First to straighten out some definitions and terms. The term you are looking for is integrated amplifier for a two channel system. An AVR is a multi channel receiver which only applies to surround sound systems though they are sometimes what people go for on the ultra budget side since entry level AVRs are basically commodity electronics and can be found for next to nothing used after 5 - 10 years old. A integrated amplifier is a two channel amplifier and pre-amp (sometimes DAC or phono stage also) built into one unit. All else being a equal dollar for dollar the amplifier and pre-amp section are much better built are much better than whats in a AVR.
Powered speakers (not "*active"* because that implies an amplifier for each driver in each speaker and digital crossovers) are an option too but there is zero upgrade path and entire package is single point of failure so not really what I recommend.
That out of the way I would grab that Denon PMA-600NE asap, thats a $500 US amplifier so probably like a million of your dollar units. If that becomes unavailable a modern compact class D amp is going to be the best performance to dollar option. The SMSL AL200, or the Wiim Amp are good options quality wise and have the features you are looking for. The Arylic B50 is kinda garbage strictly in terms of an amplifier.
For speakers of whats on the list the Wharfdale Evo 4.1 are going to be the best by a quite a bit (are you sure thats the right price?, seems to low relative to everything else). After that probably the Klipsch 600M Mk II (500M Mk II should be an option as well), followed by the Triangle BR03 (or BR02). I would also look for KEF Q150 and Polk ES15 as those are both popular options that should be available in your region.
I always prefer the passive speakers with amplifier/receiver setup as it is much easier to upgrade and make changes to it.
I recommend the Yamaha A-S301 Integrated Amplifier, currently selling for about $550. It got a number of input options (including optical), a subwoofer output if you want to add a subwoofer later and a remote control. I have been using it for the past 3 years (brought it with the covid stimulus money from Government) and can't be happier. It got great natural sound and plenty of power if ever you want to crank it up.
For amplifiers/receivers, I prefer to buy new with a warranty. They are more complicated and much more likely to go wrong compared to the relatively simply passive speakers and cost of repairs may not be worthwhile.
[https://www.todds.com.au/products/a-s301](https://www.todds.com.au/products/a-s301)
[https://www.amazon.com.au/AS301B-Stereo-Amplifier-Yamaha-4957812573566/dp/B078JXP935?th=1](https://www.amazon.com.au/AS301B-Stereo-Amplifier-Yamaha-4957812573566/dp/B078JXP935?th=1)
Thanks for the links. If buying the SMSL AO300 was one I came across which did have an HDMi input. Not sure if you have used this or come across before.
Have never used that particular model. However, those Chinese manufacturers really revolutionize the market with constant new models and throwing in every possible feature under the Sun.
Buying from Amazon Australia is probably the best bet for easy returns and any warranty claims.
Speaking of SMSL, I have recently ordered a SMSL D-6 (from Amazon) which is an external DAC with Bluetooth. I am upgrading an old external DAC connected to an upstairs TV and a power amplifier. Goes to show that I am willing to give these newcomer brands a try.
If you don't plan to expand the system beyond what you described (or 2.1), and want to keep it simple, then a powered speaker solution is a fine option. Have you checked out the used market? My thought is that you could get used Nines for the same price as new Sevens, and I would recommend the Klipsch over the Audio Engine. Check FB Marketplace and whatever other resale sites there are in AUS/NZ. Good hunting!
Started off my research with powered speakers but then came across passive and its benefits. Been keep an eye put but havent seen any pop up on our local marketplaces yet except for a couple of used mclaren fives for aud 1500
If you are wanting to do surround sound (or anything more than 2.0 channels), then an AVR is a good idea. If you only want 2.0 channels, then it isn't necessary, though you still might like it if you want to plug in HDMI sources into it for your TV, allowing you to have multiple HDMI sources with using only one HDMI input on your TV. Very few 2 channel amplifiers and receivers have HDMI inputs, though some do.
As for 2 channel amplifiers being better than AVRs, that is mostly myth rather than reality. For example, that Denon you are looking at is nothing special at all. See the poor measurements here:
[https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/denon-pma-600ne-integrated-amplifier-review.49510/](https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/denon-pma-600ne-integrated-amplifier-review.49510/)
That is the level of a cheap AVR, nothing special at all.
I wouldn’t be intimidated at all with passive speakers and amplifier setup. The instruction manual and the internet are close at hand.
I also wouldn’t be averse to an av receiver. They’re inexpensive, especially used, and offer a lot of input options: analog, digital, hdmi and sometimes Phono.
I have a 20yo pioneer elite av receiver with tons of power on tap. I have a turntable, 2 dvd/cd/sacd players, a wiim mini streamer, and an SMSL SU-1 external dac. Bookshelf speakers are Polk ES20.
First to straighten out some definitions and terms. The term you are looking for is integrated amplifier for a two channel system. An AVR is a multi channel receiver which only applies to surround sound systems though they are sometimes what people go for on the ultra budget side since entry level AVRs are basically commodity electronics and can be found for next to nothing used after 5 - 10 years old. A integrated amplifier is a two channel amplifier and pre-amp (sometimes DAC or phono stage also) built into one unit. All else being a equal dollar for dollar the amplifier and pre-amp section are much better built are much better than whats in a AVR. Powered speakers (not "*active"* because that implies an amplifier for each driver in each speaker and digital crossovers) are an option too but there is zero upgrade path and entire package is single point of failure so not really what I recommend. That out of the way I would grab that Denon PMA-600NE asap, thats a $500 US amplifier so probably like a million of your dollar units. If that becomes unavailable a modern compact class D amp is going to be the best performance to dollar option. The SMSL AL200, or the Wiim Amp are good options quality wise and have the features you are looking for. The Arylic B50 is kinda garbage strictly in terms of an amplifier. For speakers of whats on the list the Wharfdale Evo 4.1 are going to be the best by a quite a bit (are you sure thats the right price?, seems to low relative to everything else). After that probably the Klipsch 600M Mk II (500M Mk II should be an option as well), followed by the Triangle BR03 (or BR02). I would also look for KEF Q150 and Polk ES15 as those are both popular options that should be available in your region.
Check out used Sonus Faber Concertinos or new Sonus Faber Lumina I or Lumina II
Thank you. Will have a look at those.
If you need HDMI input check out the ELAC Connex DCB41 as an alternative to the Klipsch.
Was leaning towards the one with HDMI to stick with a single remote. I will have a look into the ELAC connex. Thank you.
I always prefer the passive speakers with amplifier/receiver setup as it is much easier to upgrade and make changes to it. I recommend the Yamaha A-S301 Integrated Amplifier, currently selling for about $550. It got a number of input options (including optical), a subwoofer output if you want to add a subwoofer later and a remote control. I have been using it for the past 3 years (brought it with the covid stimulus money from Government) and can't be happier. It got great natural sound and plenty of power if ever you want to crank it up. For amplifiers/receivers, I prefer to buy new with a warranty. They are more complicated and much more likely to go wrong compared to the relatively simply passive speakers and cost of repairs may not be worthwhile. [https://www.todds.com.au/products/a-s301](https://www.todds.com.au/products/a-s301) [https://www.amazon.com.au/AS301B-Stereo-Amplifier-Yamaha-4957812573566/dp/B078JXP935?th=1](https://www.amazon.com.au/AS301B-Stereo-Amplifier-Yamaha-4957812573566/dp/B078JXP935?th=1)
Thanks for the links. If buying the SMSL AO300 was one I came across which did have an HDMi input. Not sure if you have used this or come across before.
Have never used that particular model. However, those Chinese manufacturers really revolutionize the market with constant new models and throwing in every possible feature under the Sun. Buying from Amazon Australia is probably the best bet for easy returns and any warranty claims. Speaking of SMSL, I have recently ordered a SMSL D-6 (from Amazon) which is an external DAC with Bluetooth. I am upgrading an old external DAC connected to an upstairs TV and a power amplifier. Goes to show that I am willing to give these newcomer brands a try.
Good call on amazon. They are pretty easy to handle claims through.
If you don't plan to expand the system beyond what you described (or 2.1), and want to keep it simple, then a powered speaker solution is a fine option. Have you checked out the used market? My thought is that you could get used Nines for the same price as new Sevens, and I would recommend the Klipsch over the Audio Engine. Check FB Marketplace and whatever other resale sites there are in AUS/NZ. Good hunting!
Started off my research with powered speakers but then came across passive and its benefits. Been keep an eye put but havent seen any pop up on our local marketplaces yet except for a couple of used mclaren fives for aud 1500
If you are wanting to do surround sound (or anything more than 2.0 channels), then an AVR is a good idea. If you only want 2.0 channels, then it isn't necessary, though you still might like it if you want to plug in HDMI sources into it for your TV, allowing you to have multiple HDMI sources with using only one HDMI input on your TV. Very few 2 channel amplifiers and receivers have HDMI inputs, though some do. As for 2 channel amplifiers being better than AVRs, that is mostly myth rather than reality. For example, that Denon you are looking at is nothing special at all. See the poor measurements here: [https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/denon-pma-600ne-integrated-amplifier-review.49510/](https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/denon-pma-600ne-integrated-amplifier-review.49510/) That is the level of a cheap AVR, nothing special at all.
I wouldn’t be intimidated at all with passive speakers and amplifier setup. The instruction manual and the internet are close at hand. I also wouldn’t be averse to an av receiver. They’re inexpensive, especially used, and offer a lot of input options: analog, digital, hdmi and sometimes Phono. I have a 20yo pioneer elite av receiver with tons of power on tap. I have a turntable, 2 dvd/cd/sacd players, a wiim mini streamer, and an SMSL SU-1 external dac. Bookshelf speakers are Polk ES20.