[Curious Ape]

Ok here is the deal I got my speakers about a week ish ago and was waiting on my Lepai TA2020 to arrive and it finally did the other day. I hook everything up and its a piece of junk hums and cuts out at higher volume. I am going to return it asap but I don't know where to look for a replacement.
 
Looking to spend about $100 and get a decent receiver for the price and steer away from the total cheap crap at the $20 dollar ish range.
 
I want to find something and order it asap its sad to let my speakers sit around and go to waste all because I have no amp to power them. Thanks for your help its a frustrating process to order something wait around for it only to have it show up defective.
 
 
EDIT: Amp or stereo receiver I have been looking all over amazon at different reviews and they seem to be across the board but I don't want to make a decision on amazon reviews alone.

 

[obobskivich]

Sony makes a stereo receiver that costs around that much; http://store.sony.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&productId=8198552921666431707 Otherwise I'd shop used.

It will put out more power than the Lepai, so it shouldn't have issues playing louder with those speakers (I have to ask though, how loud are you trying to run these things? I'm curious if you're not just clipping the input into the Lepai).

 

[Curious Ape]

Quote:

Sony makes a stereo receiver that costs around that much; http://store.sony.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&productId=8198552921666431707 Otherwise I'd shop used.
It will put out more power than the Lepai, so it shouldn't have issues playing louder with those speakers (I have to ask though, how loud are you trying to run these things? I'm curious if you're not just clipping the input into the Lepai).

 


Using the spaghetti thin wires that came with the sony's I was having the problem's around 50% computer volume and about 50% on both the bass and volume on the amp. Switched to 16 gauge speaker wire and it moved the problem to about 70% on the amp for bass and volume.
 
Tried on my dad's home speakers klipsch's same problem.
 
Thanks for the reply I will look into it.
 
EDIT: Trying to do some research on this receiver and I cant find any reviews for it anywhere no one has bothered to write one. That is a bit bothersome. The previous model is the dh100 seems to be decently reviewed but there are more worrying reviews than I would like to see on a product. No idea if the newer model is a step forward or back.

 

[obobskivich]

Using the spaghetti thin wires that came with the sony's I was having the problem's around 50% computer volume and about 50% on both the bass and volume on the amp. Switched to 16 gauge speaker wire and it moved the problem to about 70% on the amp for bass and volume.

Tried on my dad's home speakers klipsch's same problem.

Thanks for the reply I will look into it.

Ah, that sounds like it's the amp then! (Klipsch speakers tend to be fairly efficient, and don't need much power to get super-duper loud, so if it's clipping the output trying to drive those at a normal level; that's bad). Still curious how loud that actually is, at clipping onset (I suspect you have this turned up extremely loud), but that's not acceptable imho; I agree with your replacement strategy.

In terms of wire gauge:
http://www.roger-russell.com/wire/wire.htm#wiretable

 

[Curious Ape]

Quote:

Ah, that sounds like it's the amp then! (Klipsch speakers tend to be fairly efficient, and don't need much power to get super-duper loud, so if it's clipping the output trying to drive those at a normal level; that's bad). Still curious how loud that actually is, at clipping onset (I suspect you have this turned up extremely loud), but that's not acceptable imho; I agree with your replacement strategy.
In terms of wire gauge:
http://www.roger-russell.com/wire/wire.htm#wiretable

 


Yes it is louder than I would listen to on a normal basis if I was sitting directly in front of it. However, on the occasion that I was in another room and wanting to listen to them it would be a volume I would like to have it at. By comparison my logitech computer speakers had no problem at that volume and much higher these I would like to consider an upgrade and if they perform worse well then we cant have that. Hope that answers your question since loudness is subjective.
 
I will give it a couple days before pulling the trigger seeing as the speakers are only a 100 dollar system I can only justify a 140 receiver if it is a solid build that will last through more speaker sets along the line. I have till sunday night to take advantage of prime to get it by tuesday so there isnt a rush to get the order in just yet.
 
Guess I shouldnt be surprised the 20 dollar amp sucked. I should have stuck with quality from the beginning.

 

[obobskivich]

Yes it is louder than I would listen to on a normal basis if I was sitting directly in front of it. However, on the occasion that I was in another room and wanting to listen to them it would be a volume I would like to have it at. By comparison my logitech computer speakers had no problem at that volume and much higher these I would like to consider an upgrade and if they perform worse well then we cant have that.

Agreed. I'm not trying to dismiss what you're saying - just trying to get a bead on what's actually going on. If the system cannot play at a relatively loud level without clipping, that's no good.

Hope that answers your question since loudness is subjective.

Actually, loudness (intensity) can be measured and correlated to more concrete values. If you had access to an SPL meter you could figure out exactly how loud you're running it, and compare it to other known metrics and values (for example to see if you're risking your hearing). Some references:
http://myhometheater.homestead.com/splcalculator.html
http://www.physics.mcgill.ca/~guymoore/ph224/notes/lecture11.pdf


On the purchase - that receiver should be available through retailers like Best Buy (or at least something similar to it); see if you can't go try it out in person. Even at $100-$150, you aren't talking very high end equipment - good stereo receivers have been around $500 since the early 1990s. That doesn't mean the Sony unit is bad, but it's likely a lot of plastic and probably doesn't live up to it's rated power numbers as much as we'd like to see (but it should certainly step on the T-amp).

Here's an example of a well put together stereo receiver (that will deliver lots of power, can handle a wide range of loads, and will work with many speakers and other devices):
http://usa.yamaha.com/products/audio-visual/hifi-components/stereo-receivers/rx-797_black__u/?mode=model

You can probably find a better used component than the Sony, but it might take some doing. Check out the "Vintage Receivers" thread for some examples, and look around on Craigslist and eBay for what you can find.

Here's a killer example on Ebay:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Yamaha-HiFi-RX-770-RX-770-Natural-Sound-Stereo-Receiver-W-Owners-Manual-/280888703039?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item416645783f

You can strip the casing off and wash it in something mild (dish soap and bleach, for example) to help kill the "mild aroma" (I would probably assume it reeks like the inside of a cigar factory; it is ebay after all). The 770 is basically the older version of the 797 (and afaik, has the same amplifier).

Here's another example:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Yamaha-DSP-A1000-Digital-Sound-Processing-Home-Theater-Amplifier-/251068273385?pt=US_Home_Audio_Amplifiers_Preamps&hash=item3a74d5d2e9

Costs a bit more, but has many more features (it will do surround sound).

 

[Curious Ape]

Quote:

Quote:

Yes it is louder than I would listen to on a normal basis if I was sitting directly in front of it. However, on the occasion that I was in another room and wanting to listen to them it would be a volume I would like to have it at. By comparison my logitech computer speakers had no problem at that volume and much higher these I would like to consider an upgrade and if they perform worse well then we cant have that.

Agreed. I'm not trying to dismiss what you're saying - just trying to get a bead on what's actually going on. If the system cannot play at a relatively loud level without clipping, that's no good. Quote:

Hope that answers your question since loudness is subjective.

Actually, loudness (intensity) can be measured and correlated to more concrete values. If you had access to an SPL meter you could figure out exactly how loud you're running it, and compare it to other known metrics and values (for example to see if you're risking your hearing). Some references:
http://myhometheater.homestead.com/splcalculator.html
http://www.physics.mcgill.ca/~guymoore/ph224/notes/lecture11.pdf
 

 
That's taking the word loud to a whole new level yeah I have no way to measure it in db's for example. In saying loudness is subjective I more ment to say that tolerance for loud music as well as preference varies, what is loud for me isnt loud for someone else for example, I misspoke. I understand a 150 receiver is not high end equipment if nothing else this forum has taught me how little I can actually afford haha. I am working with a limited budget so I try and do what I can for a reasonable price.
 
I did check and best buy has it in stock I would like to try it out but my only source is my laptop and thats not practical to bring around for testing purposes.

 

[obobskivich]

That's taking the word loud to a whole new level yeah I have no way to measure it in db's for example. In saying loudness is subjective I more ment to say that tolerance for loud music as well as preference varies, what is loud for me isnt loud for someone else for example, I misspoke. I understand a 150 receiver is not high end equipment if nothing else this forum has taught me how little I can actually afford haha. I am working with a limited budget so I try and do what I can for a reasonable price.

I did check and best buy has it in stock I would like to try it out but my only source is my laptop and thats not practical to bring around for testing purposes.

Best Buy should have a CD or DVD player available for you to use; just bring a disc with music you're familiar with. The unit also has an AM/FM tuner that you could source from. Wouldn't worry too much about dragging the laptop along.

I'd also strongly suggest used equipment for consideration - your money will go a lot further in terms of the quality of components you can deal with; especially since you aren't worried about digital or video (which are the hot-words right now), so lots of "outdated" components (like that A-1000) are entirely within your reach (FWIW, that A-1000 was probably better than $2k when it was new).

 

[Curious Ape]

Quote:

Best Buy should have a CD or DVD player available for you to use; just bring a disc with music you're familiar with. The unit also has an AM/FM tuner that you could source from. Wouldn't worry too much about dragging the laptop along.

I'd also strongly suggest used equipment for consideration - your money will go a lot further in terms of the quality of components you can deal with; especially since you aren't worried about digital or video (which are the hot-words right now), so lots of "outdated" components (like that A-1000) are entirely within your reach (FWIW, that A-1000 was probably better than $2k when it was new).

 
I will look around I have a couple days to do my research before making a purchase. I tend to shy away from used for no good reason just the fact that I like to buy new and I often dont like the unknown factor of how people treat their things.
 
Will look into the vintage audio thread you suggested thanks for the input it is really appreciated.

 

[Curious Ape]

Heard anything about this? Looking through my local craigslist listings for receivers.
 
http://www.amazon.com/Kenwood-VR-309-Dolby-Digital-Receiver/dp/B00001ZUJB/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1338537100&sr=1-1-fkmr0
 
EDIT: Or this
 
http://www.amazon.com/Harman-Kardon-Audio-Video-Receiver/dp/B000051SDS/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1338537548&sr=1-1
 
I am not sure the wattage on the first but the speakers recommend to not drive them with anything over 120 watts of output.

 

[obobskivich]

Unfortunately I don't know a lot about Kenwood's AV receivers. I know the "Stage 3" line were state of the art at the time, and the amplifiers are still very good for multi-channel (KM-Z and KM-X), but I also know they've produced *a lot* of garbage over the years, especially through the 1990s.

 

[Curious Ape]

Quote:

Unfortunately I don't know a lot about Kenwood's AV receivers. I know the "Stage 3" line were state of the art at the time, and the amplifiers are still very good for multi-channel (KM-Z and KM-X), but I also know they've produced *a lot* of garbage over the years, especially through the 1990s.

 
Sorry for the barrage of questions but anything about Harmon Kardon or that model?
http://www.amazon.com/Harman-Kardon-Audio-Video-Receiver/dp/B000051SDS/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1338537548&sr=1-1

 

[obobskivich]

Harman/Kardon equipment tends to be very well regarded, and up until very recently (maybe the last two or three years) they were very honest in their power ratings; older equipment fares even better. That unit is probably a great performer, but I can't say I've ever personally owned one.

 

[Curious Ape]

Im liking this one no bells and whistles just good clean sound.
 
http://www.amazon.com/Sony-STR-DE135-Surround-Receiver/dp/B00004VVUQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1338538211&sr=1-1
 
EDIT:
 
How are Onkyo rated if you know?
 
http://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-TX8211-TX-8211-Stereo-Receiver/dp/B00005T3WC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1338539009&sr=8-1
 
EDIT 2
 
One final question for the night thanks so much for letting me pick your brain. The sony speakers say their maximum input is 120 watts. If a receiver says its 2 channel and 70 watts per channel is that 140 watts or just 70? Would it be safe using a 70 watt per channel two channel receiver? Sorry for my ignorance in all this I am pretty new and learning a ton as I go along.
 
Thanks again I will check this thread first thing in the morning.

 

[obobskivich]

Questions in order

1: Looks old, probably not bad, don't pay too much.

2: Onkyo has made some good products, but for the last ~8 years they've been plagued with reliability issues (they all seem to die sooner rather than later; especially the more complex ones) - there's a reason a lot of their $1000+ receivers from 2000-2005 are available for so cheap.

3: No problem at all - 70W refers to the per channel rating, so it's 70x2, your speakers can take a maximum of 120x2. There's no harm in having a smaller amplifier, until it gets to be so small that it runs into clipping, like the Lepai you already have (and if you do that enough, you risk damage to the speakers). The difference between 70 and 120 isn't so great that you should worry about it.