[Dark_Archon]

I've been looking at a receiver and speakers to get. For the receiver, I'm considering going with an Onkyo home theater receiver with optical-in, because the DAC in the receivers is better than the one on my onboard Realtek audio chipset, so I could pass the digital signal right from my computer to the receiver. I'd be getting it to use with some stereo speakers(not picked out yet... looking at Polk speakers), and my Sennheiser HD 555s.

I'm specifically looking at Onkyo TX-SR304, and TX-SR505(Both available on EBay for less than $200). Has anybody used either of these, or can anybody suggest something different.

Would I be better off just using the analogue Line-Out, and getting a stereo reciever instead of a home theater receiver?

All my music is in ALAC.

 

[TheVinylRipper]

I've never had Onkyo but I understand they are a good brand and I have had friends who were happy with them.

The onboard soundcard is probably not worth using if you can get a receiver with digital inputs.

I have an old Yamaha RX500U, but I've had good success with Harman Kardon in the past.

http://www.amazon.com/Harman-Kardon-...375837&sr=1-23

 

[Dark_Archon]

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheVinylRipper /img/forum/go_quote.gif http://www.amazon.com/Harman-Kardon-...375837&sr=1-23

Ohhhhh...

I haven't heard anything but good stuff about Harman Kardon equipment, and it is in my price range. Thanks for posting the link!

 

[TheVinylRipper]

To tell you the truth I was amazed at how much you can get for $200.

You're welcome..

 

[Dark_Archon]

Would that receiver work well with Polk Monitor 30's(available for $150)? Is there another speaker anybody would suggest for <$150?

 

[TheVinylRipper]

The Polks are spec'd at 20 - 100 watts per channel so I would say they are very well matched to the HK.

You might want to look here for them though.

http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Polk-Monitor...QQcmdZViewItem

 

[TheVinylRipper]

These are a touch more money but probably have a better tweeter (EMIT-R) and they come with some nice mounting brackets.

They also are about 1 db more sensitive so they will get very slightly louder than the Polks with the same power input. And they also are rated at 6 ohms rather than 8 which might be a slightly better match for the HK's high current output.

It's a matter of taste really, which one looks better to you..

http://cgi.ebay.com/INFINITY-INFINIT...QQcmdZViewItem

 

[nickofall]

Get a Harman Kardon Stereo Receiver, you won't be disappointed.

You can pair it with an external DAC, or check out the Outlaw RR2150, which has a built in USB DAC.

http://www.outlawaudio.com/products/rr2150.html

My Setup:
Apple 12" Powerbook
Western Digital 320GB My Book Essential USB 2.0 External Hard Drive
iTunes 4.07
Apple Airport Express Wi-Fi HUB
Dayton GOC-3 Glass TOSlink Optical Digital Cable + TOSlink mini adapter
Entech Number Cruncher 205.2 DAC
Zebra Cables 4' INTC-F with Locking RCA connectors
Harman Kardon HK3480 Stereo Receiver
Ascend Acoustics CMT-340SE Speakers
HSU STF-1 Subwoofer (coming soon)

 

[Dark_Archon]

The problem is I have a $350 budget, and that includes speakers.