Reddit mentions of Yamaha R-S300BL Stereo Receiver (Black)

I'll make it easy for you since you need simplicity.

http://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-R-S300BL-Stereo-Receiver-Black/dp/B0044779H2/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1419743537&sr=8-13&keywords=Yamaha.+2+channel

Not even $400 and has a phono stage.

If you can stretch to $250 the Yamaha r-s300 is a great amp to start out with. Amazon is also selling used units for $212.


Your speakers would pair well with tube amplification. However,Don't get any of the cheap tube amps off amazon!

Personally I would just watch your local craigslist and try and grab something higher quality. A lot of NAD stuff goes for fairly cheap on eBay as well and would be pretty good.

Anywho, a $200 dollar amp for a $1000 pair of speakers is a bit of an odd pairing.

https://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-R-S300BL-Stereo-Receiver-Black/dp/B0044779H2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1475170221&sr=8-1&keywords=r-s300

EDIT: minor text fixes.

EDIT AGAIN:
> what will adequately handle 1-2 of these speakers

OH MY GOD. The horror. Don't even think about using one speaker. Jesus christ.

Yamaha R-S300BL Stereo Receiver (Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0044779H2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_NbpkxbE8HXM4H

EDIT: Use the HDMI inputs on your TV.

If you must have an HDMI AV receiver, it will be at least 5.1., and you will need an external phono preamp. My recommendation would be Marantz NR1504 Slim Line 5.1 Channel Home Theater Network AV Receiver with AirPlay https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BLZDKX2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_9epkxb1GRQX11

The Yamaha will sound better for vinyl. The Marantz will likely sound better for everything else.

SECOND EDIT: if you need digital inputs then you'll have to up your budget to $550. That will get you 2.1 with digital inputs and a built-in phono stage (will only accept LPCM 2 channel, won't down mix 5.1). This thing would be great. Yamaha A-S501SL Natural Sound Integrated Stereo Amplifier (Silver) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MXUCMWO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_WhpkxbY9HE6YG

I second going used. IMO vintage receivers have a more "musical" sound to them.

The Sony you posted would work, though I would recommend this Yamaha over it. I'm a big supporter of pairing bookshelf speakers with a subwoofer, and it looks like the Sony doesn't have a subwoofer output.

If you truly want to upgrade to decent speakers, youre going to want speakers that are connected via speaker wire, meaning you need a receiver. Since you only want 2.1, I suggest this receiver: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0044779H2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i6wlzbDVMV147

I dont have it myself, but a buddy of mine has it. I may get one too because it has physical tone controls. As for the speakers, you may be better off asking someone else, as I really only listen to music and Im not sure if youd be better off with other speakers for gaming. However if I had to pick, with your budget, Id go with the Andrew Jones Pioneer bookshelf speakers. Those things are AMAZING for what you pay. If you could bump your budget up a little higher, Id recommend getting the Andrew Jones floorstanding speakers, but the bookshelf will do just fine.

> Ideally much much less.

Wouldn't we all? ;-)

With the Carbon DC and Wharfdale speakers, you will want a decent unit in between. Audiophile oriented reviews on both of these units are good. Both have built in phono preamp. I was looking into receivers a few months back for someone and had a larger list that I can't find now, but these are the two that standout in my head:

*Yamaha S300:
http://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-R-S300BL-Stereo-Receiver-Black/dp/B0044779H2/

• Pioneer A-20:
  http://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-2-Channel-Integrated-Amplifier-Direct/dp/B00LIQ3NM2/
  
  There's also the Yamaha R-S201, but you will need and external phono preamp with that. Also it's wattage isn't as clean (but still reported to be quite clear) as the wattage of its big sister the S300.

Huge array of selections dependent on your price range. All you need is to be sure the receiver has a 'Phono' input on the back. Here are a few examples:

Onkyo A-8020 - 170 USD

Yamaha R-S300BL - 275 USD

Harmon Kardon 3770 - 400 USD

If all you want the amp to do is music, and not have anything to do with switching video sources, a stereo receiver would be fine.

I like this one, but may be over budget: http://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-R-S300BL-Stereo-Receiver-Black/dp/B0044779H2?ie=UTF8&keywords=yamaha%20stereo%20receiver&qid=1465321211&ref_=sr_1_4&sr=8-4

I ended up buying an "open box" Yamaha R-S300BL

How do the two compare?

Dumb question time! I am getting this receiver. I am using a sub with it. What would the best option be? Connect the sub via the sub out, or use the high level inputs on the sub? Thanks.

In the hifi world you make the flow chart in the direction of the signal.

PC -> interconnect cable -> amplifier -> speaker wire -> speakers.

Anyhow, you should really be looking at amplifiers in the 300-500 CAD range to make those speakers justice.

​

This Denon amplifier, for example, its 250 canadians.

https://www.amazon.ca/Denon-Receiver-Audio-Component-AVRS540BT/dp/B07C49F2LD/

​

Or this Onkyo, $400

https://www.amazon.ca/Onkyo-TX-8140-Channel-Network-Receiver/dp/B01AT3G1Z0/

​

Or this Yamaha, $350

https://www.amazon.ca/Yamaha-R-S300BL-Stereo-Receiver-Black/dp/B0044779H2/

Two KEF Q500s and a stereo receiver. If you're planning to ever add a subwoofer or surround speakers an AV receiver would be the better choice. This one would keep you below $1000 total, but if you can add $100, pick this one. Even if you don't want to add any more speakers (which is perfectly legitimate, I think two towers are fine for everything), the AV receivers has a few features that make it more desirable in terms of convenience, such as HDMI inputs, room correction and smartphone control (on the higher end model).

Great turntable! I'd also recommend getting one of these, which is super handy in keeping the dust off your records once you get started!

RE Amps:

You don't really need that pre-amp if you buy an amplifier with a "Phono" input. This serves the same purpose as a pre-amp, namely, converting the turntable's signal into something the amp can work with.

Something like This, for example. Many modern amps also have multiple inputs for your iPod, CD player, and whatever else you need, which is great! :D


Those pre-amps are useful if you already have an amplifier which does NOT have this phono input, which is often the case with modern stereos.

Onkyo 9010 and Yamaha are both worth a look. If you don't want a refurb unit, this is a step down from the 500.

Have you considered returning the Sony and simply buying a vintage receiver? I often see them in pawn shops/thrift stores, etc. for under $50 which have excellent phono pre-amps and tone controls. For new stuff, I really like the Yamaha R-S line as it evokes their 1970s gear with big square tone control knobs on the front but also modern features like bluetooth, remote, etc.

If buying new, Yamaha RS300 and Dali Zensor 1. The Dali also comes in black and white colours.

So I'm looking for a receiver for around $250-$275 to pair with the Wharfedale Diamond 10.1s for my bedroom setup.

I haven't had much luck finding any good used stuff in my area but I'm definitely not opposed to buying used.

Right now I am thinking on getting the Yamaha R-
S300http://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-R-S300BL-Stereo-Receiver-Black/dp/B0044779H2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1414881007&sr=8-1&keywords=yamaha+rs300.

It seems to have decent specs and decent build quality from what I've read but I haven't been able to find many reviews from hifi sites. I'm just wondering if anybody has used this receiver or knows anything that would be a better value at that price, I would really appreciate it!

If you'd like to commit to a stereo setup, I'd recommend this:

Yamaha R-S300 Stereo Receiver = $279

• Built-in phono stage, so you can retire the Art DJPRE II.
  
• More powerful amplifier--ignore that 200W nonsense posted for the JVC, this will play louder and cleaner
  
• All black, in fact I think it's super stylish
  
  You'll use the Klipsch towers for your TV and vinyl. You get rid of the sound bar entirely. Be aware, the Yamaha doesn't take any digital input. Most TVs these days only have a digital output, in lieu of any analog (RCA) audio outputs. Check your TV, but if that's the case, then you'll just need something like a Fiio D3 DAC to convert your digital out to an analog signal you can plug in to the Yamaha.
  
  As the Yamaha is a stereo receiver, you'll be a bit constrained by it in the future. You won't be able to do surround sound with it, and you won't be able to easily add a subwoofer with it. I know it says it has a subwoofer out, but it doesn't have a crossover, which makes it hard to properly integrate a sub if you want one in the future. If you do replace this unit in the future, in order to get surround sound or a proper subwoofer, then the Yamaha could easily be used for a dedicated vinyl setup someplace in the house--so that's not all bad.
  
  If you're ok with the constraints of a system like this, I bet the Yamaha would be a big upgrade for you. If you'd like something with more flexibility, look in to a standard AVR (AV Receiver). You'll probably give up some amplifier power in an AVR (because it will have 5-7 smaller amps to support surround sound) and you'll give up a built-in phono stage (but you own a halfway decent external unit already). There's plenty of decent entry-level AVRs to be found for $300.

> http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0044779H2

The turntable is a good pick. If you want to kill the gemtune and not have to buy the project pre-amp you can get this which was mentioned on another thread here and a very popular amp for turntable set ups: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0044779H2, this would also give you a line out for the sub so that you dont have to mess with putting the speaker wires into the sub then back out into the speakers.

I'm trying to help a friend setup his speaker system with a new vinyl player. He has these bookshelf speakers currently
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/insignia-5-1-4-2-way-bookshelf-speakers-pair-black/8959098.p?id=1218957873370&skuId=8959098

He needs an audio receiver, and I've been looking on Amazon for one for him. Would this do? http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0044779H2

I just need to know if there are certain things I should be looking out for. I don't want to buy it and bring it over to help him set it up only for it to not work or not provide enough power for his 80W bookshelf speakers. Thanks for the help in advance guys!

I can't really recommend any of those brands. It's hard to recommend new units because of how suspect build quality and good sound are these days, especially in the low price range. Plus you're going to pay more than you would if you were to find a vintage receiver. Regardless, this Yamaha (foremost) and this HK look like reasonably good deals, but don't take my word on it because I'm recommending purely on a nominal basis. Looks like they both have phono inputs so you wouldn't need to run a seperate phono stage. I recommend you wait a week or two to see what pops on Craigslist before you lay down any cash.

For amplifiers in the $300 range you have a few really decent options.

2 channel?

Emotiva mini-X a-100 for $219
https://emotiva.com/products/amplifiers/mini-x-100
+
Schitt SYS Passive Preamp for $49
http://schiit.com/products/sys-passive-preamp

Or my preferred option due to inputs and subwoofer out
Yamaha S300BL Receiver
http://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-R-S300BL-Stereo-Receiver-Black/dp/B0044779H2

It even has a phono in if you get the crazy vinyl madness going around.

Ok, what about multi-channel on a budget ?

Denon AVR-E300 5.1
http://www.amazon.com/Denon-AVR-E300-Channel-Networking-Receiver/dp/B00B7X2OV2

It is all multi-channel goodness and it has airplay and all that niceness. Plus it has a nice back panel that is simple as hell. Two RCA inputs, one optical, one coax plus a ton of hdmi connects and that is all except for the speaker connects and subwoofer out. hmmmm... yummy simple stuff for a usually complicated world. Does it have features that you will not use? Sure. Should it distract from quality? I really doubt it.

Funny it seems the Heresy even old ones for music if paired with a good subwoofer should outperform for sound the Infinity speakers but then again old Klipsch speakers especially for modern music is a real love em or leave em kind of sound.

If you can manage $250, the Yamaha R-S300BL will handle those speakers very well. I have been very pleased with mine, connected to my Technics 1300MK2 and Pioneer SP-FS52 speakers.

How are you feeding signal to your Sa50? Computer phono out?

You would have to try to split the signal from the source, somehow. They make RCA Y cables to do this, but any time you split a cable, you run the risk of making it sound like crap. (IMO)

Of course, you could use something like this to give you additional RCA outs, of which you could send one pair to the amp, and another to the sub. https://amzn.com/B0044779H2

Or, the best solution would be something along these lines: https://amzn.com/B00F0H88SY