AVR with pre/pro outs

[Travis]

A few questions need answering.
Not all a/v receivers can be connected to an amp because of pre/pro outs, right?

If I want to buy a AVR and later in the furure hook it up to a 5.1 or 7.1 channel amp, what are some options? I like Marantz.

Music is not a big concern, blu-ray 90% of the time.

Or should a pre/pro processor and amp be the way to go, from the start.

My budget B&W 600S3 speaker set-up is not a factor, hope to replace them with midrange B&W or other.

What AVR is out there that has pre/pro outs for the future? Even if I don't go for an amp now, years down the road the option is there.

[primaz]

Depends on your budget. One of the best non powered surround processor/pre amps are the Outlaw Audio; they are comming out with their new model 997 soon at $1399 and closing out the olds models 990 for $699. Good 7 channel amps like the Outlaw Audio start around $600 or so and go up to $3k for 7 x 300 watts balanced outputs. Thus if buying both is out of your budget I would get a cheap used AVR to get buy and save up for separates later. I say used since it looks like your going to get good speakes not just the run of the mill Polks, etc. so get a used AVR and after a bit buy the separates.

[pearsall001]

If you like Marantz, why not stay with them & pick up their top dog AVR. This way you'll be sitting pretty until the urge to go to a separate multi channel amp hits you. Other great lines to take a look at are, Arcam, NAD, Rotel, B&K.

[Travis]

Just peeked behind my Marantz SR5200, noticed it has pre outs on the back left side. Had no idea. No HDMI, it is almost 9 years old.

1.Is there any benefit in upgrading to a new AVR?

I'm getting confused... (Sorry if some of these answers have been posted, I may have read them, but I don't really understand.)

2.. If the blu-ray player decodes DTS-HD and Dolby TrueHD, can I connect it to my AVR with 6 RCA cables, and recieve lossless HD sound?

3. If I do #1, will I have problems with the LFE? My sub is B&W ASW600, 10" 150W active sub. It has controls on the back for volume level, low-pass filter frequency, low-pass filter bypass, bass roll-off alignment. Will this give me the adjustments I need?

4. Do I set the Marantz to Source Direct, to get the sound I want, or do I use the auto function with S-Direct off?

5. Later, I want more power for better speakers, can the pre-outs on the Marantz SR5200 be connected to a new 5.1 amp?

6. If the player is decoding HD audiio and upconverting DVDs, what purpose does the AVR really have?

[nezff]

a decent avr that has preouts will work. All depends on how many HDMI inputs you need, etc..

[kingofgrills]

If your Blu-ray player can bitstream the newer lossless audio codecs, then picking up a newer AVR such as the Yamaha RX-V 663 will give you internal decoding, 7.1 channel pre outs, YPAO room optimization with mic, good surround field modes, and a phonograph pre-amp stage built in.

It's a heck of an AVR / pre-pro combo for around $350 online. Step up to the RX-V863 and you add a good 1080p scaler for all video inputs.

[Travis]

Originally Posted by kingofgrills

If your Blu-ray player can bitstream the newer lossless audio codecs, then picking up a newer AVR such as the Yamaha RX-V 663 will give you internal decoding,

I know this is an ongoing discussion... if my Blu-ray player can decode, do I need an AVR with internal decoding? Why send it via bitstream to the AVR?

[Fors*]

Originally Posted by Travis

I know this is an ongoing discussion... if my Blu-ray player can decode, do I need an AVR with internal decoding? Why send it via bitstream to the AVR?

I can give you a basic reply to your question, as I do not consider myself extremely well versed in the audio area. However, if your Blu-ray player can decode then you would not need to bitstream the audio to your AVR to decode. However, if the Blu-ray player does not decode, then you would need the AVR to decode, thus the need to bitsream. Also, make sure you are using HDMI to get the best possible audio codecs. Feel free guys to correct me or elaborate further, if need be.

[BACsader]

Originally Posted by Opips2

Yes, some av/receiver has pre-out for amps. it's high audio amplifier than av/receiver in build amp.

blu-ray is new audio TrueHD Dolby and DTS HD. it's new 7-channel audio.
blu-ray will longer life cycle 10 years or so.

in the future, blu-ray music 7-channel or 5 channel.

you need to buy 7-channel amps. it's better than ever 5-channel amp.

start to buy slowly budget for av/r has 7-channel audio, pre-out and audio HD dolby & HD dts.

it's easy than hard earning your money AV/R without pre-out, 7-channel, HD audio.

There are so many things wrong in this post I don't know where to begin. I think in the first sentence this guy is basically saying that a seperate amp is better than the one in your A/V receiver. While this is usually true, it depends on the quality of the amp you are using. Blu-ray does use different audio codecs, but, if your receiver was top of the line from how many ever years ago, it might be better than buying a mid grade receiver now as long as your receiver has multi-channel inputs. The statement where it says 7 channel amps are better than 5 channel amps couldn't be more wrong. Again, it depends on the quality of the amp. In general, most people will tell you that it is actually better to use multiple stereo or even monoblock amps because that way, power is not being distributed and only focused on one or two channels. The last part I really don't know what he is saying, but something to the effect of build your theater slowly. If you have the money, there is no need to build your theater slowly.

[Travis]

I guess I am happy with the amp in my 9 year old AVR. The thing weighs a ton, so that has gotta be good. I really haven't heard any others, so I am happy because ignorance is bliss.

I am thinking about getting new fronts and a new center, Tonight I'm salivating over a pair of B&W704s and HTM7 (think I can buy them without upsetting my wife too much)

Very interested in seperates. What I can gather from you guys and other threads, after the speakers I should invest in a 5 channel amp, or maybe 2channel just for the 704s.

Do speakers like 704s deserve being run on seperates, or should I forget it and just buy a higher end AVR from Marantz.

[Travis]

gnb2008,

I have B&W 600 series 3 -LCR60 center and 4 DM600s and ASW600. The center and the 600s are small, but I wouldn't trade them for Polk towers or Bose cubes for anything. They are great speakers.

Maybe I'll get into 6.1, current receiver will do it, I will put old center behind sofa. The two DM600s will need a new home. They really are the little speaker that could. I'd like to move them into the bedroom to replace the Bose ipod Soundock my wife bought me for Christmas, it might be considered a declaration of war. Bose is small and convient, but I'd rather have a CD player, an amp and 2 bookshelf speakers. It's the thought that counts, right?

I don't know how 704s up front with mesh with 600s in back, but I can't see me buying 705s for surrounds.

I'm an American living in Taiwan, won't be shipping anything overseas.

[mdabb]

Originally Posted by Travis

I guess I am happy with the amp in my 9 year old AVR. The thing weighs a ton, so that has gotta be good. I really haven't heard any others, so I am happy because ignorance is bliss.

I am thinking about getting new fronts and a new center, Tonight I'm salivating over a pair of B&W704s and HTM7 (think I can buy them without upsetting my wife too much)

Very interested in separates. What I can gather from you guys and other threads, after the speakers I should invest in a 5 channel amp, or maybe channel just for the 704s.

Do speakers like 704s deserve being run on seperates, or should I forget it and just buy a higher end AVR from Marantz.

Not sure of the ohm rating of the B&W's you are considering but as long as your receiver can handle them you should be fine. Well also consider the power rating (watts) of the speakers and receiver. Some speakers need a little under the hood so they can open up. If you feel you don't have enough volume using your current receiver and regularly drive it to distortion, you may damage your speakers. Back off the volume and look for a capable amp or new receiver.

Since you don't listen to music very often, you should concentrate on an amp(s) for home theater use. Ideally you should consider a multi-channel amp...... your pick, but I would say a 3 or 5ch amp is perfect and then drive the remaining 2 or 4 surround channels with the receiver, well if your receiver is capable of all 4, If not a 7ch amp if you need it.

The B&W's are nice, I would upgrade speakers first and then your amp or receiver.

[Travis]

Just read an interesting thread at What hi-fi. Some guy was unhappy about replacing his old Marantz SR5200 (the one I have) with Denon AVR-1909. Also he is running old B&W 600S3 speakers (same as me). Like someone said, a new AVR or amp isn't always better.

I started down the road to buy a new HDMI, HD-audio capable AVR, to realize what I have is good. With the right connections and possibly the addition of a seperate amp and new speakers, I can be happy getting HD sound, no need to throw old gear out the window.

[BACsader]

Originally Posted by Opips2

I disagree you.

blu-ray is high audio and high definition. it's ultimate home theatre.
I want AV/Receiver HD, preamp 7-channel, high audio speaker etc..more better. I enjoy watch and hearing this ultimate home theatre.

I never buy AV/Receiver with Dvd. I've bought HTiB all-in-one-system with Dvd. I'm smart than much spend it stupid dvd is FAKE home theatre! I love blu-ray period it.

Dude, what the hell are you saying? Nothing you said in there addresses your disagreement in there. WOW

[Johnny Vinyl]

Originally Posted by gamer2600

I think it was a misunderstanding between him and I...I handled it privately and respectfully through PM.

+1.....that's the way things should be handled! I commend you, Sir!

John

[BACsader]

Opips2, for my setup, 7 channels would do absolutely nothing since I am in a confined space. Also, I would have to say that almost 80% of the movies coming out are 5.1 so the rear 2 channels are absolutely useless unless you matrix them. My amp is capable of 7.1 and when I have the space, I will upgrade, but right now, it is a complete waste of money for me.

[Opips2]

Originally Posted by Travis

Help me clean up this thread and delete some posts.

I delete posts.

[Opips2]

Originally Posted by BACsader

Opips2, for my setup, 7 channels would do absolutely nothing since I am in a confined space. Also, I would have to say that almost 80% of the movies coming out are 5.1 so the rear 2 channels are absolutely useless unless you matrix them. My amp is capable of 7.1 and when I have the space, I will upgrade, but right now, it is a complete waste of money for me.

This is important 7-channel amp separate for me.
There movie are coming out most 5.1 channel but surround sound are weak than the front sound.

I need more extra surround sounds are balance equal the front sound are strong enough.

Blu-ray has 7.1 is best sound spot your large position.

if I want 2 row sofas or loveseats and 2 lazychairs.
that's why large room. use 7.1 speakers than 5.1

the speaker sound to your position.
60 watts = 3-4 feets
100-150 watts = 5-6 feets
200-300 watts = 7-9 feets


Opi

[BACsader]

Originally Posted by Opips2

This is important 7-channel amp separate for me.
There movie are coming out most 5.1 channel but surround sound are weak than the front sound.

I need more extra surround sounds are balance equal the front sound are strong enough.

Blu-ray has 7.1 is best sound spot your large position.

if I want 2 row sofas or loveseats and 2 lazychairs.
that's why large room. use 7.1 speakers than 5.1

the speaker sound to your position.
60 watts = 3-4 feets
100-150 watts = 5-6 feets
200-300 watts = 7-9 feets


Opi

First, off, I don't understand about half of the stuff you just said. Secondly, where on Earth did you get the amount of power you need for distance. Watts have nothing to do with the distance with which you are listening to a source. Honestly, someone needs to just close this thread so this guy doesn't put any more useless information on it.

[Johnny Vinyl]

Originally Posted by Opips2

the speaker sound to your position.
60 watts = 3-4 feets
100-150 watts = 5-6 feets
200-300 watts = 7-9 feets


Opi

Hey Opi,

I understand you probably need to play your system louder than most, but where did you get this information from? It doesn't make sense to me!

John