HT and 2 channel mixed system....

xjghost

Ok so I saw this thread: http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?159745-New-Reciever-Suggestions

Which made me look up this: http://www.crutchfield.com/p_022RXA1020/Yamaha-AVENTAGE-RX-A1020.html

Which is basically what I have been looking for sort of. I do not have the ability or room for a dedicated HT with 7 speakers I don't think. I really enjoy the cheap Denon I bought my self a couple years ago but its not what I want. I have a separate 2 channel system in my dining room for vinyl that I put together because my Denon did nto have a phono input on it. When I was looking none of the stuff had phono inputs. So that imho is a smoking deal on almost exactly what I want. I want a system that I can listen to my vinyl on with my SDA 3.1TL's and then watch a good DVD or HBO and get the surround. My thinking is to use the main pre outs with my Hafler 500 running the SDA's. Then slowly upgrade to use all the pre outs with dedicated amps as dollars permit. Ideally I think I'd rather find something comparable in the 5.1 flavor though. I am very new to HT so I'm learning. Is there a 5.1 with comparable features form a couple years ago that I might could find someone upgrading to 7.1? If so what are their models and brands? Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated..... Thanks Glenn aka XJGhost

xjghost

Did I post this in the wrong place or does no one have any thoughts? Or do I have the cooties?

Dennis Gardner

Very few AVRs put phono inputs on anymore, but that Yamaha listed is a nice unit. You mention you have a Denon you aren't content with, but what do you run your vinyl through today.

xjghost

Technics TT, Onkyo Pre with Hafler 500 amp. Also connected is a Onkyo Tuner that I listen to occasionally. Powering a set of SDA 3.1TL's. My space is limited in a small house so I'd like to try and move the vinyl listening back into the den and out of the dining room or move the DR table out the house and turn that room into an AV room. I have been looking for a set of 5jr+ or 7's to go with my current 10's for rears. That however has been difficult to do. So I was thinking why not use the SDA's with my 10's and RTA 12c's and make it all work together. Anywho just looking for guidance and suggestions from those that have a lot more experience in this.

Dennis Gardner

I find nothing wrong with ugrading your HT AVR, but there are any number of phono preamps in the under $200 range that would work with your current AVR in any AUX analog input.

The SDA/RTA/Monitor HT rig would sound sweet.

xjghost

Dennis Gardner wrote: »

I find nothing wrong with ugrading your HT AVR, but there are any number of phono preamps in the under $200 range that would work with your current AVR in any AUX analog input.

The SDA/RTA/Monitor HT rig would sound sweet.

True. I tried one of those.... forget the brand. Bought at Upstairs Audio in Columbia SC and it sucked. I have considered the Orbit TT with a phono pre they offer but have seen mixed reviews on them. I have also considered a TT with a built in pre. http://www.needledoctor.com/Audio-Technica-LP120-USB-Turntable?sc=7&category=906 Just trying to do some research and looking right now. However, the price on that Yamaha AVR is pretty sweet. Making 7.1 work in my house will be challenging, which is why I asked if there was an older 5.1 AVR like that Yamaha. Anyway thanks for the suggestions. I welcome any input because this is all new to me.

Dennis Gardner

You don't have to run a 7.1 AVR with all 7 channels. It will recognize how many speakers you are running and adjust your processing from there. I run an Anthem on a 5.1 in my HT and a Denon on 3.1 in the living room.

Now for 2 channel, I still prefer to keep it simple with dedicated pieces, as you do lose some soundstage with the AVRs regardless of how hard they try. I prefer a tube preamp with my solid state amp for 2 channel into towers without subs, keeping it simple.

tonyb

xjghost wrote: »

Did I post this in the wrong place or does no one have any thoughts? Or do I have the cooties?

Maybe Cooties......kidding.

If you want some variation of surround sound, then you need an AVR. If you want to use it for music too, a better AVR is needed, not entry level or even mid level, the higher up AVR's usually have better pre amp sections and power supplies. Also you have other options. Get a good avr and a integrated amp such as a MF A5 or 10008.....that way you can hook up the avr to the amp section for surround sound and hook up your other sources directly to the integrated bypassing the receiver all together for better 2 channel. You can also buy a receiver, an amp, and any pre amp with HT pass. The receiver gets hooked up to the inputs on the pre and then the pre to the amp. Again, this would allow your other 2 channel sources to be hooked up to the pre and take the receiver out of the equation for better 2 channel.

xjghost

tonyb wrote: »

Maybe Cooties......kidding.

If you want some variation of surround sound, then you need an AVR. If you want to use it for music too, a better AVR is needed, not entry level or even mid level, the higher up AVR's usually have better pre amp sections and power supplies. Also you have other options. Get a good avr and a integrated amp such as a MF A5 or 10008.....that way you can hook up the avr to the amp section for surround sound and hook up your other sources directly to the integrated bypassing the receiver all together for better 2 channel. You can also buy a receiver, an amp, and any pre amp with HT pass. The receiver gets hooked up to the inputs on the pre and then the pre to the amp. Again, this would allow your other 2 channel sources to be hooked up to the pre and take the receiver out of the equation for better 2 channel.

LOL @ Cooties!

OK This I have never seen and am trying to understand. I think I got it. So this integrated acts as an amp for the HT receiver and the main channel amp when HT is selected. All your other components ie: phono, cd, etc, are connected to the integrated and you only use it for 2 channel? I looked up the MF A5 but could not find any info on the 10008. Is it MF too? Thanks for the input. Keep it coming please!

tonyb

Yeah...sorry, I added too many 0's. MF A1008 integrated. You have the idea right though. Here's an older listing to get an idea of what it's about.

http://app.audiogon.com/listings/musical-fidelity-a1008-250wpc-2-pc-integrated-amp