AVR for ADCOM GFA-555 + LSi9

boardreader

Hi.

I have Adcom GFA555 + LSi9 combo.
Doing stereo system, but need HDMI in-s, so stereo preamp does not quite stack up.
I'm going to put AVR in front of Adcom, solely for source selection.

Cheapest I found with preamp out & Audiossey is Marantz NR1403 AVR.
http://us.marantz.com/us/products/pages/ProductDetails.aspx?CatId=avreceivers&ProductId=NR1403
what do you guys think, how this setup gonna come out?

any reasonable alternatives?

cnh

Welcome to Club Polk!

It would seem that that Marantz is an anomaly; an entry level multi-channel AVR with 2.1 analog pre-outs? Hmmmm... hard to believe that exists! But if so, I would imagine you're OK if that unit has the "signature" Marantz sound. The Adcom is certainly powerful enough to handle a couple of LSi-9s.

The only question I have is "how" does the Marantz say it can be "configured"? In other words, if you're running in 5.1 via HDMI in, will it "allow" the L/R channels to go out the analog pre-outs? Or must the source be "analog" in? I'd look at the MANUAL and make sure you can do what you're thinking before you get stuck by some limitations of such a receiver!

cnh

jeremymarcinko

I was thinking the same as cnh. The spec shows it as a pre amplifier out and not a line out or a zone2. So it should do what you need it to. Very cool.

boardreader

Funny, I thought preamp out is the same as line out.
Is this correct input for adcom power amp?

jeremymarcinko

Yes that is what you want. Line out=fixed voltage no volume control, pre-out =variable voltage attenuated by the avr's volume control.

tonyb

For 400 hundred bucks, lots of used receivers that are better. Look for some Pioneer elites, Onkyo, HK, a year or two older units will still have all the hdmi you need and full sets of preouts.

Devlon

This preamp looks interesting:

http://hometheaterreview.com/emotiva-umc-200-71-channel-av-preamp-reviewed/

http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/processors/umc-200-a-v-processor

EndersShadow

The 1402 which Accessories4less has for under 300 has the same 2.1 pre-outs and HDMI in. I would NOT purchase the 1403 new as like tony said, for that price you can get a lot of other options which might work out better for you.

Can I ask why you dont look for a older model with optical in and just go HDMI to your TV, optical out of your TV (most have optical out now) into your reciever to your adcom.

Doing that you could even use a stereo pre-amp as long as it had optical inputs and it may even actually sound better.

You would control source's via the TV remote and volume via the pre-amp remote so it wouldnt be just one remote, but it might be a cheaper option and allow you to get some decent gear.

jeremymarcinko

I believe he is looking for hdmi switching "source selection". I think the 1403 would be hard to beat price wise. Networking and audyssey multeq 2.1 preouts, thats a nice little unit at $399 with a warranty. The mentioned 1402 doesn't have multieq major drawback IMO.

boardreader

Thanks for your responses guys.
Unfortunately I can only buy locally, and mentioned marantz is one of them.
Just was curious if I was doing something wrong putting AVR in front of AMP.

Ideally I need AVR without power amp section, to reduce price and space. don't want bunch of cables running to TV.
For some reason such a thing costs 10 times more.:rolleyes:

*edit: just noticed Emotiva UMC 200. it is more expensive and less impressive on paper than marantz. no audiossey. no preamp out? plus it is UGLY

adb3da

If you think you'll ever go to 5.1 I'd skip this unit.

tonyb

boardreader wrote: »

Thanks for your responses guys.
Unfortunately I can only buy locally, and mentioned marantz is one of them.
Just was curious if I was doing something wrong putting AVR in front of AMP.

Ideally I need AVR without power amp section, to reduce price and space. don't want bunch of cables running to TV.
For some reason such a thing costs 10 times more.:rolleyes:

*edit: just noticed Emotiva UMC 200. it is more expensive and less impressive on paper than marantz. no audiossey. no preamp out? plus it is UGLY

HT preamps, which is a receiver without the power amp section, usually run more money. Various reasons for that, but lets save them for later. If you think you'll never go to a surround sound format, 5.1 or 7.1, and just want stereo 2.1, then what is it that you need hdmi switching for ?

If cost is an issue, a receiver will get you everything you need/want for the least amount of money. Like I said, a couple year old receiver can be had in that price range and nice ones to boot. A receiver these days only has one hdmi cable going to the tv anyway, so I don't see cables being an issue.

tonyb

http://app.audiogon.com/listings/receivers-nad-t-748-home-theater-receiver-with-manufacturer-s-warranty-free-shipping-2013-01-08-miscellaneous-01060

Here's a refurb Nad, free shipping and a year warranty for 5 bones. Nad is one of the better sounding receivers out there and many here use Nad products with LSI's.

Lietuvis91

boardreader wrote: »

Ideally I need AVR without power amp section, to reduce price and space. don't want bunch of cables running to TV.
For some reason such a thing costs 10 times more.:rolleyes:

I discovered this product recently and am a bit tempted to try it out myself. Sounds like this is just what you're looking for:

Outlaw av975 $549
http://www.outlawaudio.com/products/975.html

boardreader

What's wrong 5.1 for this marantz? it is 5.1 receiver.
And to listen music and watch HD movies, you can do it in stereo too

jeremymarcinko

boardreader wrote: »

What's wrong 5.1 for this marantz? it is 5.1 receiver.
And to listen music and watch HD movies, you can do it in stereo too

50 watts per channel isn't near enough for a decent 5.1

scottyboy76

Ya see what ya get here, ask for help you are gonna get it, good luck in your audio journey