Suggestions for accessories

[bladerunner]

I am not sure if this is the right forum for my questions. Feel free to redirect me elsewhere.

I am trying to hook up some external speakers to my TV. My questions are: how do I connect those speakers? What other minimal set of accessories/equipment do I need for the current setup to work?

Current/planned setup: The gadgets that I have hooked up with the TV are PS4, Nintendo Switch, may be a Wii, ChromeCast. I don't expect those connections to proliferate in anyway. Whatever music I have is on phones and such and I try to cast it over to the TV. I want to start with 2 speakers (may be Lunas) and a sub and then at some point use the Lunas for surround and get L/R/C speakers (Sierra-2 or Towers).

My confusions are as follows:

- If I get an AVR, it seems to be an overkill for the setup I have. I do not need like 7 HDMIs and tons of other connections. But this seems like the simplest way to go.

- If I get some amp to drive the speakers, then I'm not sure how I get the audio signal to the amp. And I am not sure if I need other stuff like DAC/Preamp and such. Also, switching on the TV and the amp separately seems like an extra step on a daily basis.

- I was looking at some (stereo) integrated amplifiers but they don't seem to have any HDMI stuff. So I am leaning towards ruling them out. Also, if I expand beyond 2 speakers, a stereo amp won't work.

Any suggestions from experts on my confusions and some brand recommendations based on those suggestions? I want to keep the spending to around $500 plus/minus $100.

Any help is much appreciated.

[rifmon]

Hello bladerunner.

I understand not wanting equipment that's too complicated for a particular set-up. I decided a few years back to run two-speakers-only, so I sold my AVR and bought a used Harmon Kardon 3490 which is a stereo receiver with a phono input and phono pre-amp. For my Phono, CD and DVD two channel system, this works perfectly vs having 5 amplifiers powering 2 speakers.

If you get an amplifier, you will need a separate pre-amp; No getting around that! If you get an integrated amp (amplifier and pre-amp in one unit), it may lack connections that you might appreciate. All of your current gadgets can be ran through audio equipment that has HDMI connections. Then you can run audio from these units through your Luna's or Sierras. You will enjoy the audio this way more than the TV speakers.

In your case (especially since you envision three speakers up front and surrounds in the future; 5.1 or 7.1) I highly recommend an AVR. The extra HDMI's are passive future flexibilities that may prove useful.

An AVR will be your simplest solution and will benefit all your other equipment by running these units through the AVR. There are many choices and price points.

I'm not an expert on any of this. Others may have better advice but I hope this helps!

[natetg57]

I agree, I think a receiver will serve you well. It's not a 'simple' setup but will do everything you need. I've purchased from accessories for less before and would recommend checking out their website. https://www.accessories4less.com/mak...ceivers/1.html

[racrawford65]

I agree - I'd go the AVR route.

Accessories for less is a good suggestion. If pre-owned is ok, check out US Audio Mart or Audiogon. If you prefer new, check out BestBuy for something in your price range.

Of the main stream brands, I'd go either Yamaha, Marantz, or Denon.

[bladerunner]

Thank you all for the suggestion. AVR ist is then. Denon seems to be more reliable than Marantz when purchased from a4less (based on casual browsing of a4less reviews). So I'll go with Denon in my price range.

[N Boros]

Thank you all for the suggestion. AVR ist is then. Denon seems to be more reliable than Marantz when purchased from a4less (based on casual browsing of a4less reviews). So I'll go with Denon in my price range.

Denon is more reliable than Marantz in what way? Denon's don't break down as much as Marantz?

If that is what reviewers are saying, I find that hard to belive, since the same company is making both brands and doing so using the same components. The only difference is some minor differences in features and the outside look.