Hi, I'm looking to buy some lower end amps, and since I'm new to this HT stuff, can anyone help me with what to look out for when buying stuff like these? And I mean like really, really low end, like <1k low end.

I just know the really basic stuff, like support which interface, know your budget/use, test them in stores etc, but what else do I need to know? Does stuff like wattage per channel matter?

And different stores use different speakers, which makes a very big difference, so how do I test amps at different stores? Do I bring my own speakers (they're really small)? Or is there some other way to standardize these tests?

For budget rm1k or below..you can get NEW lower end HTIB like samsung/LG but if you still seeking for AVR you only can get 2nd hand AVR and you can search in MUDAH.com .If you can up a bit RM for your budget you can get set of PIONEER HT system suitable for beginners.
Either than that wattage per channel quite important to know how much power did your AVR capable to.For ex 135wx7 mean your AVR can give you 135w per channel max ouput power to your driver.Other things like how many and what type input connections,impedence at output level and bla..bla depends on what you need and what is your player capable with (DVD player with HDMI or just normal RCA output).What type is your speaker you're using now...Is the answer of all your question

Generally, If you are getting AVR/Amp, speakers etc second hand, make sure its working first. Go and hear it for yourself. Check the cosmetic for dropped stuff also...no point getting them. Check also the accessories like Remote, auto calibration mic, whatever.

But working at his place doesn't mean it will work in yours. During transportation anything can happen. So request for at least 1 week personal warranty if the unit is out of manufacturers warranty.

Thing is bro...electronic parts dun last forever, some more with the cost cutting thats been going on nowadays. Soldering also is a problem, insufficient, oxidation are the order of the day. Unless you have Electronic Engineering background, stay away from 2nd stuff that is too long or long distance transportation of the goods.

Yeah..its a bit of hassle to buy 2nd stuff, but sometimes its worth it, if not, get new stufflor.
You can try CashConverter stores also, they got lots of stuff and give store warranty as well.

Features: Basic to get for AVR are DTS / DD and the wattage as explained by VSX-AX2as. If your room is small, no need to go for high power stuff unless you wanna move to a new bigger house later. Connections is important, inorder to get the DD/DTS going into your amp, it has to have Digital optical / Coaxial in / and also Multichannel in from the DVD player.

Nowadays the new stuff are HD sound for DTS and DD, those amps cost much more. But again, its no point in getting them unless you are players that can output those signals to your amp.

Next are the speakers and sub, Tallboys are just for small room, you need at floorstanders or satellites with Subwoofers. Active Subwoofer dun come cheap. But if you check out the garage sale and Mudah.my, sometimes you can get good deal. Remember this, the older the Sub and speaker, it will loose some of its performance.

I forgot to mention this, Its always important to do a lot of homework before buying anything, google, PM around, ask questions, download its manual book...etc.
Some things that look beautiful actually has limited input or capabilities.

Good Luck buddy.

better you know your speaker spec(watt), it will easy for you to match with avr that you want to buy...

if you willing to bring you own speaker that will be ok just bring 2 speakers (front)....but i never do that...

If you want to enjoy HD movies/BD you must seek AVR that coming with HDMI input.No need AVR that capable to support DTSMA/DDTru-HD (Can save some money lorr) Before this I think I must upgrade my AVR to enjoy BD but i'm wrong.You only must have BD player and let it's decode loseless audio format to your AVR in LPCM unless u have extra money than you can ronda2 and grab AVR MA/TruHD...

This post has been edited by VSX-AX2as: Mar 6 2010, 09:35 AM

Okay, then about wattage, does higher wattage means higher quality? Or does it have nothing to do with that?

That's because I'll only be using it at rather medium volume at most times, so I'd not be restricted to only higher wattage amps? My speakers are 100w input max.

TS budget is below RM1000 for an AVR. for this budget, i think it's quite difficult to get an AVR with HDMI multi channel LPCM audio support. most of the cheaper AVR passthrough only, not repeater type. so, in order to get HD audio for those AVR, u need to have multi-channel analog input. that means your BD/DVD player will decode the audio & your AVR just amplify the audio signal to drive the speaker.

if you don't need HDMI, it's very easy to find a brand new AVR (phase out model) below RM1000.

one more thing to consider is do you need 7.1? or 5.1 is enough for you.

I'm looking for 5.1, and HDMI not really necessary, since this is just a really short term setup, I'll be getting a new one when BD stuff becomes really mainstream.

Hi,

On de surface .. yes, more power cums greater quality albeit higher pricing too.. but avr pricin cums wif other things like vdo upscalin n brndin preferences to considr too..

I d oso suggest a lo to mid range one tat has pre outs so u can add pwr amps later..

Uhm for a 1k budget, itd be mighty difficult to find a new format avr in used form let alone new.. for 1k, try lookin for d mid range previous gen sets like de yammy 13/1400 which are pretty gud n if hv not been abused shld last a gud bit still..

D

http://forum.lowyat.net/topic/1253902
nego with him..haha

Higher wattage mean that speaker driver have a wide range to produce sound .Only my 2 cents

Yep nego with him and I have a yamaha NSP110 speaker set where you can start off with 5.1 to go with the amp.
gimme a pm if you manage to grab that amp.

Worth for your money.Yamaha AVR RX-V461 coming with 100Wx4 suitable for begginers entry.

This post has been edited by VSX-AX2as: Mar 7 2010, 09:17 AM

Yeah, but I'm in Penang, can't COD with him. I guess I'll just look around my place for amps then.

And sorry, I've already bought speakers and stuff, just looking for amps, but thanks anyway.

If from Penang try getting from this guy:
http://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopi...96621&hl=yamaha

But its a pretty basic amp...no frills...take note...when you deal anything, make sure you see the set working first, then ask him for at most a weeks personal warranty. Never bank in money without seeing the thing first. When you bring back the stuff, take care as vibration/shocks is no good for electronic stuff.

Actually, you can get a Pioneer 519 which has been specs than it...you just need to do some calls and PMs can save you a lot of money.

bro...try check pioneer VSX-519V-K in penang HT shop
i think you can get for RM1k...
got HDMI in/output but no MCACC (auto calibtration)
5.1 ch ... 150w x 5ch

this is basic avr and good for entry level...

Okay, thanks! You guys have been really great help, I think now I have an idea of what to get. Thanks again!

GOOD LUCK

what is Tallboys & floorstanders? dont understand this terms.. also active subwoofer?

Floorstanders



Tallboys


Basically, tallboys speakers are small and need a subwoofer to assist in the lower freq range.
Floorstanders are mostly full range speakers


Active subwoofer means it has a built in amp of its own

This post has been edited by azbro: Mar 8 2010, 02:15 PM