Amp vs. receiver

polkerfan
polkerfan Posts: 120
edited May 2010 in Electronics
Forgive me if this is a ridiculous question, but I need to ask it anyway. I am in the process of building my first home theater system. This is what I currently have-

Polk TSi 300's (fronts)
Polk CS10 (center)
Polk OWM 3's (rears)
Polk PSW 110 (sub)

My choice for a receiver will probably be the NEW Denon AVR 591.

That is where my question lies. A receiver by definition is an amp, a pre-amp, and a tuner. Since I don't hardly ever listen to the radio at home, does ANYONE make a 5.1 pre-amp/amp, eliminating the tuner part of it, and maybe building a little more quality into the unit, while still remaining within the same price range? Or do separate units have to be purchased? I would really prefer a single unit, if it exists.

Please educate me on this. Thank you.
Post edited by polkerfan on
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Comments

  • Bernal
    Bernal Posts: 991
    edited May 2010
    Denon AVR 591.
    It is a good buy to start....


    01) DENON AVR-4308CI: Advanced 7.1 CH/5.1+2 CH/ 3.1+2+2 CH A/V Home Theater /MultiMedia Multi-Source/Zone Receiver with Networking and WiFi/170 watts x 7 channels
    02) SUNFIRE Grand Signature - Bob Carver's
    03) OPPO BDP-83SE Blu-ray Disc Player w/SACD & DVD-Audio
    04) OPPO DV-980H 1080p Up-Converting Universal DVD Player with HDMI and 7.1CH Audio
    05) DENON DVD-2500BTCI: Blu-ray Disc™ DVD/CD Digital Player/Transport
    06) HITACHI P55T501. 55" HD1080 Plasma HDTV
    07) POLKAUDIO LSiC (Center speaker)
    08) POLKAUDIO LSi15 LEFT (Front speaker)
    09) POLKAUDIO LSi15 RIGHT (Front speaker)
    10) POLKAUDIO LSiC Vertically (Surround speaker)
    11) POLKAUDIO LSiC Vertically (Surround speaker)
    12) POLKAUDIO LSif/x LEFT (Surround back speakers)
    13) POLKAUDIO LSif/x RIGHT (Surround back speakers)
    14) VELODYNE OPTIMUN SERIES 12"(High Output Digital EQ SubWoofer 2400W/1200WRMS)
    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showcase/view.php?userid=98096 (Not updated)
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  • Knucklehead
    Knucklehead Posts: 3,602
    edited May 2010
    Save a few more bucks and get an AVR with preouts.You will thank yourself later.

    edit: Maybe something like Bernal has! :)
    Polk Audio Surround Bar 360
    Mirage PS-12
    LG BDP-550
    Motorola HD FIOS DVR
    Panasonic 42" Plasma
    XBOX 360[/SIZE]

    Office stuff

    Allied 395 receiver
    Pioneer CDP PD-M430
    RT8t's & Wharfedale Diamond II's[/SIZE]

    Life is one grand, sweet song, so start the music. ~Ronald Reagan
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  • polkerfan
    polkerfan Posts: 120
    edited May 2010
    The best way to learn things is by asking questions. So I ask- please explain "pre-outs" and how they will be beneficial in the long run. What 5.1 receivers out right now with the most current features will have these?
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  • Knucklehead
    Knucklehead Posts: 3,602
    edited May 2010
    Pre-outs enable you to add a separate AMP to your system. I dont believe the newest Denon you mentioned has pre-outs, hence, the suggestion. Even if you dont use the pre-outs right away, sooner or later this hobby will have you spending all kinds of money. As far as other Denon models that have pre-outs, check the website, Im sure for an extra hundred bucks you can even get a 7.1 AVR with pre-outs.
    Polk Audio Surround Bar 360
    Mirage PS-12
    LG BDP-550
    Motorola HD FIOS DVR
    Panasonic 42" Plasma
    XBOX 360[/SIZE]

    Office stuff

    Allied 395 receiver
    Pioneer CDP PD-M430
    RT8t's & Wharfedale Diamond II's[/SIZE]

    Life is one grand, sweet song, so start the music. ~Ronald Reagan
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  • Bernal
    Bernal Posts: 991
    edited May 2010
    Knucklehead wrote: »
    Save a few more bucks and get an AVR with preouts.You will thank yourself later.

    Denon AVR 990: PRE OUT

    AVR990_Large_Back.jpg

    OR

    Denon AVR 591:

    AVR591_Large_Back.jpg

    OR

    DENON 4308CI: PRE OUT

    AVR4308CI_Back_Large.jpg
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  • Knucklehead
    Knucklehead Posts: 3,602
    edited May 2010
    Nice! ^^^^
    Polk Audio Surround Bar 360
    Mirage PS-12
    LG BDP-550
    Motorola HD FIOS DVR
    Panasonic 42" Plasma
    XBOX 360[/SIZE]

    Office stuff

    Allied 395 receiver
    Pioneer CDP PD-M430
    RT8t's & Wharfedale Diamond II's[/SIZE]

    Life is one grand, sweet song, so start the music. ~Ronald Reagan
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  • cstmar01
    cstmar01 Posts: 4,424
    edited May 2010
    an external amp will normally produce better results in terms of SQ than say just a lower end AVR. However most AVR's will run HT set ups just fine as long as your using half way efficient speakers.
    Such as your polks combined with like middle range denon, onkyo, Pioneer will sound just fine. The external amp I would recommend down the road if you want an upgrade as it will normally give you more head room, and typically I would recommend an external amp when doing music/ HT set ups as I find it will give floor standers the power they need for music to really get into it.
    Starting out with your set up you should be fine with a AVR and if you ever want to upgrade getting one that has pre outs will be good as then you can see if adding an amp made a difference to you and weather you liked it or not.
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