Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Stereo newbie - receiver advice please!

Hi all,

I'm pretty new to this audio stuff, just learning the lingo.
Almost bought a pair of Energy C5 speakers today from the folks at BayBloor in Toronto - but their snotty attitude made me reconsider - and am I glad I did. Came home and stumbled across Axiom and all the rave reviews. So, my decision is made - M60s! Unless someone thinks I'm making a grave mistake!

So, now I need help with the receiver. Right now I want the system for cds and mp3s. I listen to a wide range from 70s to jazz, funk and reggae. I will consider HT in a few years from now. So, I'm leaning towards setting myself up with a 2 channel audio system.

So, I can either buy a mid-priced receiver, or a cheaper, older receiver from ebay. Does anyone have any suggestions for a mid-priced receiver $300-400 US - Toshiba? NAD? Denon? Where will I get most bang for my buck in terms of performance? Or, is it wise to look at older models - and do you have any suggestions for great, older receivers? (I've heard good things about Sansui 7070).

look forward to hearing some thoughts/suggestions,

thanks
JJ

$300-$400 US should get you a pretty good new/refurb HT-ready receiver for when you do make the plunge to multi-channel goodness.

I wouldn't take a step back in receiver technology unless you'll swear on a teste that you'll never want digital decoding (DVDs, gaming systems, etc).

Bren R.

JJ, welcome, and be assured that there's no way that you won't be thrilled with the M60s. On the receiver, I'd like to suggest that you may be interested in getting surround sound(e.g. QSs)for both music(using DPLIIx)and movies sooner than you think. In my view getting a multi-channel receiver with full surround features is a better move than getting a 2-channel unit, even if you don't use its full capabilities at this time. An excellent receiver in your price range is the Pioneer 1014, available for $350-$400.

I was just in a similar situation. I plan on HT in a few years, and for now I thought the 2 channel stereo was fine for me, as I listen to music 95% of the time. I ended up getting a Denon DRA-395 with 80W/channel - plenty of power.
I paid $300 + tax (I was lucky to find it on sale locally.)
It has a phono input (important to me) and a sub-woofer input, nice if you decide you want to add a sub. I just got my M60s last week, and so far I'm thrilled, the system sounds great, no need for a sub-woofer at all. (Maybe I don't know what I'm missing?) I also listen to a wide variety of music, lots of alternative rock, classic jazz, blues, classic rock, blue grass, alternative country. I come home after work every day eager to try out a CD I've thought of at work. I'm got plenty to choose from, as I have over 3,000 CDs and 6,000 LPs. I also wondered if I should get an AV receiver, it's still early, but so far I'm very happy going the two channel route. Now I just need to win the lottery so I can blow big $ on a HT system. Happy hunting.

If you're only planning on 2 channels then you could consider a Harmon Kardon HK 3480. Lot's of power to let those M60's loose.

HK

Take a look at the Denon refurbs on ecost. Great prices and working with ecost is pretty much a positive experience. I picked up a DenonDVM-4800 from them LY and several other folks on the board have also usesd them, including a large spate of DVD-2200 purchases recently. You can save some serious $$ going this route.