So I currently have a Pioneer 5.1 receiver that runs to two Dayton audio floor standing speakers. However it is having major problems (it keeps turning itself off ). Also I want something lower profile so I can put it on the top shelf of the center cause my dog has a bad habit of either turning off, changing the input or volume with either his tail or nose.
So I am trying to find something to replace this without spending a ton of money (sub $200 would be nice). Do I actually need HDMI on the receiver or can I use a non HDMI receiver setup? Currently I only have antenna and an XBox. Planning on adding a Raspberry Pie audio server setup and subwoofer sometime soon but no plans to go beyond the 2 speakers+ sub
I wonder if this Yamaha gets you the network audio functions you want without requiring you to set up a separate device down the line;
https://www.crutchfield.com/S-UhX4KD8evBS/p_022RN303/Yamaha-R-N303.html#Network%20&%20Tuner%20Functions
No HDMI here and it's stereo only but it would get you a functional stereo receiver to base a system around. A powered sub with speaker level inputs would be required to get you that function. The TV and XBox analog audio outputs are probably the way to get those components integrated.
I know this is above your $200 request but I figured it would be worth it to get you out of having to do the Raspberry Pi work.
Curious what other folks come up with.
Having HDMI is nice for me, and would do some cool things for you, but not necessary. Running all the HDMI through my Yamaha receiver makes things a one-remote operation. When I turn on my smart blu-ray, the projector and receiver automatically turn on and it all gets controlled through one remote. Suit yourself as to whether or not you want the HDMI, but it's nice to future-proof things so you're not obsolete in 2 years.
I think you'll also find that nearly all home theater receivers these days will have HDMI by default.
If you don't care about HDMI, then the world is your oyster. $50 on CL or FB gets you a nice 5.1 receiver. I think my Yamaha was $275 a couple years ago, but it has all the bells and whistles.
I would head over to your favorite online retailer (Crutchfield, duh) and look for some in brands you prefer. I lean toward Yamaha and JVC in the bang-for-buck category. I really hate Sony's dolby decoding. I know it is supposed to conform to some Dolby-certified parameters, but it just sounds like a cheap sound effect to me.
As far as lower profile, you'll be somewhat limited by the wattage you need to run the speakers. Don't under-power by too much. Over-powering is better. What is the rated RMS power handling of the Daytons? For instance, I'm using C-notes for my four corner channels (Daytons that you build yourself) that are rated for 60wrms and powering them with 100wrms. The nice part to that is that I limit the volume long before electronic distortion. If I were trying to run them with 50wrms, then I'm cranking the receiver into a portion of its range with more distortion to get the same desired volume.
Also... how old is the Pioneer? A quick removal of the cover might save you $200. Blow it out with some compressed air, look for swollen capacitors, etc. If the heatsink is just packed full of dust and dog hair, it could be shutting off from a thermal overload. If you have bad capacitors, it's probably not worth fixing.
Try a big piece of duct tape over the remote sensor. Verify that you've rendered it useless by trying your own remote. It's not outside the realm of possibility that a neighbor's remote, IR motion sensor, or other source is simply telling it to shut off by accident.
In reply to Curtis73 (Forum Supporter) :
I probably shouldn't care about HDMI because I use my Xbox as a blu-ray/streaming device. So it is always doing to end up being a multi-remote setup I think.
The Dayton Audio T652s I have call for 90-150w. The Pioneer is probably 9 years old.
Well, if it's that old I would consider something newer as well.
It sounds like you need a good old-fashioned receiver that can put wattage out to two speakers. Period. For that task, I would honestly hit up CL and FB for a used receiver. I bought a used JVC that is about 5 years old. It's an older 5.1 receiver, but I got it general use at the theater - test amp for my audio repair station, lobby music, sometimes used in the pit as a monitor amp - for $60. I think it is 100W x 5 which would be more than you need. If I didn't use it so much, I'd ship it to you :)
I know I mentioned that I don't like Sony's Dolby, but if you're just doing stereo, I might suggest this Sony. The Yamaha N303 that Pres linked above is a mighty fine piece, but looking at the specs I think it is more aimed at the tube-amp crowd... people looking to replace an old-school component setup. The frequency response would really want a powered sub, and although it has a wee bit more wattage, it also has a wee bit more THD, meaning you likely couldn't use those last few watts it provides. The Sony would get you a working analog system (RCA inputs) for $150. Keep in mind, it is all the old-school stuff; RCA inputs, only speaker outputs. It will be like buying a minty-fresh version of 1990 technology.
I hit up FB and CL and found these that I would consider if I were in your shoes. Going used you can often times get yesterday's tech for pennies on the dollar, and in case you get the bug for surround, a sub, or a little more home theater, these would be good options.
Onkyo
This Yamaha is actually a wee bit of a unicorn. It's missing the volume knob, but the 5830 was a pretty nice unit for its day and this one is $35. Heck, I might buy that. :)
In reply to Curtis73 (Forum Supporter) :
With that Sony unit, you showed is there a way to run a sub?
I'll check out Facebook for any deals.
The shelf I want to move it to is 6 inches tall. My current receiver is 7inches tall.
Tried blowing out my current receiver and cover the IR. Still turns off right after turning on.
My TV only has a digital audio out on it but according to the manual it does not work when using a HDMI input so it seems like I am back to looking for receivers with HDMI inputs and outputs.
RS202 is a fine unit, but would need a sub. It's designed as more of a tube-amp replacement
Nearly any home theater receiver after a certain timeframe will have a digital audio in.
Almost all powered subs have a speaker-level input. You could run a speaker wire from one of the B-speaker terminals on a 2-channel receiver to the sub and it will be able to generate its own line-level signal. It's not ideal for sound quality, but it works fine.
It's one of the reasons I suggested a gently-pre-loved A/V or home theater receiver. They will likely have every possible input and output, and likely cost less than a new 2-channel which often doesn't have all the inputs/outputs.... but will also likely be larger to house the 5-channel amp.
New 2-channel receivers are a specialty item, so you often pay more for fewer features. Since everyone is buying home theater receivers, there are thousands of choices and prices are more competetive.
Normally this is the time of the year that is the best time to purchase used audio equipment. People get stuff gifted to them for Christmas or upgrade before Christmas or they start thinking about tax return season and hunting after Christmas sales.
$300 pioneer hdmi unit, just audio ships nationwide as well
HDMI isn't necessary for most, and your system is pretty basic, so it's not a big deal.
head over to Linkey. They gave great deals and great customer support.
