Expert: Cleggsan - 8/2/2010

Question
I have recently acquired 2 polk audio monitor 5a speakers.  I am looking to set up these speakers in my room and i need something to power them.  I have been looking at receivers but i do not know what to look for.  I would like to be able to plug in my ipod and/or computer to be played out of the speakers.  What specifications do i need to be looking for when selecting the right receiver?

Answer
The Polk speakers you have are fine speakers.  They give good sound.  You will need a stereo receiver that is rated for 50w/channel or more.  Some have ipod or 3.5 mm inputs, but all have rca aux inputs which an adapter will allow connection to an mp3 player of any kind.

I would recommend you look at Denon, Onkyo, Pioneer and Sony for a receiver of around $150 to $200 or so.  

The speakers are 8 ohm impedance and all home stereo receivers will handle that just fine.  These speakers are about 90db sensitivity which is good; a 50w amp will drive them nicely.  A 100w amp will do better.

Let me know if you need more.