2. home-theater
  3. 1345486347

Hate this, I need an AV receiver. Help me choose

Since the manufacturers won't simply put analog audio out jacks on their new TV's, it looks like I will have to buy a crappy AV receiver to get sound to the outboard speakers. TV only has optical digital out which you all know we would never choose between our cherished CD transports and DAC's. It irks me because I have unused amp and preamp that would work just fine for this. I am an old school Tube and 2 channel audiophile. Even though this is only for the TV set up I don't want anything that sounds too crappy. What can you guys recommend for me here that I can find maybe at Best Buy without wasting too many dollars. Any hope in a 5.1 Yamaha for under 300 bucks for example?
hifiharv
stevenmeinster
1 posts
 
Go to audio repair shops ask them if they have any old receivers for sale I got a onkyo tx6500 mk2 for 150.00 it's the best in the world it's 35 years old and is in great condition I can't believe I got it email me at stevenmeinster@yahoo.com I will help check out my videos on YouTube about home audio eq YouTube stevenmeinster there's about 30 videos of me talking about audio eq and gut airs and sound eq
hifiharv OP
351 posts
 
Thanks all for your ideas so far. Sounds like a cheap DAC with toslink might be the best way to go. Don't know why I didn't think of that. Anyone want to recommend something in particular? I am not bothered by the toslink vs coax debate for this application. If I do choose an AV receiver I will consider Onkyo or Denon probably.
Soix, I know it is a yucky way to get center channel, but TV is (maybe was) low priority to us and it's a good way to get rid of the "hole in the middle" effect when using less than optimum amplification and speakers in a bookshelf.
Slikric, the issue here is that although the TV's do have audio outs, they are digital only, so won't work with old school analog components.
Stevenmeinster, A 35 year old receiver won't have digital inputs so that is no better than the seperates I already have.
I would like to have some input on what low cost DAC might be appropriate here if anyone is still listening. Also, I thought about active speakers like the Quads. I believe they have optical inputs. What do you think about that idea?
hifitime
715 posts
 
This has been a common complaint, even more so since Panasonic Plasma TVs became popular, probably due to their lower price when Pioneer was still around.

Don't forget to check your cable, or satellite box, if one is being used. A lot of them have fixed and variable analog outputs.

Before, even a lot of 20" CRT TVs had them. Some had fixed and variable for a choice. Now you could spend thousands for a new set, and not receive them.

Not everyone wants a home theater surround system on all of their sets.
internetmin
258 posts
 
Hifiharv

Call Music Direct in Chicago. www.musicdirect.com

They will likely have a perfect solution for you on which DAC would work within your budget. All the staff there are top notch and won't steer you wrong.

Whether its Peachtree or musical fidelity or another vendor they will point you in the right direction.
soix
9,354 posts
 
"Sounds like a cheap DAC with toslink might be the best way to go."

When I see "cheap" but someone still wants something somewhat decent I automatically think Monoprice. Given your situation for $25 or so this might just do the trick...

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=104&cp_id=10423&cs_id=1042302&p_id=6884&seq=1&format=2
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