The AVR conundrum...

mdaudioguy
mdaudioguy Posts: 5,165
edited February 2010 in Electronics
Q. Why is it that within a given manufacturers lineup, the "better" AVRs usually have better internal amps AND also include pre-outs? I mean, you're only gonna use one or the other. Yeah, it's somewhat rhetorical, but I'm just throwing it out there... For the most part, the lower-end Yammys, Onks, Denons, etc... have all the features one would need as far as decoders and such, but the amps suck (comparatively) and no pre-outs... So what gives? It sure would be nice to pick up a low-cost AVR with pre-outs. I hate the fact that I've paid for "better" amps that aren't being used!

A. (Yeah, I know... separates.)
Post edited by mdaudioguy on
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Comments

  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,552
    edited February 2010
    Generally speaking, the buyers of lower end gear would never upgrade anyway, so such features would be useless on lesser units, and add un-needed costs to the manufacturing process. Mostly though, it's just a scam to take more money out of your pocket later when you decide you want better.
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD

    “When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson
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  • rcrook317
    rcrook317 Posts: 280
    edited February 2010
    buy used/refurbished


    how i got pre-outs for cheap.
    800.00 avr for 320.00
    fronts=rti12s(cherry)
    center=csi3(cherry)
    sub=psw125(cherry)
    emotiva xpa-2
    harmon kardon 354
    sony cdp
    ipod 8gb
    audioquest diamondback 1m
    "Maesto" straightwire cables
    pangea ac-9
    playstation3/120gb=blu-ray/media server
    monitor=lg 55inch lcd(1080p)
    TT Set-up=Pro-Ject RM 1.3
    Kenwood Phono
    bren1 Clamp
    Herbies Slipmat

    "It doesnt mean that much to me,to mean that much to you"
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  • NewHTguy
    NewHTguy Posts: 584
    edited February 2010
    I suspect a lot of buyers (like myself two years ago) are easily seduced by quantifiable specs and wpc are one of the biggies. As for the beefiness of the amps, I can see the value. If I weren't into two-channel I believe my Onk 875 with my previous Rti10s would have been adequate. Adding an amp brought out details in CDs, but didn't do that much if anything for HT. Right now my rig does double duty (HT and music) and my fronts need an amp. But if I were mainly into HT, an Rti series, decent sub, and Onk 805/875 would be my preferred setup.
    MAIN: Polk Lsi9s; Polk PSW505; Lsic (in box); Onkyo SR-875; Parasound 2250; Cambridge Audio 740C; LG BD370
    OFFICE: Polk Lsi7; REL T3; HK 3490; CA 840W; Onkyo C-S5VL
    BENCHED: CS20; OWM3s
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  • JohnLocke88
    JohnLocke88 Posts: 1,150
    edited February 2010
    Onkyo 705 where it at; pre outs, hdmi, no upscaling though
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  • wutadumsn23
    wutadumsn23 Posts: 3,702
    edited February 2010
    JohnLocke88 wrote: »
    Onkyo 705 where it at; pre outs, hdmi, no upscaling though


    806 gets my vote, great unit for the price.

    -Jeff
    HT Rig
    Receiver- Onkyo TX-SR806
    Mains- Polk Audio Monitor 70
    Center- Polk Audio CS2
    Surrounds- Polk Audio TSi 500's :D
    Sub- Polk Audio PSW125
    Retired- Polk Audio Monitor 40's
    T.V.- 60" Sony SXRD KDS-60A2000 LCoS
    Blu-Ray- 80 GB PS3


    2 CH rig (in progress)
    Polk Audio Monitor 10A's :cool:

    It's not that I'm insensitive, I just don't care.. :D
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  • cnh
    cnh Posts: 13,284
    edited February 2010
    NewHTguy wrote: »
    I suspect a lot of buyers (like myself two years ago) are easily seduced by quantifiable specs and wpc are one of the biggies. As for the beefiness of the amps, I can see the value. If I weren't into two-channel I believe my Onk 875 with my previous Rti10s would have been adequate. Adding an amp brought out details in CDs, but didn't do that much if anything for HT. Right now my rig does double duty (HT and music) and my fronts need an amp. But if I were mainly into HT, an Rti series, decent sub, and Onk 805/875 would be my preferred setup.

    I couldn't agree more. HT is actually pretty easy compared to 2 channel. Throw a cheap AVR with a very efficient speaker set together and a good sub and you have a listenable surround movie system....why should manufacturers put great amps in the typical/average HT AVR.....most NEVER need that power or use it....and MOST will NEVER upgrade.

    Even a cheapo HTIB sounds 'great' to someone who has never heard a good system. And unless you're a bass/movie NUT (and we have a modicum of guys here). You don't really need anything more powerful than an Onkyo 805/875/906/1007/3007/5007. Unless you have 4 ohm speakers....but the AVERAGE person's speaker set is usually rated 6-8 ohms!

    Pre-outs, sure if you want more POWER to the stereo towers!

    Or if you're one of our Lives of the Rich and Famous guys who have a 40 x 40 x 20 foot room.....for AUDIO!!

    Personally, I'd call that a Gym!!

    cnh
    Currently orbiting Bowie's Blackstar.!

    Polk Lsi-7s, Def Tech 8" sub, HK 3490, HK HD 990 (CDP/DAC), AKG Q701s
    [sig. changed on a monthly basis as I rotate in and out of my stash]
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