Originally Posted by
auscab
I bought it second hand around 1996 maybe ? So its getting on a bit I suppose . So definitely a Stereo amp. 5.1 and so on only started around 1998.
If your using 5.1 and 7.1, that's for surround sound with a tv isn't it ? Yes. The 5 is the old stereo speakers, plus a centre channel (front) plus 2 rear speakers. The ".1" is the feed to a sub-woofer which has its own built in amp (because bass really sucks power). The amp decodes the signal and spreads it around to where it needs to go. There are different ways of decoding it which result in a different soundscape, so you can have Dolby Digital 5.1 (the most common), DTS 5.1 (the best in my opinion), 5 channel stereo, and then a whole bunch that I suspect nobody ever uses. Almost all, if not all movie DVDs default to Dolby Digital, but many of them also have DTS 5.1, and it can be selected from either "Setup", "Sound", or "Languages" on the DVD menu. It's surprising how often it is buried in Language.
I do have a spare 5.1 from a surround sound for the tv . Its a Yamaha, will that run the stereo OK ? Should do, they have multiple formats to choose from. My 2017 model still defaults to stereo if that's all that it receives.
A Tuner , cassette tape, which I rarely use , a CD player and possibly the turntable if I ever plug it back in ?
I could get by on just a tuner , its not digital though and the CD player. Just check the inputs on the back of the amp (or consult the manual). There will definitely be a CD input, and if there is no Tuner i/p then just use Acc 1, or DVD. They are all pretty much the same on older amps, with the exception of Phono which can sometimes go to an internal pre-amp to boost the signal. These days you'll be VERY lucky to get a Phono i/p on a new amp. I had to purchase a separate pre-amp for in between my turntable and the new Denon to boost the signal of my moving coil phono cartridge. It was about $150 or so - but I'm in heaven!
I trimmed both ends of wires today and the Tannoy speakers still had distortion . Swapped speakers with the other set , sounded good at first but then I heard distortion again . It wasn't happening as much but it was there. Ill still get some contact cleaner posted and clean fittings first. The back of the second set is work shop dirty . All this gear was used in my old workshop for the last ten years or so .