Pre/Pro or Receiver with preouts
craigpsu
Posts: 106
I have the Lsi Series of speakers sitting in the box and was wondering what the best pre/pro would be for these. I am going to buy an EMO amp (pretty sure that is the one I am getting) and I would like to keep the cost down on the pre/pro (1000-1300). People have recommended B&K and Rotel's pre's among others but they are quite expensive and most of them do not have the latest HDMI or Dolby/DTS decoding. Quite a few people here have said that the new decoding is better and I would prefer getting one with all the bells and whistles. Is the quality of one of the more expensive models worth it, even though it may not have the latest technology. Or would I be ok with a cheaper model, or even a Denon or Onkyo and just use the pre amps. Any adivce on a good pre for 1300 or less would be appreciated. I think I may be leaning toward the latest technology for Home Theater setup so keep that in mind, but can be swayed if its a clear decesion to buy a more expensive one.
LSi15s, LSiC, LSiFX, LC80F/X, microPro 4000, Pioneer Elite SC-07, XPA-2, XPA-5, PS3
Post edited by craigpsu on
Comments
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Here is a good online store to buy denon receivers off of. It seems to me to be really good prices. I bought the 1909 off of here, and their customer service was great. They do not have warranties, but you can buy one for 60$. I had no problems whatsoever with this store.
I wish I would have bought the denon 2808 instead of the 1909. It has all the pre outs, and mine has only a sub pre out. This site has it for 400$ under the denon price. I called in my order and they knocked off 15$ on the 2 day shipping. They also said that you will receive your product faster by calling in.
I am by no means an authority on home audio, but These do seem like good deals. And I really like my 1909, except for the lack of pre outs.Denon 1909, want to upgrade for pre outs
Fronts-polk RTi A5
center-polk CSi A4
Sides Polk FXi A6
rears- polk rm8's
sub-SVS pb-13 ultra
Blue ray-ps3
Panasonic plasma 50 inch
Buttkicker(don't use or need it anymore since getting the Ultra) -
Go with the pre/pro if your allready getting an amp.Plenty of good ones out there with latest bells and whistles.Sound would be much better.Keep in mind,if you want a pre for HT use,get at least a 5 channel amp.If you want the latest and greatest in an AVR,make sure it has pre-outs to add an amp,then you can get away with a 3 channel amp for the fronts and let the AVR take care of the surrounds.All this of coarse is dependant on your budget.HT SYSTEM-
Sony 850c 4k
Pioneer elite vhx 21
Sony 4k BRP
SVS SB-2000
Polk Sig. 20's
Polk FX500 surrounds
Cables-
Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable
Kitchen
Sonos zp90
Grant Fidelity tube dac
B&k 1420
lsi 9's -
Some of us consider "latest bells and whistles" to be at *least* Audyessy XT room correction with Dynamic EQ. From what I have seen, the Onkyo 876 or Denon 2809 are the only under $1000 (steet price) ways to get this. (The Onkyo also throws in THX Ultra 2 Plus modes, if you're into that sort of thing)
The Balanced outputs on PrePros are nice, but have no benefit vs. RCA connectors in most short-run home situations.
I'd *love* it if someone like Onkyo or Denon would make a ampless version of their recievers and sell it for less.... but instead they sell it for almost twice as much.
The most cost-effective way to get the newest bells and whistles is with a full-on reciever. No Pre-Pro can touch them for the price. I would LOVE to be proven wrong on this... have a boatload of amps laying around! -
So I have done a little more research, and one of the only pre/pro that had the latest DTS-HD and Dolby HD with the latest HDMI and upconversion was the Marantz or the RSP1570 (both of which are over 2,000), but I am not sure if I want to spend that kind of money. Is the sound quality out of it that much better than say a good AVR from Marantz, Denon or Onk?LSi15s, LSiC, LSiFX, LC80F/X, microPro 4000, Pioneer Elite SC-07, XPA-2, XPA-5, PS3
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The Onkyo 905 is over 2000 MSRP. I doubt you'd notice a significant difference in sound.
But it's much better to get the cheapest pre-out receiver and get a good amp section like an Emotiva--that so many like here.
You can get the Onkyo 706 for less than 500 if you look and that has all you need to hook up to an Emo amp for another 700 or less. For a lot less than a 2000 dollar amp you'd have an excellent sounding system and most of the HDMI Tru-HD sound bells and whistles...
cnhCurrently 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] -
Welcome to Club Polk Craig & SBrew!
If you need all the bells & whistles, get a receiver with preouts. If not, go for a prepro/amp combo.Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2 -
Here is a list of what and why....
1) Integra DTR 9.9. comes in at 2k and has excellent video processing. At this price point can't be beat. Fully loaded for theater use. Weak on analog and music .
2) NAD T175hd. Also 2k price point and is a stellar musical performer. Solid for everything esle. Fully loaded.
3) Marantz. comes in at 2699.99 and worth every single penny. 2 channel is this babies speciality. Nice looking and Fully loaded theater.
If you are going to buy a receiver and use a external amp, check out Pioneer ELite. They make great sounding preamp for both HT and music. I have been pleased with the results I have Installed using them. Really smooth and fully featured. My favorite AVR right now.
4) Rotel anything. Check out there complete line as you do not need external amps with there receivers. Stable and dynamic with 4 ohm loads.
Good luck and your covered.
DanDan
My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
