2 channel AV receiver?

[andylovesaudio]

Hello Everyone, 

I need some advice. I have a pair of tower speakers and a smart tv. Watch YouTube and Netflix only. Can anyone recommend an AV receiver? All I need is amplification for 2 channels as I’m going for just Dolby 2.0 (bedroom system). I used to have a 5.1 surround system but that was 18 yrs ago and I’m totally out of touch. 
I would like to buy used. I am open to getting a 2 channel amp and a separate Dolby decoder and if it would yield better sound. An Av receiver would be good too. My concern is that my speakers would highlight any sonic decencies in an entry level Av receiver. Any recommendations on brands would be great. 

Thanks for your help. 

Edited May 18, 2024 by andylovesaudio

[mikizee]

Marantz Stereo70s would be my pick.

[Snoopy8]

There are a number of stereo all-in-one ones with ARC HDMI input

e.g. NAD M10, Cambridge Audio EVO 75 or 150, Bluesound PowerNode, Marantz 40N, Naim Uniti Atom, WiiM Amp.  

 

You have not mentioned a budget nor what speakers you are driving.

 

If $ is the sole criteria, difficult to beat the WiiM Amp.  But if SQ is very important, then you should be going more upmarket.  Maybe consider the NAD M10 with room correction and the V2 version can even allow you to add rear speakers for the future!  If your speakers need a lot of power, the Cambridge Audio EVO 150 is the way to go.

[Snoopy8]

@andylovesaudio By coincidence, there are a few HDMI ARC capable units in the Classifieds: BlueSound Powernode, NAD M10V2, Denon 800H, Lyngdorf TDAI 1120

https://www.stereonet.com/forums/classifieds/category/30-integrated-amplifiers/

 

[powerav]

I love my now pretty old Onkyo TX 8270 has everything on it.

[andylovesaudio]

Thanks Snoopy8 and powerav. I really appreciate time spent in responding. 
 

The speakers which are from my previous 2 channel system are the Joseph  Audio Rm25xl. Neutral and not difficult to drive. 
 

Budget would be up to sgd1k used (from Singapore). I’m so out of touch - I should be looking for 2 channel amp with hdmi arc connectivity right? As to SQ - something open sounding and smooth neutral top end. As stated … I’ll just be watching Netflix and YouTube … therefore room shaking bass is not important. Priority is smooth and intelligible dialog. 
 

Thanks again. 
 

 

[Snoopy8]

11 minutes ago, andylovesaudio said:

Thanks Snoopy8 and powerav. I really appreciate time spent in responding. 
 

The speakers which are from my previous 2 channel system are the Joseph  Audio Rm25xl. Neutral and not difficult to drive. 
 

Budget would be up to sgd1k used (from Singapore). I’m so out of touch - I should be looking for 2 channel amp with hdmi arc connectivity right? As to SQ - something open sounding and smooth neutral top end. As stated … I’ll just be watching Netflix and YouTube … therefore room shaking bass is not important. Priority is smooth and intelligible dialog. 

Am using phone which does not show city, so did not realise that you were Singapore based! 

 

With a SGD1k budget, a used BlueSound Powernode will probably make it. A new WiiM Amp will definitely make budget.

[kiwimeat]

On 19/05/2024 at 10:52 AM, mikizee said:

Marantz Stereo70s would be my pick.

About to unbox mine this weekend. 
Will share some feedback. 

 

On 21/05/2024 at 8:54 PM, andylovesaudio said:

Budget would be up to sgd1k used (from Singapore). I’m so out of touch - I should be looking for 2 channel amp with hdmi arc connectivity right? As to SQ - something open sounding and smooth neutral top end. As stated … I’ll just be watching Netflix and YouTube … therefore room shaking bass is not important. Priority is smooth and intelligible dialog. 

The options suggested above typically have a single HDMI ARC port intended to connect to a TV, do you need more than 1? Connecting any other HDMI devices like a Bluray player?

The Marantz 70s would likely be out of that budget but the predecessor NR1200 or the Denon cousin DRA-800H could be in range new or second hand. 

[mikizee]

27 minutes ago, kiwimeat said:

About to unbox mine this weekend. 
Will share some feedback. 

 

The options suggested above typically have a single HDMI ARC port intended to connect to a TV, do you need more than 1? Connecting any other HDMI devices like a Bluray player?

The Marantz 70s would likely be out of that budget but the predecessor NR1200 or the Denon cousin DRA-800H could be in range new or second hand. 

The Stereo70s has 6x HDMI in and 1x HDMI out. Plenty of HDMI ports to connect devices. 

 

The Denon DRA800 has 5x HDMI inputs, and I happen to have one on the showroom floor I am looking to move on. $799 with full 2 year warranty.

[kiwimeat]

I posted my first impressions in the Marantz AV Owners thread. 
Very happy with my decision and the results.