Receiver used for PC is dieing. Need a replacement solution.

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So I think my receiver (Onkyo TX-SR504) is on it's last legs as it turns itself off a few times a day now and has been doing this for the last few days. I have had it for like 15 years so it has had a good run.

I currently have a 5.1 home theater speaker setup (pulled from a Sony HT-7000DH. System specs on page 80 of manual) and I am using multi-channel input (so I am effectively just using my receiver as an amp) via 3 3.5mm to RCA cables to my sound card on my PC. My 5 speakers are all 6 Ohm and I have an 80 W sub (also pulled from the same Sony system) that has an RCA input. My sound card is a Creative Sound Blaster Z. There is nothing else hooked up to the receiver.

What do you think about Technical Pro H1502URBT as a replacement? It is the cheapest off the shelf solution I could find. I don't need any signal processing or any HDMI inputs as the only thing connected to my receiver is my PC via multi-channel input. I am really just looking for a 5.1 amp. I looked for a entire computer speaker replacement but that would cost me like $300 for the Logitech Z906 or go with a $130 cheap Logitech Z606 system (which would likely be a downgrade in speakers from what I have now) or take a risk on some cheap Chinese POS on Amazon.

I am just concerned that the fan on the Technical Pro H1502URBT might be too loud as it would be on my desk, right next to me.

I would be open to any other solution for $300 or less that would let me connect my 5.1 home theater speakers to my PC via something like an optical cable (can't use HDMI as I am using a display port to my G-sync monitor, unless there is a way to use HDMI for audio only) however I haven't found anything out there. The next best options for a normal home theater receivers are like $300 or more but I don't need all of the functionality they come with. If I could get a replacement solution for $300 that is of high quality, I would consider it as it isn't like I can't afford to spend $300+ on a replacement, just that I don't think I should. I don't need much power output as I normally keep my receiver at a level between 8 and 15 (out of 80). I would also prefer something that doesn't output a lot of heat since I am on a 3rd floor of my house. I am also open for building an amp myself with parts as I have used a soldering iron before but my stills are basic as I have only done it a half dozen times or so before, but I would only consider doing something like that if the parts could be had for $100 or less.

I plan on making a purchase on Thursday, after B&H opens again (or by noon Eastern on Monday if I get good feedback before then, assuming you recommend the Technical Pro H1502URBT, or anything else from B&H). I am open to getting anything from an online store or a big box store. I am also open to getting used equipment off eBay if there are any steals to be had but I would strongly prefer new equipment.

Thoughts?
 
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seems alright, cant recommend it 'cause ive never used it but it covers what you need. i doubt youd find cheaper and i also doubt the listed power output but it should do.
 
You'll give yourself a lot more options moving to a straight HDMI connection for 5.1 and above on an AVR.
Then you can look at a decent 2nd hand Denon, well featured, reliable and they dont overheat.
Then you wont be restricted to only 5.1 audio. I'm now on 7.4.2 from the AVR with another sub fed from my front amps output.

You can hook an AVR up via HDMI as a second display, no matter what you are currently using.
The only downside is your mouse can move onto it which can be annoying.
I place the AVRs display at the top right corner in the display driver, then if I lose the mouse I know to pull down and left.
 
You'll give yourself a lot more options moving to a straight HDMI connection for 5.1 and above on an AVR.
Then you can look at a decent 2nd hand Denon, well featured, reliable and they dont overheat.
Then you wont be restricted to only 5.1 audio. I'm now on 7.4.2 from the AVR with another sub fed from my front amps output.

You can hook an AVR up via HDMI as a second display, no matter what you are currently using.
The only downside is your mouse can move onto it which can be annoying.
I place the AVRs display at the top right corner in the display driver, then if I lose the mouse I know to pull down and left.
I am not going to need anything more than 5.1 nor do I have room to go to anything bigger than 5.1 due to space limitations in my office. Since my sound card doesn't have HDMI and I still want to use my sound card, kinda pointless. My options are multi-channel input or SPDIF to the amp/receiver.

Also I would prefer an amp/receiver with banana plugs for all outputs to the speakers as removing the ones I have will be a pain (without cutting them off, and I don't have a wire stripper).

I would even consider dumping the entire setup and going to a good headset that has 5.1 (or 7.1 and would directly attach to my sound card and not through some USB connection).
 
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I am not going to need anything more than 5.1 nor do I have room to go to anything bigger than 5.1 due to space limitations in my office. Since my sound card doesn't have HDMI and I still want to use my sound card, kinda pointless. My options are multi-channel input or SPDIF to the amp/receiver.

You don't really need a sound card for HDMI audio output.
 
You don't really need a sound card for HDMI audio output.
can't use HDMI as I am using a display port to my G-sync monitor, unless there is a way to use HDMI for audio only
got a suggestion for that to work?! cant people just answer what was asked?!

op, if youre buying that amp local, you can test and return if your not happy but i think it will do what you want. and i still havent seen anything that will give you what you want for that price.
 
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You don't really need a sound card for HDMI audio output.
I am only looking for a solution using my sound card.
op, if youre buying that amp local, you can test and return if your not happy but i think it will do what you want. and i still havent seen anything that will give you what you want for that price.
I am not buying local (unless it is someplace like Best Buy, Walmart or Microcenter as I am not in NY) so I would have to pay return shipping if going through B&H.
I did but it appears the op doesnt want any changes.
Although he might get a significant drop in audio quality if not careful.
But I dont fancy arguing the case, he has little regard for what he doesnt understand.
It isn't that I don't want any changes, just that I am only looking for a solution using my sound card. I am not using onboard or video card sound. To be fair, I didn't explicitly state this in the 1st post.

If you have a good reason for me to NOT use the amp I posted, please explain. If my idea is inherently flawed, please let me know why. For example, why might I have a significant drop in audio quality using my idea?
 
got a suggestion for that to work?! cant people just answer what was asked?!

What is asked is a silly thing.

HDMI Audio thru a video card results in a 2nd monitor. So there are options to deal with that
1) Duplicate it with the primary display. Would not be good as the refresh rate is limited by what the receiver can do, usually 60Hz.
2) Get a second monitor for Discord, Browsing, etc, pair the AV receiver with that. Refresh rate would not be a big issue.
3) Make AV monitor resolution small enough so windows does not position any windows there. Or use a software for window managing.

I am only looking for a solution using my sound card.

Then get a used AV Receiver on Craigslist. They are like 50 bucks for 5.1 with audio jacks. If you were in NJ I could gift you my old Yamaha HTR-6030 I used for analog audio over 10 years ago.
 
Since you are going to be using the multi-channel analog inputs, you should check out some nice 10-15 year old used high-end receivers. You regularly see former high-end Pioneer Elite, etc recievers on Craigslist and Facebook marketplace for very cheap simply because they don't support high-resolution video over their older HDMI ports and can't decode the newest Dolby and DTS codecs. If you are connected via multi-channel analog inputs, none of that matters, as your computer is handling all of the processing. This is exactly what I'm doing now with a Pioneer Elite VSX-74txvi. The thing is built like a tank and is good for 140wpc into 8-ohms. I run cables from the 7.1 analog outputs on the X-Fi soundcard in my HTPC to the 7.1 analog inputs on the receiver. Although, I do have it hooked up via SPDIF also and generally switch to that input for 2-channel listening (because the AVR has a better DAC than my soundcard), 2-channel would still work fine over the multi-channel inputs.
 
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It isn't that I don't want any changes, just that I am only looking for a solution using my sound card. I am not using onboard or video card sound. To be fair, I didn't explicitly state this in the 1st post.

If you have a good reason for me to NOT use the amp I posted, please explain. If my idea is inherently flawed, please let me know why. For example, why might I have a significant drop in audio quality using my idea?

If you are prepared to use optical it will not use most of your soundcard, and for more than stereo (ie 5.1) the sound is compressed a lot, reducing sound quality substantially.
Using optical for 5.1 is far worse than using HDMI uncompressed.

Also, Onkyo amps are not bad sound quality for the price, I used to own a TX-SR875 for this reason.
If you get any old amp with analogue 5.1 input there is a fair chance the sound quality wont be as good for this reason as well.

The amplifier you are looking at is sure to be crap.
Anything advertised with only "peak" power output figures is going to suck.
The only way they can draw people in is with bs high power figures.
Its a brand I havent heard of before and the price is incredibly low for the supposed power.
Your Onkyo may have had slightly inflated power figures (all AVRs do) but at least they gave "RMS" figures that are close to the truth.

What reason do you want to continue using your soundcard rather than audio over HDMI?

ps
GotNoRice makes a good suggestion if you wish to stick with 5.1 analogue out from your PC.
Beware of getting an old High End Onkyo though, they run very hot.
I ran mine with a large fan on top drawing air out of the top, and is still going strong at my Dads house, with the same fan!
There were constant bad reviews due to heat failures. If you get one in good working condition, stick a fan on it to make it live a long time.

pps
The fan was a 25cm running at 5V.
I recommend the standard cheaper Bitfenix 230mm fan without LEDs (although you can chop an LED leg to kill the light). I use these on my current Denon AV amp and Emotiva power amp running at 5V and 7V.
The Bitfenix Pro version fans cost more and run faster/louder. You dont need this.

ppps
Your current Onkyo amp might only need a fan on top to keep it alive, give it a go !!!
 
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ha... I have a old yamaha htr 6030 , for over 10 years also... been waiting for it to die so I can get a new
receiver .... running analog cables from mb to receiver and then out to 5.1 klipsch speaker... sounds good..
 
I hate to pile onto this conversation but HDMI audio out to an AVR is actually the superior way of doing audio on PC.

@OP. I get what you're trying to do I had an analog setup like that for years maybe like a decade and a half ago :p. I was even using a sound card maybe 5 years ago now. Then I switched to HDMI out and have never looked back.

I think what most people are saying is that if you switch to using HDMI out you can get a pretty decent AVR for the price you're looking at which would be an upgrade in sound quality. The amp you're looking at right now is more than likely garbage.

Yamaha, Onkyo, and Pioneer all have decent AVRs in the $300 range. They should be fine for analog inputs too.

Onkyo TX-SR383​

Yamaha RX-V385​


You didn't mention which soundcard you have.
 
I'd avoid anything from Technical Pro. Cheap hot garbage, IMO. Awful customer service, too.

I always recommend Marantz, followed by Yamaha and Pioneer. Check out Accessories4Less if you don't mind refurbished AVRs. Lots of choices at pretty good prices.
 
I hate to pile onto this conversation but HDMI audio out to an AVR is actually the superior way of doing audio on PC.

@OP. I get what you're trying to do I had an analog setup like that for years maybe like a decade and a half ago :p. I was even using a sound card maybe 5 years ago now. Then I switched to HDMI out and have never looked back.

I think what most people are saying is that if you switch to using HDMI out you can get a pretty decent AVR for the price you're looking at which would be an upgrade in sound quality. The amp you're looking at right now is more than likely garbage.

Yamaha, Onkyo, and Pioneer all have decent AVRs in the $300 range. They should be fine for analog inputs too.

Onkyo TX-SR383​

Yamaha RX-V385​


You didn't mention which soundcard you have.
I currently have a 1080Ti. Is the audio on that any good or would I be better off doing optical out from my sound card into the receiver? I would prefer using my sound card if it is equivalent or better to go via optical vs using the video card's HDMI. I really appreciate the honest input. I was concerned that the Technical Pro might be garbage but I couldn't find any good reviews on it to determine that.

I'd avoid anything from Technical Pro. Cheap hot garbage, IMO. Awful customer service, too.

I always recommend Marantz, followed by Yamaha and Pioneer. Check out Accessories4Less if you don't mind refurbished AVRs. Lots of choices at pretty good prices.
Thanks for the input and refurbished seller link. I might just pick up the Yamaha RX-V385 for $240.

If anyone else knows of a good place to pick up refurbished AVRs (besides eBay, Craig's List, or Facebook Marketplace), I am definitely open to doing that.

Your current Onkyo amp might only need a fan on top to keep it alive, give it a go !!!
I wouldn't be surprised if it is turning off due to overheating as it is has a good coating of dust on the inside from all these years. I might try just taking off the outer metal housing and give it a good can of air to see if that helps any. I know that is a bit dangerous but I will make sure I don't touch anything on the inside as I don't want a shock.
 
I currently have a 1080Ti. Is the audio on that any good or would I be better off doing optical out from my sound card into the receiver? I would prefer using my sound card if it is equivalent or better to go via optical vs using the video card's HDMI.

5.1 output from a sound card to the receiver via optical can only be done using compressed encoding like DDL or DTS. HDMI Audio is a full uncompressed output without any analog distortions.
What you may lose is the audio 'enhancements' done by Creative software, but that's been outdated for like 10+ years anyway.
 
When you use HDMI it's just sending the raw data over to the receiver so the sound quality is as good as your receiver and speakers are capable of. It doesn't matter what graphics card you use or what sound card is in your pc.


When you use the jacks on your sound card your sound card is converting it to an analog signal which can degrade the quality during the conversion or anywhere along the journey to your amp/receiver.
 
Thanks for the input and refurbished seller link. I might just pick up the Yamaha RX-V385 for $240.

If anyone else knows of a good place to pick up refurbished AVRs (besides eBay, Craig's List, or Facebook Marketplace), I am definitely open to doing that.
The place they mentioned seems to be the online retailer that all the major manufacturers like to use for selling refurbs, they have a good rep among customers as well. Crutchfield is another authorized seller that sometimes has some deals, for instance I got $600 off on the receiver I bought there. Do be careful about the lower end one off models you find at places like Costco and Best Buy, if it has a different SKU than other stores it has had some under the hood changes made.

I agree with the other comments about HDMI vs optical too. HDMI is the only way to get full uncompressed digital audio for more than 2 channels and the DAC/sound processor in any decent receiver is going to be better than is going to be better and the signal less prone to degradation than with a sound card/amp setup. HDMI also won't have the slight delay you get with optical/SPDIF.
 
I have a secret for cheap receivers. Goodwill Online Auction (shopgoodwill.com). I have bought probably 6 in the last 2 years either for my own needs (like a garage or computer) as well as for friends. I usually spend about $40-$60 (with shipping). Filter for local distribution centers to keep shipping cost and damage down. If shipping, each distribution centers charges different amounts…some are ~$10, some are closer to $20. My last one was a Yamaha mid-range 4K receiver with remote. Was about $40. Have gotten a couple Denon’s. My first one was an Integra receiver that needed the caps on the HDMI board replaced, then it worked perfect. Was a common failure on Onkyo receivers of the time period. My best score was a Paradigm Reference Servo 15” subwoofer for…..$14. And it worked. Was local pick up only though.
 
You can use them as a transport to an older receiver. So use the ARC Converter hdmi to optical or coax out into the receiver. I use one on my den tv into a little emotiva basx a-100. That's 2 channel analogue out though.
 
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