Reddit reviews Sony STRDH550 5.2 Channel 4K AV Receiver

Music only, turntable primary, pretty large room, no size restrictions, rock/jass/blues and $450 max budget.

Here is what I would consider.

Amp choice - Pick one

• Receiver - Sony STRDH130 $100 Simple 2 channel stereo receiver. I like the full receiver because you'll get better power, more thermal control, radio, tone controls and a full remote.
  
  
• AVR - Sony STRDH550 $145 Yep a 5.1 AVR why? Well you'll be adding in digital sources other than bluetooth which could come in handy in the future. You'll also be getting a sub out and crossover features that will make adding a sub easier. You'll get better bass management with the xover functions and auto setup.
  
  Speakers - Pick one option
  
  
• Pioneer FS52 towers $90 ea These are well reviewed and currently on sale. Should do very well even without a sub but you could add one depending on which amplifier you choose.
  
  
• BIC DV64 $125ea Another good affordable tower that should do nicely.
  
  
• Boston Acoustics CS260 towers $160ea You'll be limited to the stereo receiver with these but they should sound better than either previous option.
  
  
• KEF Q100 $300 Very good bookshelf speaker that's very on sale right now. You should be fine without a sub with the music you listen to or you could add one in later.
  
  Sub (if you want one..don't think you need one straight away) - Dayton Sub-1000 $110 currently on sale.
  
  If you don't go with the sub and AVR you should only need a set of RCA cables for the TT and some speaker wire to get going. If you go with the AVR you'll want a sub cable for the Dayton.

The Monoprice 5.1 Channel Home Theater Satellite Speakers & Subwoofer for 69 bucks with a decent receiver is going to sound better than most soundbars out there.

Having said that, I have a Klipsch RSB-14 that works great in my bedroom.

Line level is a weak audio signal, (nowhere near 150w,) produced by a preamp inside of the receiver and that weak signal has to be sent to an amplifier to be amplified in order to power the speakers.

If your receiver had been designed for a non-powered subwoofer there would be subwoofer speaker terminals to connect a non-powered subwoofer to. Your receiver has speaker terminals for Fronts, Center and Surrounds only. The subwoofer outputs means your receiver was designed for using a powered subwoofer.

The reason there are 2 subwoofer outs on the back of your receiver is for connecting 2 powered subwoofers to it when the setup is in a very large room that needs more umph! in the bass end. The R and L is just for knowing which line goes to which subwoofer if 2 are used, not for right and left channels, because the low end audio spectrum is mono, not stereo.

Another reason for the 2 subwoofer outputs is for using a powered, dual voice coil subwoofer, those have 2 inputs on the back of them.

Anyway; The ratings for your Sony receiver on Amazon are incorrect. They may be incorrect in your user's manual too.

https://www.amazon.com/Sony-STRDH550-5-2-Channel-Receiver/dp/B00J30GXW2

This 5.2 Sony receiver is the same price, just not part of a bundle. It'll give you more options down the road if you want to do home theater. Take a look at it and check out some of the speakers on the sidebar, https://www.reddit.com/r/AverageJoeAudiophile/comments/3uoksp/i_have_xxxxx_to_spend_what_should_i_buy_bookshelf/
, to see if you can put together a better deal on your own.


https://www.amazon.com/Sony-STRDH550-5-2-Channel-Receiver/dp/B00J30GXW2/ref=sr_1_1?srs=2530478011&ie=UTF8&qid=1483475812&sr=8-1&keywords=receiver

Sorry for the long links. Redditing onn my phone.

For a small amp, look at the SMSL, nobsound, micca, Lepai - chi-fi amps.

For AVR off Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Sony-STRDH550-5-2-Channel-Receiver/dp/B00J30GXW2/

I got this yesterday https://www.amazon.com/Sony-STRDH550-5-2-Channel-Receiver/dp/B00J30GXW2

Open box at Best Buy for $140 total. I really like it so far.

They are the speakers labeled SR and SL in this photo. I dont know who gave you those, but call them stupid for it! Since you cant use them on their own without an amplifier, and even worse since they only gave you surround channel speakers (which dont really function on their own)!!! (ok dont actually call them stupid. after all its a gift)

If you want to use them, I would suggest getting two fluance fronts. If you want fulfill the 5.1 surround channel, you could also pick up matching fluance center and a cheap sub like this.

Oh and you'll need speaker wire. And a receiver like this. Overall, if you expect to use these speakers in their intended position, expect to spend minimum of $250 (New). If you wanna save some bucks, go on craiglist or ebay and look for some used receivers. they are dime a dozen and a great bang for the buck.

No, you can't

the sub out on the AD18 is only a pre-out mono signal, it may be the full audio or just the audio under a certain frequency threshold, either way it can't be turned into a center channel

Edit: you could try this receiver, it's on sale now at $150

Any way you slice it you will need a AV Receiver or Stereo Amplifier for those floor standing speakers you bought.

Honestly, the simplest setup would be to just buy a cheap AV Receiver rather than run audio through an active subwoofer (filtering out the low end) to the speakers.

You can grab something like this on Amazon for not too much.

Although, personally I would just suggest picking up a used 5.1 AV Receiver on your local Craigslist for ~$100 or even less. Plenty of people are looking to get rid of their old 1080p AV Receiver as they upgrade to 4K. However, their receivers still work excellently as amplifiers for speakers

Can't get much cheaper then these things.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B00J30GXW2/ref=dp_olp_all_mbc?ie=UTF8&condition=all

https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B003QP3M8I/ref=dp_olp_used_mbc?ie=UTF8&condition=used

​

God damnit, I copied it from another post I made and the links didn't follow. Here they are:
Speakers
Subwoofer
Receiver

Connections available that I think are relevant are HDMI, but I also have 6 3.5mm jacks(rear, side, sub, mic, line out, line in)

Here's a cheap Fluance setup thats not completely embarrassing. Of course, you still need a receiver.

*Just noticed that doesn't have a sub, lol

Anyways, this is by no means what I would spend my money on. Personally, I would start with a decent Receiver and 2 quality bookshelf speakers (preferably with good low end to get me by). Something like Elac B6s or Philharmonic AAM's. Then I would save up and add a quality sub(bicf12), and lastly some cheap rears (micca mb42's).

The Sony STR-DH550 has four HDMI in, and is pretty much as cheap as a new 5.1 receiver comes.

It's about 190 on Amazon now - http://www.amazon.com/Sony-STRDH550-5-2-Channel-Receiver/dp/B00J30GXW2

Get those speakers on some stands and spread them out. This is probably the best cheap receiver deal today.

Edit: Why is there a bowl of decorative spheres in front of your center speaker?!

Ah, I remember those days. My advice is to try to future proof your receiver so as you come across any extra beer money you can upgrade your speakers as you go. To keep it around $300, I would go with this Sony receiver. I have the model up from this and it's a good entry-level unit that will last you 5 years. Then go with this center channel. Keep in mind that in a 5 speaker system, the center channel will do most of the heavy-lifting so ideally, you don't want to go too cheap.

As a rule of thumb, you should dump your money into the end points of the audio chain - in other words, have quality speakers and quality source material. The stuff in the middle of the chain - amplifier, CD player, cables, etc. - doesn't have as much of an effect on the audio quality, but you certainly don't want to cheap out.

Source material isn't as much of a concern as it was in years past, since so much of our music is delivered digitally - provided you stay away from low-bitrate MP3s and such. We don't have to deal with scratched records and worn-out cassette tapes anymore. I kind of feel like people sometimes mis-apply this guideline and sink crazy money into DACs, when they would of been better served with a speaker upgrade. You speakers, provided you're starting with high-fidelity music to begin with, have the most profound effect on audio quality.

I'd recommend a set of Pioneer BSR-22s for speakers and a decent Sony receiver.

I have the Pioneer speakers and love them. I bought them as a temporary solution while I was renting for a while, but enjoyed them so much that I never replaced them. They're wonderful, accurate yet kind of warm-sounding speakers. If you have the opportunity, listen to a variety of speaker and choose the ones that sound best to you. Sadly, this can be a bit of a chore since online shopping has shut down many hi fi shops. People really like those Micca and Dayton speakers, too, but I only have experience with these Pioneers.

I have the 7.1 version of that Sony in my home theater. Personally, I prefer Yamaha receivers that have a Burr-Brown DAC in them, but I needed a 4K switching receiver on a budget and ended up with the Sony. The one I linked to is a 5.1 receiver, so if you ever wanted to upgrade to surround sound, the possibility is there. Also it will do 4K video switching. A good stereo setup is fine for movies, however. If you know that stereo is all you'll ever need, you could find a good stereo receiver for a few bucks less.

Grab whatever budget Blu-ray player that suits your aesthetic.

Most importantly, have fun and don't stress out about your choices. Part of the fun of this hobby is enjoying the music while knob-dicking around with the equipment. You'll enjoy whatever you end up with.

almost everyone here is gonna tell you to go for a receiver + passive speakers. Unless you have a hearth or a very open floor plan it's generally pretty easy to run the cables along the edges of the room and tack them to the wall or carpet. It's not invisible but it looks okay.

You can easily do it under $800. first of all cop one of these av receivers. The speakers are tough to recommend, I personally use these, they look and sound gorgeous, and they have enough bass to do fine without a sub, but cost $600 so you would be stuck with 2.0 if you were to buy them with that budget.

Do you know if there's a way that I can just use a single HDMI cable instead of the digital audio cable connected to the TV that I'm erroneously using now? I'd rather just purchase the single cable and swap it out with the Toslink instead of purchasing multiple 25 feet HDMI cables and connecting everything to the receiver. Have this reciever if anyone has experience with this model:

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00J30GXW2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The Emotiva look sexy, got great review. I've always been a fan of Klispch and they're the same price as the R-28F. http://www.klipsch.com/products/reference-floorstanding-speakers?model=r-28f

Is Emotiva better? Is my Sony receiver doable? https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00J30GXW2/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Thanks for your response!

My 2.0 system was basically $300.00 it's either go very "low end or used for that amount but We can give you some suggestion on stuff that will slightly eclipse your budget. Even those "off brand" AV receivers that only have Analogue RCA inputs that are somehow sill made in 2018 combined with a DAC and a basic 2.1 or 5.1 speaker package is going to sound better than a soundbar. lol.

https://www.parts-express.com/dayton-audio-mk402-4-2-way-bookshelf-speaker-pair--300-455

https://www.parts-express.com/dayton-audio-mk442-dual-4-2-way-center-channel-speaker--300-456

https://www.parts-express.com/dayton-audio-sub-1000-10-100-watt-powered-subwoofer--300-628

https://www.parts-express.com/sanus-bf31b-foundations-31-speaker-stand-pair--240-767

https://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-VSX-531-5-1-Channel-Receiver-Bluetooth/dp/B01G5XKNKW/ref=sr_1_9?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1527708552&sr=1-9&keywords=home+theater+receiver

https://www.amazon.com/Sony-STRDH550-5-2-Channel-Receiver/dp/B00J30GXW2/ref=sr_1_4?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1527708579&sr=1-4&keywords=home+theater+receiver

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/onkyo-tx-5-2-ch-4k-ultra-hd-and-3d-pass-through-hdr-compatible-a-v-home-theater-receiver-black/5754933.p?skuId=5754933

https://www.amazon.com/Pyle-Upgraded-Amplifier-Receiver-Bluetooth/dp/B01GVYHKBK

https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=10565&gclid=Cj0KCQjwl7nYBRCwARIsAL7O7dGUrYs2PyDH28cienOT7gFZ3WmmVr1jhpwxAJHrAWEKV6pEEYvqCjoaAmHjEALw_wcB

I ended up getting a new TV bench so my options for receivers have opened up a bit. Do you have any recommendations? I'm trying to figure out why the Marantz is nearly twice as much as the following but am not sure if that's because of the small-stature, name, or is actually way better?
 
Sony STRDH550, Denon AVR-S510BT, Onkyo TX-8020 and Yamaha RX-V381BL
 
I'm guessing maybe these, especially Sony, are all the lowest level of receivers these companies offer? To my knowledge the last 3 are pretty well-received names in audio.

The only thing that really fits your budget would probably be Pioneer by Andrew Jones. Two pairs of SP-BS22-LR, one SP-C22, and SW-8MK2 or another budget subwoofer. This Sony or this Yamaha should work fine. The Sony claims a bit more power RMS going by the full bandwidth front channel ratings.

I would however consider looking on craigslist used locally, you may get better speakers for similar or less money. Depending on the area someone may be selling a complete matching set from a series.

Honestly I would look at an older model or used home theater receiver. It will make more sense and give you more flexibility say, if you decide to add a center channel eventually.

Sony STRDH550 5.2 Channel 4K AV Receiver https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00J30GXW2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_XpfWzb3JFGRA9

(Refurb for $150)

Honestly that's a whole rabbit-hole that you can fall down.
To start with I would say you need to know a few things:

1. What do you want it to be able to do (have 3,4,7 HDMI ports for later expansion, pass 4k video, convert stereo to 7.1 digital surround, etc - sorry, there are so many possibilities)
   
   
2. What's the budget * This one's important =)
   
   
3. What connections are available on your TV (Whatever the highest quality connections are on your TV, you want the receiver to be able to accept these - or you need a new TV)
   
   
4. What connections do your speakers have (Basically the same as #3 but now you are looking at the output side of the receiver)
   
   
   If you just need basic 5.1 I would say to look at a deal site (slickdeals, fatwallet, etc) and see what is running on sale somewhere from a reputable brand. Do some research on that model to make sure it's not a dud and buy with confidence.....at a discount!
   
   Potential example (and it's a Sony if you happen to want to match components)
   https://www.amazon.com/Sony-STRDH550-5-2-Channel-Receiver/dp/B00J30GXW2

Thanks for the response. Could I use this receiver with harmony hub and voice command from my Dot? I read a past post that harmony hub 'Activities' automates on/off devices and switching outputs/sources. Is this your method? My cousin has an August lock and it's flippin sweet.

How do I go about buying an amplifier-receiver?

I currently have a TT (Pro-Ject Debut Carbon), Preamp (Schiit Mani) and Powered Speakers (Audioengine A5 from 2010).

Holiday Season is coming up and I'm really thinking, also by seeing people's setups on here, to get passive speakers, which I would then need a receiver for.

My budget is at most $200, since I'm looking into buying brand new passive speakers. (Currently looking into Klipsch RP-150m)

My questions are...

1. Adding a receiver/amplifier, would that make my Schiit Mani Preamp useless? Or could it still be plugged into the receiver and be used?

>I've heard before TT --Preamp--Amplifier--Speakers as a setup...just confirming if that's true for my Schiit Mani.

2. Are these the types of reciever/amplifier I'm looking for? And if so, what is different among these? Maybe there isn't any?

Yamaha R-S202BL Stereo Receiver https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01EMQI2CU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_wK3pybEF46Y9A2.

Sony STRDH550 5.2 Channel 4K AV Receiver https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00J30GXW2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_gR3pybT6VC60Y

Onkyo TX-8020 Stereo Receiver https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EE18O7W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_BR3pybMBYKDFP

3. If I'm being honest, I still don't know exactly what reciever/amplifiers do...I just know that I need it if I want to purchase passive speakers...could someone ELI5?

Bought these speakers based on this subs recommendation. Trying to connect them with these cables to this receiver.

I can get the speakers working fine with a separate cd player, but the receiver set to FM radio makes no noise and shows the message "SPK OFF" when hooked up through the subwoofer out ports. I'm not sure if these are the right ports or if this receiver will work with these speakers. Any tips?

How about this one? Sony STRDH550 https://www.amazon.com/Sony-STRDH550-5-2-Channel-Receiver/dp/B00J30GXW2/ref=pd_bxgy_23_3?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=W16XCRGHDT6MMF6DWK9Z

So, my current receiver is having issues so I decided to buy something new. I ordered this yesterday,
https://www.amazon.com/Sony-STRDH550-5-2-Channel-Receiver/dp/B00J30GXW2/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1520096579&sr=8-3&keywords=5.2+sony

But that does not have Phono inputs... I know, I'm a dumb.
So now I am wondering if I should just buy this to go with it?
https://www.amazon.com/rolls-VP29-Phono-Preamp/dp/B0002BG2R2/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1520096689&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=rolls+vp29

Or just go through the pain of returning it and maybe buying this instead.
https://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-TX-8020-channel-Stereo-Receiver/dp/B00EE18O7W/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1520096789&sr=8-1&keywords=onkyo+tx-8020

What do you guys think?

Sony Receiver

Cheap:Sony STRDH550 5.2 Channel 4K AV Receiver https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00J30GXW2/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=21HLR31R74HV5&coliid=I3WG2Q387KPY7&psc=1

Cheap but refurbed:DENON
AVR-S500BT http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/denavrs500bt/denon-avr-s500bt-5.2-ch-x-70-watts-bluetooth-a/v-receiver/1.html

This should work. https://www.amazon.com/Sony-STRDH550-5-2-Channel-Receiver/dp/B00J30GXW2/ref=sr_1_20?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1480480457&sr=1-20&keywords
You could save up a few more bucks and grab a Denon but it's not needed. This setup lacks a subwoofer but will still put out better base than the Harmon Kit you wanted. A sub is an easy addition next year. With this you will be much closer to high end audio. I think you will really hear the difference with quality speakers.

Yup, you need a receiver.

Oddly enough, those are the plates for a 7.1 system... so "four" connectors probably aren't connected to anything.

If you look, each Red/Black pair should go to a speaker. Figuring out which speaker is which will be fun!

So, a shopping list just to get you started.

• Speaker Wire
  
• Banana Plugs
  
• If the bottom right/white connector is hooked in the rear, you'll want a Coax too
  
• Wire Cutters/Strippers (if you don't have similar)
  
• A cheap receiver to get you started on the path
  
• HDMI Cable
  
  All in, you're looking about $200, but keep in mind this is working on the assumption that the house has a subwoofer built-in somewhere... if it doesn't you'll be sorely lacking in bass, and that'll add another $100 or so.
  
  What you would do is take the speaker wire, cut it into 10 roughly equal lengths (two wires per speaker, five speakers), put the banana plugs on (not "required", but they do make life simpler), and use the receiver to identify which plug goes to which speaker. The faceplate you (presumably) took off SHOULD have them labeled.
  
  Once you have them identified, plug the wires into the back of the receiver, matching up the spots. Plug your PS4 into the Receiver, the Receiver into the Television, and go to town.
  
  Slightly more involved, but that should at least get you making noise. ;)
  

Actually, I've already picked out a 5.2 receiver and 4 Floorstanding speakers for my media room I'm making in my home.
Receiver: Sony STRDH550

Floorstanding x4 (one in each corner): Fluance XL7F

And the proficiency will be my center channel and 2 subs on either side of the room for some even bass.

Anything you get in that range that advertises "5.1" is going to have a sub out. In fact only throwback "2 channel" stereos that nobody but audiophiles buy lack sub outs. It's honestly hard NOT to get a sub out on any consumer receiver/amp.

Your choices are going to be something along the line of Sony, Pioneer, Onkyo, or maybe the lower end Denons. It's going to amplify sound, maybe have HDMI switching, and that's about it. Get something you like, it's hard to go wrong there.

I've used a lot of inexpensive and expensive Sony amps, and they are allright. I prefer Denon's X series now but haven't listened to their budget offerings.

You're going to be looking at something like this https://www.amazon.com/Sony-STRDH550-5-2-Channel-Receiver/dp/B00J30GXW2/ref=sr_1_13?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1491721396&sr=1-13&keywords=sony+stereo

Oh yeah, and avoid Pyle like the plague. Amazon loves to push Pyle but they are so bad, so very very bad.

Sony STRDH550 5.2 Channel 4K AV Receiver https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00J30GXW2/ref=cm_sw_r_em_apa_.io5BbYD8J7V7

This is the reciever.

Super basic Audio technica. I gradually built the system over time, but started with this stereo (used) and these speakers. Later I added some small surround speakers (system doubles as my tv speakers, too) as well as this sub. Granted I don't have a super trained ear, but all together it does sound awesome.

My recommendation is to not go cheap on the stereo side of things. Definitely don't get a record player with speakers built in. If it sounds shitty, you'll never end up using it. If you do want to start cheap with the record player, have it sound decent, but not have to get all the bells and whistles, Audio Technica sells this bundle that has the turntable and two speakers. If you start with that, eventually you can add the stereo receiver, better speakers, sub, etc.

Totally new to all of this. Can I run a Pro-ject Debut Carbon straight into an av receiver like the Sony STRDH550 and have to work, or do I need some kind of phono preamp? What even is a phono preamp?

There are literally hundreds, maybe thousands of options. I think all modern a/v receivers are set up exactly like you describe. Here is an inexpensive example:

https://www.amazon.com/Sony-STRDH550-5-2-Channel-Receiver/dp/B00J30GXW2/ref=sr_1_41?s=tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1494849494&sr=1-41&keywords=av+receiver

and an expensive example:

https://www.amazon.com/Denon-AVR-X7200WA-Channel-Receiver-Bluetooth/dp/B00XIG6LYC/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1494849605&sr=1-1&keywords=av+receiver

If you have the space I would get something like this Sony home theater receiver at $150 since it allows better control of the subwoofer connection. It also has optical and coax inputs.

https://www.amazon.com/Sony-STRDH550-5-2-Channel-Receiver/dp/B00J30GXW2

If you don;t have the space then the SMSL AD18 would also work.

The Sony CS5 speakers at $120.

https://www.amazon.com/Sony-SSCS5-3-Driver-Bookshelf-Speaker/dp/B00O8YLMVA/

This Dayton 10 inch subwoofer at $120

https://www.parts-express.com/dayton-audio-sub-1000-10-100-watt-powered-subwoofer--300-628

That leaves $10 for speaker wire.

Most of the time cheaper amps come with multiple inputs, making them receivers. Nothing wrong with that. You should mention what inputs you need. USB? Optical?

If your room is not too big and you're going to listen at normal volumes: https://www.amazon.com/SMSL-Digital-Amplifier-Coaxial-Optical/dp/B019SLU25O/ which accepts any kind of PC output.

• If your PC has an optical out:
  https://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-R-N301BL-Network-Stereo-Receiver/dp/B00NUVS4L8/
  
  (or you could get this multichannel sony that is currently on sale for less than $200 if you're ever planning to get subwoofers as it does have basic room correction and bass management; it would work just fine in stereo)
  
  
• otherwise get a simple DAC such as this: https://www.amazon.com/Behringer-UCA202-Audio-Interface/dp/B000KW2YEI/
  
  and either this:
  
  https://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-TX8020-TX-8020-Stereo-Receiver/dp/B00EE18O7W/
  
  or
  
  https://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-R-S300BL-Stereo-Receiver-Black/dp/B0044779H2/
  
  or, if you're fine with refurbished products:
  
  https://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-RS500BL-Stereo-Receiver-Refurbished/dp/B00S8QMRQS/

My budget would be ~$250.

I saw that Yamaha 377, actually it was one of the 3 I saved on my Amazon wish list.

I also saved, Sony STRDH550 and Sony STR-DH740. I havent had much time to research and also not in a hurry to get one now, but if you know of any of these receivers, I would like some input so I can decide what I would like to buy.

Since you suggested that Yamaha 377, I am now leaning more towards it :) Thanks!

I dont claim to be an expert in audio, but this sony and this yamaha are popular new receivers. If you want a deal, try craigslist or FB marketplace. They aren't the worst spots to look but it takes patience.

There are also lower end amps if you dont want to spend a crap load of money, something like this would also get the job done. It wouldn't be the most amazing amp ever made but it wouldn't be the worst.

As for the preamp, it depends. Some people have no problem using a table's built in pre, others think they're garbage and even cut them out of the table. Using the built in pre saves some money but the sound quality won't be 100%. Might be more in the range of like 90% but that's not acceptable for some.

It's really what you are ok with. I personally run through my lp120's pre into an active speaker right now, but i'm getting a cheaper amp and passive speakers to free up my active speaker cause it's more portable and has other uses for me. I'm sure someone will tell you how I'm using a terrible setup, but it's what I'm ok with.

I've got a new Sony 5.2 receiver (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00J30GXW2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_0SWIAbWY9R0SD) and 2 Klipsch r-15m's. I was hoping to make a decent and low budget system, possibly adding a center channel and a subwoofer.

So currently

Sony digital receiver

2x Klipsch r-15m's.

Considering adding:

Polk audio psw10 subwoofer

Micca mb42-cx center channel.

Do you guys think this would be an okay basic setup or do you think the Klipsch and micca would clash? Any suggestions? I could also get floor standing speakers and either sell the Klipsch or put them as rear speakers and start over on the front speakers and subwoofer?

The receiver was a gift, and the speakers were new at a pawn shop for $70 so I'm only using what I have. I really like the Klipsch but I'd like your opinions on wether they a worth it in a quality setup.

Depending on your budget, we use a lot of these at work and they're super reliable and crazy cheap for the quality. No BT or Wifi, but you can get a BT adapter/dongle that uses RCA outputs separately (or use your Apple TV to airplay). It supports CEC which means if you have a relatively recent TV or game console, it should power everything on and switch inputs for you, which is kinda neat (when it works). I also like that all the speaker posts accept banana plugs and it can run two subwoofers. This upgrade has BT built in and more output if you wanna roll 7.2 and lastly this is the model I got my dad last year, it's packs in built in Airplay streaming, and supports spotify connect which is kinda awesome.

Don't get me wrong, I like Denon and Yamaha too. I personally have a Yamaha receiver from over 10 years ago that's still kicking (my TV has enough inputs and optical audio out that I don't need to replace it yet). My dad's old Sony before that new monster was about 20 years old and also still worked great.

Enjoy the new gear. You'll find tons of reviews on AVSforum.com and I would check Crutchfield or Amazon too. Like cars, bicycles, and TVs, AVRs get refreshed every year so "last year's" models are usually discounted despite having very few differences between them.

i would go with this package deal at just over $1,000

https://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-SC-1223-Andrew-Theater-Package/dp/B00R2HQG02/ref=sr_1_20?

i have these on one of my tvs and they are great for the price. they perform far above their price point in my opinion.


you could also just get the fronts/center/rears for just under $500 then pick the receiver & sub you want.
$480: https://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-SP-PK52FS-5-0-Theater-Speaker/dp/B00IRH0QMA/ref=sr_1_3?

if i were going that route i would try to spend a little more on the sub (that is one of most important parts to me) and get a basic receiver to start.

so this sub
$330: https://www.amazon.com/Bic-Acoustech-PL-200-Subwoofer-Black/dp/B00OFXV5IO/ref=sr_1_4?

and this receiver
$160 used, $250ish new: https://www.amazon.com/Sony-STRDH550-5-2-Channel-Receiver/dp/B00J30GXW2/ref=sr_1_2?


that comes in either just under $1k or $50 over for new receiver.

either of those packages should perform very well for the price.

edit: saw this receiver from a similar thread and would be good fit to start with too http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/yamhtr3067bl/yamaha-htr-3067-5.1-ch-x-70-watts-a/v-receiver-same-as-rx-v377/1.html