Yamaha 3800 or Integra 9.8?

[a859057]

Here the deal. I currently have a Denon 4802 and am looking to upgrade to HDMI, HD Audio, etc. I had narrowed it down to the Yamaha 3800, or the Denon 3808 (still undecided between those 2). Then an idea struck me. What about buying an integra 9.8 pre/pro, which costs about the same as the Yamaha or the Denon, and use my Denon 4802 as the Amp? First of all, is this possible, and second, would this be a stupid thing to do?

Opinions on this matter would be greatly appreciated.

[Woody]

Originally Posted by a859057

Here the deal. I currently have a Denon 4802 and am looking to upgrade to HDMI, HD Audio, etc. I had narrowed it down to the Yamaha 3800, or the Denon 3808 (still undecided between those 2). Then an idea struck me. What about buying an integra 9.8 pre/pro, which costs about the same as the Yamaha or the Denon, and use my Denon 4802 as the Amp? First of all, is this possible, and second, would this be a stupid thing to do?

Opinions on this matter would be greatly appreciated.

1. yes, it is possible.
2. no it would not be stupid
3. I don't think it is a bad idea unless you plan on selling the 4802 and get anything for it. If you are just going to get a couple hundred $, I would probably do it.
4. Do you have any desire to do a seperate amp in the future?
5. Keep in mind if you go to the 9.8, you will have to buy 8 rca cables to connect the 9.8 to your receiver


Hope this helps a bit.

[a859057]

Originally Posted by Woody

4. Do you have any desire to do a seperate amp in the future?

One of my reasons for considering this is so that I would have the option to purchase an Amp in the future, thus becoming a member of the "separates" club.

I am just concerned about the audio quality of using my old Denon 4802 as the amp until I can get the new amp.

[richteer]

Originally Posted by a859057

One of my reasons for considering this is so that I would have the option to purchase an Amp in the future, thus becoming a member of the "separates" club.

I am just concerned about the audio quality of using my old Denon 4802 as the amp until I can get the new amp.

Put it this way: it won't be any worse than what you have now!

I'm shopping for a new receiver too, but I'll eventually join the separates club (looking at the Lexicon and Anthem gear).

[a859057]

Originally Posted by richteer

I'm shopping for a new receiver too, but I'll eventually join the separates club (looking at the Lexicon and Anthem gear).

Yeah - I was very impressed with the Anthem pre/pro, but unfortunately it is out of my price range.

Another question - I assume I would hook the Integra up through the Denon's external inputs; Which device would control the Volume?

[Woody]

Originally Posted by a859057

One of my reasons for considering this is so that I would have the option to purchase an Amp in the future, thus becoming a member of the "separates" club.

I am just concerned about the audio quality of using my old Denon 4802 as the amp until I can get the new amp.

It can't sound any worse than your current system. The 9.8 would be a better pre-amp than the pre-amp in your 4802. Your 4802 will do a decent job as an amp until you get a new one.

If you are considering a seperate amp the Integra seems like a no-brainer IMO.