My amplifier/receiver died. I need something inexpensive (~$200) but powerful to replace it. I am not an audiophile but like my music to sound good. Should I get a simple amplifier and an HD radio tuner or troll eBay for a used receiver? I have two sets of speakers plus woofer and need about 100W per channel. Need three or four inputs. Don't need fancy 5.1 or anything. Recommendations? [more inside]
posted by misterpatrick on Dec 10, 2009 - 5 answers

I buckled and bought a set of AKG k701 cans. They're currently hooked up directly to my Airport Express and sounding great, just lacking the final couple of decibels. Can anyone offer any advice on choosing a suitable headphone amplifier or, even better, suggest a recommendation (sub $500)?
posted by hydrophobic on Mar 16, 2009 - 9 answers

i'm sick of blowing out my audio system. please help me pick out an affordable but good sounding system. [more inside]
posted by yonation on Mar 31, 2008 - 14 answers

I built this mini guitar amp based on this circuit. But I used a 4 watt speaker rather than the 8 watts specified. What are the consequences of that change? [more inside]
posted by Grundlebug on Mar 17, 2008 - 8 answers

What components do I need to buy to have a solid stereo system for my home? [more inside]
posted by 10ch on Nov 20, 2007 - 19 answers

How do I tackle feedback with a piezo pickup on a very small instrument (ukulele), running it through guitar amps or PA systems? [more inside]
posted by tmcw on Oct 4, 2007 - 12 answers

Tell me how much I need to spend on audio preamp(s) and amplifier(s) to make my home stereo system sound jaw-droppingly great. [more inside]
posted by FelliniBlank on Jul 27, 2007 - 7 answers

Will two different pairs of speakers work and play well with my new Onkyo receiver? [more inside]
posted by ObscureReferenceMan on Sep 24, 2006 - 4 answers

I need help figuring out which audio amplifier I should buy. [more inside]
posted by bubukaba on Mar 28, 2006 - 11 answers

Crackly sound in my amplifier... [more inside]
posted by tomble on Oct 15, 2005 - 7 answers

How can I make my stereo quieter? [MI] [more inside]
posted by bcwinters on Nov 15, 2004 - 14 answers

I have a Stanton Str8-20 Turntable coupled with a Yamaha CR-640 (1980 vintage) Amplifier. Playing orchestrated music, the loudest sounds of the vinyl will distort. I had to 'tune' the turntable before using it, and this was my first time. I googled but nothing helped. Can anyone give me advice regarding the distortion, which is probably relevant to the fine tuning of the turntable? [more inside]
posted by Keyser Soze on Dec 25, 2003 - 7 answers