There is nothing worse than an AVR. So if she doesn't care about surround why would you get her an AVR? Get her a stereo receiver. Spend a couple hundred, because it won't matter if you spend a grand nobody will ever know the diff. Get one that looks good, with a nice simple remote and big knobs. Practical stuff that will actually make a difference, as opposed to splitting hairs on sound quality no one will ever notice.
Quality home theatre receiver with quality sound?
Friends Parasound amp from 70s is dying. She is a 70+ widow who listens to music from cds or Music Direct 50% of time and has TV and movies on remaining time. She has Gallo 3.1 speakers and appreciates their quality sound. I need to order her a replacement unit and figured a decent midfi AV receiver would do well for her needs at this point given her budget and demands. She is ok up to $1000. I have honestly paid little attention to this category. I was thinking Marantz as I have had success with their gear for similar prices in quality and sound. Looks like all the midfi guys are in this category, e.g. Denon, Yamaha, Onkyo, etc. Anyone have experience from which they can recommend a unit or brand? She doesn't care about surround sound or multichannel or a subwoofer. Bluetooth would be nice as she runs an IPhone and IPad.
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What kind of Parasound amp? A pre-amp/power amp set, an integrated amp, or a receiver? As MC already stated, a mid-fi AVR would be the worse choice. Typically mediocre sound quality, many unneeded features and overly complicated to operate. Instead of a mid-fi AVR, a 2-channel receiver or an integrated amplifier would be a better choice. |
If she is ok with spending a grand, how about the Outlaw RR2160. https://outlawaudio.com/shop/stereo-receivers/56-rr2160mkii-stereo-receiver.html I have had one in service since 2006. Rich |
Go with something like this... I have one in my office setup. Great little inexpensive unit. All in one, and done. https://www.marantz.com/en-us/product/network-audio-players/m-cr612 |
Ok, no AVR. So stereo is fine. She has a Parasound pre and amp from the 70s. Her husband was a former musician and appreciated good sound. (I was very surprised how good the Parasound gear sounded for the last 25 years I have known her but the Hint is too pricey as a replacement . ) However, as age has caught up and one channel of the amp is out and there is no one to repair it out here, new is it. She knows that newer stuff will likely sound better. An integrated will probably work fine for her as long as it can drive the Gallo 3.1s. I don't know if she will like the Outlaws looks. So, a few options would be good. No dealers on Kauai so it will come from the net. Audio Advisor or Crutchfield or Music Direct unless someone suggest a good dealer. New with warranty for reliability. Marantz, |
millercarbon9....I thought she would need huge power too. In fact, thought the old Parasound PA260 was 100 or so but its actually only 50 wrms @8 and it is or was plenty loud for her needs. I think good current is probably helpful to these speakers but I am guessing that she could get my fine with a good solid 50 watts. She did not like the look of the Outlaw as expected. I am leery of any Class D as I have 1) not heard one I liked and 2) read that the combo with the Gallos is a bit bright. Looked at AA and Crutchfield and there are things out there with good reviews from real users....Rega, Vincent, NAD, Nuforce. I have heard the Brio before and thought it was excellent but I have read they run hot and have had some reliability issues. Liked vintage NAD but not been overwhelmed by the recent stuff....hated the 3020D sound. Going to check in with a dealer I have bought from b4 in PA who seemed to be very straight up and treated me well in both pricing and shipping. Nice to live in HI in certain ways but not when it comes to shopping for most things other than food these days. Kauai is even more of a desert... |