Preouts on an AVR

deronb1

I have read a lot of posts about the flexability of having pre-outs on an avr to add a more powerful amp. What kind of pre-outs are we talking about?

I have an entry level Denon with "S.B. Preouts" to make it a 6.1 system. Would this suffice?

What kind of pre-outs should I be looking for on the AVR?

cfrizz

Hi Deron.

No your receiver doesn't have the correct preouts to add an amplifier, you would have to purchase another one. The first Denon that has them is the 3312CI

http://usa.denon.com/Assets/images/products/AVR-3312/EL_AVR3312CIBK_E3_bk_000jpg.jpg

See the picture on the bottom left hand side you have the two preout boxes. one for the zones, and the second one for all channels. This is what you want to get, it will allow you to hook up a separate amp for all your speakers.

deronb1

Thanks frizz. There is a Marantz SR5600 on Craigslist for 100.00. Checking into that one, I noticed it had "zone 2" pre outs. Would this work?

deronb1

My goal in all this is be able to add a more powerful amp for 2ch stereo music listening. Need something for my RTi12s.

For HT 75-110wpc is fine for me.

nwohlford

deronb1 wrote: »

Thanks frizz. There is a Marantz SR5600 on Craigslist for 100.00. Checking into that one, I noticed it had "zone 2" pre outs. Would this work?

The Marantz has full 7.1 pre out. I had an earlier version in the SR5x00 series, and it is a very nice sounding receiver. If it is in good shape, $100 is a good price.

My only complaints would be only two digital optical and coaxial inputs (the are all assignable so you do get 4 total if don't mind using both optical and coax), and that at least in the earlier version the power supply was limiting power in a full 5.1 or greater set up (but using a separate amp for the mains will make that not a big issue).

deronb1

Thanks nwohlford. Sounds like this will do the trick!

tonyb

deronb1 wrote: »

My goal in all this is be able to add a more powerful amp for 2ch stereo music listening. Need something for my RTi12s.

For HT 75-110wpc is fine for me.

In HT surround is when your receivers power falls off a cliff bro. Your not giving them 100 watts a channel in surround mode.

deronb1

I understand that. But the end result is ok for movies, especially with 2 subs. Don't want a sub for 2 ch stereo. Thinking a 200-250wpc 2 ch amp would push the 12s to the point where a sub wouldn't be necessary.

PrazVT

I think you're right on the latter part of your statement - for music, you'd probably not need a sub (I don't use a sub either for 2 ch). But (and this is a general question) wouldn't having 2 speakers amp-powered and the rest off of the receiver present some disparity in volume levels when playing 5.1 content?

pitdogg2

cfrizz wrote: »

Hi Deron. The first Denon that has them is the 3312CI

Not quite my 3805 has them for all channels.

deronb1

PrazVT wrote: »

I think you're right on the latter part of your statement - for music, you'd probably not need a sub (I don't use a sub either for 2 ch). But (and this is a general question) wouldn't having 2 speakers amp-powered and the rest off of the receiver present some disparity in volume levels when playing 5.1 content?

It would if I couldn't hook up the speakers to the AVR AND the amp. The speakers have two sets of binding posts. I am now getting confused, but I think I would use the AVR for movies 5.1 through BD input and for two channel audio either an HT bypass or another input?

PrazVT

I guess if you turn off the amp when you're watching 5.1 content that would work. You'd have to have 2 sets of speaker wires going to the speakers (from AVR and from Amp).

deronb1

Yeah, I am doing that now with an old Sony 110wpc AVR for 2 ch stereo. Doesn't sound too bad. More punch than the 75wpc Denon AVR.

I cant even imagine what 200-250 wpc would sound like. I only have the Sony turned up to "2" and its pretty frickin loud.

cfrizz

pitdogg2 wrote: »

cfrizz wrote: »

Hi Deron. The first Denon that has them is the 3312CI

Not quite my 3805 has them for all channels.

And so did my 3802. I gave him the lowest priced receiver that has preouts for all channels in Denons CURRENT lineup of receivers, which happens to be the 3312CI.

It doesn't have the 38xx series in their lineup anymore.

Denron, it's not about volume, it is about making sure that your speakers are operating to their full potential no matter where the volume knob is at. All speakers enjoy the benefits of more power, and so long as you don't get carried away with the volume you will be ok. The extra power ensures that you will hear all details of your music and movies.

I started out with a 2 channel 205wpc Parasound 1500A, then got an Outlaw monoblock for my center channel, until I finally got my 5 channel Sunfire. I personally would get a 5 channel amp of at least 200wpc @ 8ohms and be done with this particular upgrade, since you can use the amp with all other upgrades to your system.

deronb1

I appreciate the info cfizz, but that Denon is too pricey for me. Probably going to have to look used.

intangible

I use one of these to switch the mains from the home theater amp to the 2-channel amp. It would be probably the cheapest way for you to accomplish what you would like. The downside is that home theater applications would not benefit from adding the dedicated amp. Attaching two amps to the speakers without some sort of switch, as you appear to be considering above, is very risky. It only takes one mistake to wind up with two dead amps at the very least.

http://www.nilesaudio.com/product.php?prodID=SPK-1&recordID=Automated%20Switching%20Systems&categoryID=Switching%20Systems&catcdID=&prdcdID=FG00240

cfrizz

deronb1 wrote: »

I appreciate the info cfrizz, but that Denon is too pricey for me. Probably going to have to look used.

By all means, utilize the used market. www.audiogon.com should get you hooked up good for a receiver and amp.

Beta

The Denon 3310CI provides the appropriate pre outs as well. Nice array of HDMI ports too. The vendor below is authorized (no affiliation). With a little patience, one should be able to acquire one of these units at a nice discount used given the 2012's are already out.

http://www.dakmart.com/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=3310CI&osCsid=0d9k96v145eikcsrliepnn3im6&x=0&y=0

pitdogg2

deronb1 wrote: »

I appreciate the info cfizz, but that Denon is too pricey for me. Probably going to have to look used.

Hence the reason i gave and older model that has some humpf. If you want the BR and HDMI then you will have to step up to a newer used model. A lot of the older models are also coming up on Ebay as well and selling for 2-400.00 because some are stepping up to 3D as well your options are there you just must be patient. The older Denon models were made in Japan the newer lower end models are made in China there is a night & day difference in quality

deronb1

All good info, thanks. I am going to check out a Marantz SR5600 I saw on Craigslist. 90 x 7 with what I believe to have the appropriate preout(s). Only 100.00 so what the hell.