I need an AVR with preamp outputs for <$300

McCelery

Hi all,

This isn't in WTB because I'm looking more for ideas than someone with actual product (though I'll take that, too!).

I just bought a *sweet* Carver M-1.0t from the original owner (I don't think new stuff I've bought is as mint as this baby) but I ran into a serious newbie snag when I realized my AVR's "2nd Audio" output is a non-variable line out. In other words, if I hook that into the Carver, it will only deliver the full signal strength, irrespective of volume knob position, which is obviously bad (I now realize this 2nd Audio output is intended for another AVR in another room, or at least something with its own volume control).

So I need a good AVR with preouts to replace this Sony. I was thinking the Harmon AVR-235 and up were the best values but wanted to ask for any other opinions. I will be running center and surround with the AVR, so something with reasonable power (enough for apartment movie enjoyment) is preferred.

Thanks for any suggestions!

dkg999

I've got a Yamaha HTR-5790 that I just haven't had time to put up in the Flea Market yet. It's got pre-outs, all the current decoders, lots of DSP's, and pretty healthy amplifier section. PM me if you're interested.

unc2701

As a rule, Yamaha seems to have the cheapest recievers w/ pre-outs, but more have been adding them lately (or allowing volume control of room 2). Check out the RX-V line.

Skynut

My Onkyo TXDS 787 has pre outs and they can be found for around $250.00

I don't know if I would want to sell it but it worked pretty well when it was in use.

AndyGwis

I like HK, and almost all of them have pre-outs. Look on ebay for their refurb stuff from HK Direct for a good deal with full warranty. You're buying direct from the manufacturer so everything should go smooth if you run into any snags.

McCelery

Awesome, thanks for the suggestions. PM sent to dkg999. It's absolutely killing me to have this monster amp sitting quietly in my entertainment center without a signal going to it.

Maybe I'll hook up my Ipod to it starting at low volume and just use that as the gain control......hehe. Next post from me: "I've blown up my living room."

auto_pilot

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-vkesSy7PoTL/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?g=10420&I=022RXV659

This one is $399 at Crutchfield...

noimposse

I picked up my HK avr245 at Amazon earlier this year for $250 on sale. Plus its free shipping from Amazon.

Not sure if it's still that cheap, I'll have to check.

*Edit* Nevermind I guess, Amazon isnt carrying the 245 anymore since the 247 came out. On a good note, you might be able to pick up some left over 245s for around the 250 range.

McCelery

Well I couldn't wait for the other equipment (which I haven't even bought, yet) so I went ahead with shortcut plan B. Ipod directly into the Carver. Now, before you poo poo that for SQ, bear in mind that I was ust doing Ipod into AVR before and that, in reality, the Ipod really is just a little source/preamp on its own.

Initial impression: buying a 200wpc amp was a good idea

Of course I can't play with the EQ at all, but compared to the 110W Sony AVR, this temporary setup has way more depth and realistic soundstage.

As soon as I get a new AVR with preouts and a 3ch amp for the rest, I'll be done!!! ...................right?

Ron Temple

HK 340s have been going for ~ $200 on ebay/HK Direct. Gotta love their replacement policy if something goes wrong.

mark090852

Ron Temple wrote: »

HK 340s have been going for ~ $200 on ebay/HK Direct. Gotta love their replacement policy if something goes wrong.

My brain must be on vacation this morning. I can't seem to locate HK Direct on eBay. I've searched for that name on Ebay Stores but no luck. Also searched for Harman Kardon Direct but no luck there either. Could someone post a link or more info.

Thanks in advance,
Mark

AndyGwis

I can't get on ebay with my new company's internet blocker, but you should be able to search for "AVR 235" or any other recent model number, then look for the icon on the left in blue that says "Harman Kardon Direct" once the items are brought up.

Click on one of them, then click on "Items for sale" or "store" under HK Direct's info on the right.

mark090852

AndyGwis wrote: »

I can't get on ebay with my new company's internet blocker, but you should be able to search for "AVR 235" or any other recent model number, then look for the icon on the left in blue that says "Harman Kardon Direct" once the items are brought up.

Click on one of them, then click on "Items for sale" or "store" under HK Direct's info on the right.

Thanks, Andy, I found it.

McCelery

Yep, I'm watching a few of those, myself. Good prices!

scottvamp

McCelery wrote: »

Well I couldn't wait for the other equipment (which I haven't even bought, yet) so I went ahead with shortcut plan B. Ipod directly into the Carver. Now, before you poo poo that for SQ, bear in mind that I was ust doing Ipod into AVR before and that, in reality, the Ipod really is just a little source/preamp on its own.

Initial impression: buying a 200wpc amp was a good idea

Of course I can't play with the EQ at all, but compared to the 110W Sony AVR, this temporary setup has way more depth and realistic soundstage.

As soon as I get a new AVR with preouts and a 3ch amp for the rest, I'll be done!!! ...................right?

I have done this tpye of thing in the past with a high quality Sony Walkman CD player. The quality was actually really impressive. Better than many componet cd players i have owned.

auto_pilot

scottvamp wrote: »

I have done this tpye of thing in the past with a high quality Sony Walkman CD player. The quality was actually really impressive. Better than many componet cd players i have owned.

What would you CD players would you recommend? Sounds like a cheaper alternative.