Buying my first receiver

[s810666]

Hey! New to the amazing world of (Decent) quality turntables. I just picked up a Dual CS-508 for 125 with an oroform cartridge for 120 in pretty dang good condition, with an extra platter for whatever reason. Right now some of my options for receivers are a Sherwood S-2660CP for 60, a Pioneer SX-6 with some missing knobs for 40 and an Onkyo TX-2500 Mkii for 80 (in good shape). I'm trying to keep my receiver budget under 100 give or take because I think I want to dish out more for good speakers. Which one should I go with or should I wade around for a different receiver?? tyty

 

[ggregg]

Out of those, I'd pick the Onkyo. Nice receiver although not a lot of power. Unless you want to keep looking.

 

[Eywadude]

I concur. Out of the receivers listed, I would probably choose the Onkyo. Good build, good sound, good looks (subjective), and will hold its value much better. I would definitely pass on the Pioneer SX-6 with missing knobs for $40. You should be able to find one in complete condition for that kind of money. I think more than anything is before buying your first receiver you should think about what kind of sound you are looking for from your new system. That is always a good start. Secondly, it helps to know what size of room you have to build a system upon. No need to buy massive speakers and a monster receiver for a small room, just like you shouldn't buy tiny bookshelf speakers and a 10 watt receiver if your listening room is 20' x 30' either. As far as buying gear, it always pays to know what your parameters are and what you are looking to achieve. Trust me, there will always be deals for other cool gear just around the corner. If you are willing to share some information about your room size and your general preferences as far as what you are looking to achieve, then I am sure people here will give you tons of help, recommendations, and tips for your new purchase. Me included.

Cheers.

 

[s810666]

I concur. Out of the receivers listed, I would probably choose the Onkyo. Good build, good sound, good looks (subjective), and will hold its value much better. I would definitely pass on the Pioneer SX-6 with missing knobs for $40. You should be able to find one in complete condition for that kind of money. I think more than anything is before buying your first receiver you should think about what kind of sound you are looking for from your new system. That is always a good start. Secondly, it helps to know what size of room you have to build a system upon. No need to buy massive speakers and a monster receiver for a small room, and you shouldn't buy tiny bookshelf speakers and a 10 watt receiver if your listening room is 20' x 30' either. As far as buying gear, it always pays to know what your parameters are and what you are looking to achieve. Trust me, there will always be deals for other cool gear just around the corner. If you are willing to share some information about your room size and your general preferences as far as what you are looking to achieve, then I am sure people here will give you tons of help, recommendations, and tips for your new purchase. Me included.

Cheers.

Thank you! The room I'm looking to set it up in is about 300 sq feet, but thats subject to change as I'll probably be moving soon. Most of my records are rock, electronic, some metal and a couple rap records. Some fine piano/harp stuff too.. but I don't mind 'lo fi' sound so I think I may be leaning towards a warmer receiver? I don't really know much though. Right now I'm trying to find a harman / kardon because I like the look and I've read here that they make some good receivers. A bit out of my current price range (as far as ebay goes) but I'm willing to save up to get some quality. I'm very open to suggestions though and I'm definitely not in a rush to find one. : )

 

[just dave]

Yep the Onkyo is the best outta that bunch.

 

[Portkula]

Nothing but a receiver? Does it mean an FM/AM/SW, FM/AM or only FM radio tuner built-in is obligatory?