Help with receiver/amp question.

Ultraner

Hope this is in the right forum. Im working on a new HT system , and have a few questions about powering the speakers im thinking of getting. I currently own an older bose accoustimas 6.1 system that came with an onkyo TX-SR601 receiver. While im aware of this receivers evident lack of features, and power, im heavily considering getting an amp as well to make the speakers sing. Now my question is can I add an amp to this receiver? Im aware that I need a pre-out on the receiver to do this and this receiver does have one and only one. Its a sub pre-out, is it possible to hook an amp to a pre-out for a sub and still hook up a powered sub somehow? Im not totally against a new receiver as ill be obviously scraping the rest of the system and starting anew.
The system im looking at is as follows.
Rtia5 fronts
CsiA6 center
Dsw Pro 500 Sub
Fxi A4 surrounds
This settup brings me close to my budget, So do I ditch the old onk and get a newer one and maybe add the surrounds later. Or do I stick with the onk and get an amp if possible? All suggestions are greatly appreciated and im sure if you look to your left of the screen youll see how big a noob I am at this. Thanks in advance.

Toolfan66

Dump the receiver, get one with preout's so you can add the amp later. There are a bunch out there to look at. What is your budget for a receiver? that way we can help you in the right direction new and used.

comfortablycurt

That's a nice setup you're putting together there. You should be very happy with it.

What I'd recommend is getting the speakers first. The Onkyo will do fine powering them for a while. The RTi's are pretty efficient speakers, and don't take a lot of power to sound good. An external amp will definitely make them sound a lot better though.

After that, I'd look into upgrading to a newer AVR that has pre-outs, and then eventually add an amp.

No, you won't be able to add an amp to that receiver. The subwoofer output is an LFE output, and the only signal that goes to that output is the Low Frequency Effects, hence the LFE designation.

By the way, welcome to Club Polk.:)

Ultraner

Well, I suppose it could be a 3.1 system for a while and I could dump anywhere between 800 and 1000 dollars on a receiver, and later add surrounds and an amp. The fronts, center, and sub put me right at 2000 dollars. Thanks for the quick reply to!

cfrizz

Welcome to Club Polk Ultraner. Tool & Curt have started you in the right direction. You are putting together a great system that will keep you happy for years to come.

Ultraner

Wow you guys are fantastic. Comfortablycurt you answered my question about my receiver, thanks a ton. Ill deffinetly give this alot of thought and that sounds like a great start. Im still up in the air about getting the surrounds immediately, and maybe putting that money towards the receiver. It wouldnt take me long to come up with the funds for the surrounds if a grovel at the wifes feet for a bit hehe. Thanks again!

renowilliams

Welcome to the forum. It sounds like your making great choices for speakers. I have a similar set up and am very happy with it. Keep in mind that your rtia5's will need approximatly 100 hours burn in time. Your in for a treat.


Tim

P.S you hang out in here long and you'll be groveling at your wife's feet a lot....lol

rallyshark

You could get away with spending 5-600 bucks on the receiver IMO. There are alot of decent receivers with good power and pre outs that could be had for that much or even less. Both new and used. Most of which would be quite an upgrade over your current receiver. You would also be able to decode the later formats:) I'm sure someone will come in with some more "detailed" suggestions on which ones. Good Luck!:D

cnh

Hi,

Mid level HDMI, Tru-HD Audio recievers for Rtis?

Harman Kardon AVR 254,AVR 354
Onkyo 706
Pioneer 1018 (not this year's model, the 1019--it loses the pre-outs, I think--plus a lot of power as well--go with last year's model).
or an entry Pioneer Elite.

All of these have their own sound so you should give them a listen. Also look for a good 'used' deal. A number of people here are getting ready to sell their Onkyo 805/6s...for example.

Should be able to get any of these on 'sale' in your price range.

Good Luck.

cnh