Does sound receiver effect sound quality?

Question

Hey guys, I'm trying to learn all I can about home audio so I can put together a good system. I have a question that I realize is probably very amateur, but I was just wondering if the sound receivers actually effect sound quality, or does it just effect how many channels you can use along with specific inputs? Also, how does http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7016463&type=product&productCategoryId=cat03031&id=1099394773266 this receiver look? I'm on about a $600 budget for my whole system. Any help would be appreciated.

Answer 1

Hi Austin.Any thing the signal has to travel through changes the sound of your equipment .A perfect amplifier would be a piece of wire with gain.By the time the signal reaches the speakers it has gone through hundreds of individual circuits and components it's a wonder it is anything like it was at the beginning. The speakers will have the most influence on the final leg of the journey which is the sound we hear.

I am not familiar with that amplifier.The specifications are not that good .there are a lot of things missing and i would question that rating of 100 watts. I would buy an Onkyo with better specifications.They have just released a new one for $299.It would be too good to miss out on.It has features that are usually found on $600 receivers Have a look below.and see what what you think.

http://www.bigpicturebigsound.com/onkyo-hdmi-switching-txsr505-1081.shtml


Austin ,What type of speaker sound do you like. They all add their own coloration to the sound . Do you want a bright sounding speaker or a more neutral sound or one that emphasis the midrange on vocals? I have listed some examples below to help you decide (you should be able to get the receiver and one of these 5.1 speaker systems for about your budget)These are only examples and the prices are variable. Sometimes you can get a bargain on ebay saving a lot of money.

KLPSCH speakers (bright sounding)
http://www.nextag.com/klipsch-5.1/search-html

JBLspeakers (slight midrange prominence)

http://www.nextag.com/serv/main/buyer/OutPDir.jsp?search=jbl+5.1&x=48&y=12

KEF speakers (neutral sounding)

http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/item/features/542300051?v_c=Nextag

Answer 2

I suggest you start reading forums like The Home Theater Shack. In short a big YES! The receiver you choose has a great deal to do with your sound. You are far better off picking your own components than choosing a Home Theater in a Box. Some HTIB's are not upgradable and others are just not that good. The Insignia receiver in your link is a piece of junk. Go with Sony or something like that (not that Sony's are that great but in your price range you don't have a lot a choice.) Pioneer, Samsung, and any other well known brand will do much better.

Answer 3

yes, everything u use messes with the sound. cords, reciever, speaker wire, connectors.

for the best sound on a cheap budget use good quality connectors so ur reciever can do the best it can and us big speaker wire, that my biggest pet peeve, small speaker wire.

For that reciever use s-video and optical or coaxal audio. It will turn out pretty good

Answer 4

yes, but so do the cords you use.