chrisophertsao
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Pro-Ject Debut Carbon + Receiver + Audioengine + ???
bad teacher
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I have Audioengine A2's running directly out of my iMac at work and they sound great for near field listening.  However, if you are investing in a receiver, why the powered speaker route?  80 watts should be plenty for a small-medium sized listening environment, maybe you should consider regular speakers.  I think the A5's run around $400, so you should be able to get a similar sized quality speaker in that price range.

Can't comment on the Onkyo vs. the HK.

chrisophertsao
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bad teacher wrote:

 However, if you are investing in a receiver, why the powered speaker route?  80 watts should be plenty for a small-medium sized listening environment, maybe you should consider regular speakers.  

The powered speakers were determined on the initial reasearch before I considered connecting my TV and PC. I think the main reason I am leaning towards a receiver is because I want the ability to use the speakers with multiple sources. Do you, or anyone else have a recommendation for passive speakers in the $400 range?

Bill B
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I also like the audioengine powered speakers, but agree that if you have more than 2 sources it's better to go with a receiver (or integrated amp, or pre and power amps). Lots of folks like the wharfedales for compact speakers - see stereophile reviews. Audioengine also makes a passive speaker I think it's called the p4

commsysman
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I suggest that you get the Harman-Kardon 3390 stereo receiver to start with. It has very good amplifiers rated at 80 watts per channel, and even has a built-in phono preamp and dedicated subwoofer outputs. Forget the Onkyo receiver; you will get much better sound quality with the 3390, and you won't need to buy a separate phono preamp.

Amazon has it right now for only $315, and that is a tremendous deal for what you get!

I suggest a pair of Wharfedale Diamond 10.1 speakers, which are $349 at Music Direct. They are beautiful in either the Cherry or Rosewood veneer; unbelievably nice finish and sound quality for that low price!

They are WAY WAY better-sounding speakers than the Audioengine speakers, and of course you will have much better more powerful amplifiers in the 3390 receiver than the little amplifier in the powered speakers.

(an Orange County guy, huh? I taught Electronics at Santa Ana College for 25 years...and then retired)

Good luck with the sound system!!

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