A point I don't think has been mentioned is that unless you're the sort of hard-core audiophile that Scott says he was, you might as well buy a multi-channel AVR (audio/video receiver) because there's no real penalty -- monetary or otherwise -- for doing so. Two-channel receivers are not exactly hard to find, but in the non-audiophile market multi-channel AVRs are far more common nowadays because that's what people want. There are endless models, features lists are deep, and fierce competition keeps the prices low considering what all you get.
For example, I just took a look at Crutchfield's web site. They list 12 two-channel stereo receivers, at prices ranging from $150 to $900. By comparison they show 44 multi-channel receivers, starting at the same $150 and going all the way up to a staggering $5500. Unless you are, again, a really discriminating audiophile -- in which case you wouldn't be asking this question -- there's an AVR that will satisfy your ears and your wallet. (The speakers and room acoustics will make more difference than the electronics will, anyway.)
Point being, if all you want right now is stereo, buy a multi-channel receiver and connect only two speakers, to the Left Front (or Main) and Right Front (Main) channels. The other channels will be there, ready and waiting, if ever you decide you want surround sound. All you'd need do is buy the remaining speakers and hook them up.
For example, I just took a look at Crutchfield's web site. They list 12 two-channel stereo receivers, at prices ranging from $150 to $900. By comparison they show 44 multi-channel receivers, starting at the same $150 and going all the way up to a staggering $5500. Unless you are, again, a really discriminating audiophile -- in which case you wouldn't be asking this question -- there's an AVR that will satisfy your ears and your wallet. (The speakers and room acoustics will make more difference than the electronics will, anyway.)
Point being, if all you want right now is stereo, buy a multi-channel receiver and connect only two speakers, to the Left Front (or Main) and Right Front (Main) channels. The other channels will be there, ready and waiting, if ever you decide you want surround sound. All you'd need do is buy the remaining speakers and hook them up.
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