New Modern Receiver for Older Floor Standing Speakers - JBL4800's

[Faceman]

Audio Newbie looking for some help with some older speakers trying to get them to work with more modern audio gear.  Basically need a receiver that will allow these older speakers to connect with modern TVs, gaming consoles, and with Bluetooth.
 
I have two JBL 4800s, and two Technics SB-S15s.  I really know next to nothing when it comes to Watts, Impedence, etc.. other than the vocabulary look up on this website.  I need the lowest cost, yet effective receiver capable of powering these speakers, but with the ability to hook up with modern devices.  This isn't required, but I would also like the option to add a dedicated subwoofer in the future if I want to expand.
 
Any and all help would be awesome.  Thank you in advance!
 

 

 

 

[bierdc]

Any modern receiver could power these. Eight ohms (impedance) is typical for home speakers, so you won't break anything. The JBLs look well-suited power-wise to virtually any receiver you can buy. The Technics look a little weaker in power-handling, and you might want to shop at the lower-end of receivers for those (unless you're using them for surround, which uses very little power).
 
Personally, I'm a fan of Harman/Kardon receivers (especially the older ones back when they used some of the beefiest power supplies in the market), but I've had great luck with Yamaha in the past, and Denon and Marantz are big names, too.
 
I had an Onkyo once, and it sounded nice, but it ran hot as an oven even at idle and didn't have nearly as much gain as my other receivers, so it's not really up there in terms of personal recommendations. Of course, that could be limited to the model that I had. I've heard from some others too, though, that Onkyo's reputation is nice technology for a nice price, but a tradeoff in reliability.
 
I believe what you want to look for is a receiver with HDMI switching. Most 5.1+ receivers have that these days--but as always, check before you buy.

 

[bierdc]

If you're looking for a specific low-end recommendation, I can recommend the Harman/Kardon AVR1510 from personal experience.
 
https://www.amazon.com/Harman-Kardon-AVR-1510-5-1-Channel/dp/B00CMNZH1A/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1468735056&sr=8-2&keywords=receiver&refinements=p_89%3AHarman+Kardon
 
A few years ago I set one up in my parents' living room, and it gets used probably 10+hours per day, virtually every day. It has been rock solid. It runs relatively cool, sounds as good as you can expect in the class (hint: speakers make way more difference than receiver brand), looks great, and has four HDMI inputs. I believe our only complaints were that the volume buttons on the remote don't stand out very well (but you can still find them without looking once you've used them for a while).
 
As far as the Bluetooth goes, I don't believe it has it built in, but you can buy a dongle for it. The Harman/Kardon one is kind of expensive for what it is ($30-40), so you could alternatively find a cheaper Bluetooth receiver dongle (maybe $10-15?) and plug it in to the analog inputs on the receiver (for battery-powered dongles, you'll have to find a way to keep it charged.. I used an old USB phone charger to plug it in). The Harman/Kardon might be more convenient to use and possibly sound better if you don't mind the cost, however.
 
Of course, there are probably several newer comparable receivers with more features by now. I haven't shopped around for a while. As long as it's a recognizable brand, it should be a solid performer.

 

[Faceman]

  If you're looking for a specific low-end recommendation, I can recommend the Harman/Kardon AVR1510 from personal experience.
 
https://www.amazon.com/Harman-Kardon-AVR-1510-5-1-Channel/dp/B00CMNZH1A/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1468735056&sr=8-2&keywords=receiver&refinements=p_89%3AHarman+Kardon
 
A few years ago I set one up in my parents' living room, and it gets used probably 10+hours per day, virtually every day. It has been rock solid. It runs relatively cool, sounds as good as you can expect in the class (hint: speakers make way more difference than receiver brand), looks great, and has four HDMI inputs. I believe our only complaints were that the volume buttons on the remote don't stand out very well (but you can still find them without looking once you've used them for a while).
 
As far as the Bluetooth goes, I don't believe it has it built in, but you can buy a dongle for it. The Harman/Kardon one is kind of expensive for what it is ($30-40), so you could alternatively find a cheaper Bluetooth receiver dongle (maybe $10-15?) and plug it in to the analog inputs on the receiver (for battery-powered dongles, you'll have to find a way to keep it charged.. I used an old USB phone charger to plug it in). The Harman/Kardon might be more convenient to use and possibly sound better if you don't mind the cost, however.
 
Of course, there are probably several newer comparable receivers with more features by now. I haven't shopped around for a while. As long as it's a recognizable brand, it should be a solid performer.

If you had to, which of these two are better?
 
https://www.amazon.com/Denon-AVR-S510BT-Channel-Receiver-Bluetooth/dp/B00YAO43YG/ref=sr_1_8?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1468736136&sr=1-8&keywords=Receiver+with+bluetooth
 
or
 
https://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-RX-V379BL-5-1-Channel-Receiver-Bluetooth/dp/B00V5VJ3TM/ref=sr_1_11?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1468736136&sr=1-11&keywords=Receiver+with+bluetooth

 

[bierdc]

I imagine you'd be pleased with either, as they're both reputable brands. I'd say take your gut feeling or desire.
 
Personally, and this should probably mean nothing to you, I've enjoyed the Yamahas I've had in the past, so that, combined with the lower price, would be my choice. The Denon has a few more features and a tad more power on paper, but that's something you'd have to consider for yourself. The Yamaha should be no slouch.

 

[PurpleAngel]

  If you had to, which of these two are better?
https://www.amazon.com/Denon-AVR-S510BT-Channel-Receiver-Bluetooth/dp/B00YAO43YG/ref=sr_1_8?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1468736136&sr=1-8&keywords=Receiver+with+bluetooth
or
https://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-RX-V379BL-5-1-Channel-Receiver-Bluetooth/dp/B00V5VJ3TM/ref=sr_1_11?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1468736136&sr=1-11&keywords=Receiver+with+bluetooth

 
Not sure between those two choices.
But here are some great deals on refurbish receivers.
http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/category/avreceiver/home-audio/receivers-amps/home-theater-receivers/1.html?&r=578b6e7f&store_price[]=0-337

 

[Faceman]

   
Not sure between those two choices.
But here are some great deals on refurbish receivers.
http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/category/avreceiver/home-audio/receivers-amps/home-theater-receivers/1.html?&r=578b6e7f&store_price[]=0-337

Overall, would you say that the equipment found on this website is good quality and will last?

 

[PurpleAngel]

 
Overall, would you say that the equipment found on this website is good quality and will last?

 
I would assume so.
The refurbs usually come with a 12 or 18 month warranty, from the factory.
I've been watching that site for months, looking to upgrade from my Yamaha RX-V671 receiver.
But so far have not been able to justify enough to myself, for what might be minimal upgrade, for a reasonable price.
 
Check their listing on reseller ratings.
http://www.resellerratings.com/store/Accessories_4_Less