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General discussion

Need Reciever with 2-channel and phono input

Jan 16, 2005 1:20AM PST

My Dad is looking to replace his receiver. He does not have surround sound so all he needs is a 2-channel. There are a couple of cheap models I found but he also needs input for phono because of his turntable. Any ideas of what is out there for the audiofile that is going to use his receiver just for music and not DVDs?

Discussion is locked

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stereo
Jan 17, 2005 3:51AM PST

There really aren't too many stereo receivers left out there, and phono requirement really narrows the field.

For the discerning audiophile who wants it all in one box, I'd recommend the Rotel RX 1052: http://www.tweeter.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1163132&cp=1124379&parentPage=family&parentPage=family

You could go separates with something like Cambridge Audio (tuner + integrated amp + optional phono stage) and make a nice system: http://www.cambridgeaudio.com/flashed.html

Same goes for NAD products - a C320 BEE plus tuner plus outboard phono preamp would be an excellent system: http://www.nadelectronics.com/hifi_amplifiers/index.htm

Tweeter appears to carry the Yamaha RX 777 and Denon DRA 395, both of which should be reasonably good for the price:
http://www.tweeter.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1848154&cp=1124379&parentPage=family (777)
http://www.tweeter.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1163132&cp=1124379&parentPage=family&parentPage=family (395)

The Onkyo 8511 would likely be of similar quality to the Yamaha and the Denon. As far as I am aware, The Rotel, Yamaha, Denon and Onkyo all have built-in MM phono stages and tuners. The Rotel would be my first choice.

See if you can audition a few and report back with your findings. Another option would be to buy a HT receiver with a phono stage and use it in stereo mode. Your Dad would then be future proof if he changes his mind about multi-channel.

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Thanks
Jan 21, 2005 12:26PM PST

This was a big help.