Need a home stereo receiver...

[EAGLE5]

I'd like it to be able to stream 24-bit FLAC from a server, either via wifi or ethernet. Digital audio in from the TV is a must. 2.0 or 2.1 channel is all I really need, never going to install surround, but being able to decode high quality current movie audio is good. Plus I wouldn't mind if it were a center for all the HDMI inputs. 4k and the newest HD10 and such is good, but not planning on replacing the 1080p TV until i can get 8k oled, so 4k is unnecessary. I have a Carver a500x poweramp, so this could all be done with a good preamp receiver, I guess. Just need RCA outs. McIntosh LS310 speakers. 4ohms 200 watts. So the Carver can handle them, but if I can get all in one, that'd be nice. Low-end audiophile is my range, iI think. or high end consumer. Thoughts?

[soundman98]

I'm running a Yamaha RX-A2070. Somewhat overkill in terms of channels for your setup, but it supports multizone, and my favorite, bi-amping. It's got a server connection function that i haven't tried, i usually just stream random internet stations every day.

I specifically got it, as dumb as it sounds(for the price point), because the display shows which speakers are active. I originally wanted a marantz, but all their SR series that have similar features have that stupid little round main display...

[EAGLE5]

Originally Posted by soundman98

I'm running a Yamaha RX-A2070. Somewhat overkill in terms of channels for your setup, but it supports multizone, and my favorite, bi-amping. It's got a server connection function that i haven't tried, i usually just stream random internet stations every day.

I specifically got it, as dumb as it sounds(for the price point), because the display shows which speakers are active. I originally wanted a marantz, but all their SR series that have similar features have that stupid little round main display...

It looks good, but paying 2-5 times more for all the channels I'll never use would be a waste. Quality wise, I'm sure it would be fine, though. The other issue is that a lot of these amps are rated for 6-8 oh,s and my speakers are 4 ohms. I can always use my external amp, then, but I'd kinda like to dump it and just go with one box at this point.

[cjd]

I have no idea if all your requirements would be met, but I've been really happy with all the stuff I have from Emotiva. Give them a look.


Onkyo is fine with a 4ohm load, but unless they've fixed things, their HDMI connections can be finicky.



I don't think you'll be able to decode ANY of the fancy movie sound layers without a receiver that can handle them on the assumption you have a 5.1 or 7.1 or something fancy - though you can often downmix to stereo.


I stream FLAC via a squeezecenter server and various devices... including raspberry pi's set up as receivers (add a halfway decent DAC for useful results, or use HDMI). Trying to find one thing that does it all is never useful in my experience. It forces you to change everything if any one piece of the puzzle needs to be changed.

[soundman98]

Originally Posted by jsimon7777

It looks good, but paying 2-5 times more for all the channels I'll never use would be a waste. Quality wise, I'm sure it would be fine, though. The other issue is that a lot of these amps are rated for 6-8 oh,s and my speakers are 4 ohms. I can always use my external amp, then, but I'd kinda like to dump it and just go with one box at this point.

completely understandable.

hmm. most home receivers aren't very happy with a 4 ohm load. i don't know of any that would work for that from memory.

[krayzie]

Originally Posted by soundman98

hmm. most home receivers aren't very happy with a 4 ohm load. i don't know of any that would work for that from memory.

Probably those modern Class D amplifiers can't handle 4 ohm nominal load.

[EAGLE5]

Originally Posted by cjd

I have no idea if all your requirements would be met, but I've been really happy with all the stuff I have from Emotiva. Give them a look.


Onkyo is fine with a 4ohm load, but unless they've fixed things, their HDMI connections can be finicky.



I don't think you'll be able to decode ANY of the fancy movie sound layers without a receiver that can handle them on the assumption you have a 5.1 or 7.1 or something fancy - though you can often downmix to stereo.


I stream FLAC via a squeezecenter server and various devices... including raspberry pi's set up as receivers (add a halfway decent DAC for useful results, or use HDMI). Trying to find one thing that does it all is never useful in my experience. It forces you to change everything if any one piece of the puzzle needs to be changed.

Originally Posted by krayzie

Probably those modern Class D amplifiers can't handle 4 ohm nominal load.

Only at low volumes, no bass, and they sound like shit.

[EAGLE5]

The AV receivers really aren't designed for 4ohm speakers. I have the standalone amp, but it has no remote, so I'd want something with a power plug passthrough.

[Clipdat]

Budget?

[EAGLE5]

Originally Posted by Clipdat

Budget?

Less than 1000.

Saw the Yamaha RX-V2085 for 800. That's a good AV receiver, but it's got a ton of channels I'll never use and doesn't drive two channels at 4 ohms well, so then I'd need my amp still.

[EAGLE5]

Also these speakers are biamp ready, 2500hz crossover, so theoretically, an AVR could be useful for biamping.
Yamaha RX-V2085 for 800
Onkyo TX-RZ630 for 399

[Clipdat]

Originally Posted by jsimon7777

Also these speakers are biamp ready, 2500hz crossover, so theoretically, an AVR could be useful for biamping.
Yamaha RX-V2085 for 800
Onkyo TX-RZ630 for 399

Bi-amping is complex to do correctly. You cannot bi-amp with an AVR. Everything comes from the same power supply. I realize the back of the AVR and the manual mention bi-amping, but that is just marketing.

1k is tough. I was going to reccomend something like this: https://www.elac.com/product/ddp-2-p...-dac-streamer/

[EAGLE5]

Originally Posted by Clipdat

Bi-amping is complex to do correctly. You cannot bi-amp with an AVR. Everything comes from the same power supply. I realize the back of the AVR and the manual mention bi-amping, but that is just marketing.

1k is tough. I was going to reccomend something like this: https://www.elac.com/product/ddp-2-p...-dac-streamer/

Diamond Dallas Page!

No way am I dropping 2500 on a preamp. I mean, my speakers are nice, but they're not that nice, and I'm not upgrading them as they're nice enough for me, both for music and movies. I may as well get a cheap network AVR and just use the preouts then. For <1000, I want to be able to sell off my power amp, or at least have a power plug in the back of the receiver so I don't have to manually turn the amp on and off.

[Clipdat]

Originally Posted by jsimon7777

Diamond Dallas Page!

No way am I dropping 2500 on a preamp. I mean, my speakers are nice, but they're not that nice, and I'm not upgrading them as they're nice enough for me, both for music and movies. I may as well get a cheap network AVR and just use the preouts then. For <1000, I want to be able to sell off my power amp, or at least have a power plug in the back of the receiver so I don't have to manually turn the amp on and off.

Maybe something like this would float your boat? https://www.accessories4less.com/mak...plifier/1.html


A4L is also a good source for cheap AVRs if you decide to go that route.