Not sure where to post this...

Serendipity

It's a bit difficult to explain what I am trying to achieve, but what I am looking for is a solution to (a few) problems.

Currently my mains are Definitive Tech BP10B's. They are run by an Onkyo TX-SR702 receiver, in 2 channel mode. I am mainly using the receiver for video switching to feed a Sony VPH-D50 CRT projector.

Now, I would like to go for a decent 2ch setup, and use a new HTPC for video scaling/switching. Probably a B&K PT5 preamp and an B&K ST125.2 combo or something like that. Or one of the Odyssey audio combos seem nice too.

I am interested in the HP z565 HTPC found here: http://www.shopping.hp.com/product/category/entertainment_systems/dec/4/storefronts/RE501AA%2523ABA;jsessionid=Fi8TY1Hw5DI2ZbZGK6mz5N9VvPPjRuWYGxGUuc5SOnQ2bz6KzipC!-2113284947
to feed the projector. It will also allow me to get rid of my DVR (Panasonic DMR-E95HS) and off-air HDTV tuner, since it has both built in.

Is this a viable option? Go with a preamp/amp combo and then replace the HTPC with a Digital Entertainment Center for the video scaling/switching? I really like the HP z565 due to it's amazing video processing abilities, not to mention its HD and DVR capabilities.

Or should I stick with what I have? How much improvement will I realize by going separates and using a better HTPC?

VR3

If you want the B&K PT5, I will hook you up in a few months.

Let me know.

Serendipity

Vr3MxStyler2k3 wrote:

If you want the B&K PT5, I will hook you up in a few months.

Let me know.

Sure.

Those modded BP10B's sure sound great though.

Serendipity

My receiver has pre-outs, can I use it as a preamp or should I actually shell out the money for the B&K unit?

Something tells me that a dedicated preamp will be leaps and bounds over an $800 receiver.

Bill Ayotte

I would be inclined to agree. I replaced my H/K reciever with a Sunfire unit, and there was a huge difference. I think that it had something to do with the $3600 price difference between them too though......

Serendipity

Just noticed that the B&K PT5 does not do video switching.

Which means that I will need to upgrade the HTPC to one (hp z565) that has video switching and then install an HDTV tuner card.

Is there any other option? Was looking at the Outlaw Model 990 pre/pro and saw that it has component video and DVI video switching. Anybody here have experience with Outlaw products?

Bill Ayotte

Not personally, but I have heard a lot of good things about them in the Carver forum. I would look at a Sunfire TG1,2,or maybe 3 if you are looking in that price range as well.

Serendipity

Bill Ayotte wrote:

Not personally, but I have heard a lot of good things about them in the Carver forum. I would look at a Sunfire TG1,2,or maybe 3 if you are looking in that price range as well.

Thanks. I am considering one of the Outlaw preamp/amp combos over Trey's B&K PT5, simply because the PT5 does not have any component video/DVI/HDMI switching or any video switching for that matter.

I am considering an Outlaw 990 pre/pro with a Model 7500 amp, but will only use two channels of that amp (right now) to power my 2 channel rig.

Anybody else know the strengths/weaknesses of the Outlaw combos?