to need some help getting the break in amplifier suggestions. Thanks so much.Jeff

Go-to brands for cheap power are Fosi, Aiyima, Crown, Behringer.

Check Amir's reviews using the search function in the top right corner (Search titles only + By: amirm)

 

[Jeff M.]

Okay will do. Thanks again. Jeff