Amp's and preAmp's?

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by xtreme02gt

I am using the Sony STR-DG720 7.1


I would like to get the sub more power!

If you want to give the sub more power, you will have to remove the attached amplifier and replace it with a more powerful one. You may have to adjust the opening to fit a bigger amp. I would suggest that you also replace the driver with a better driver.

You may be able to leave the current amplifier in there and simply disconnect it from the loop and use an external amplifier. You need to open up the subwoofer and connect two wires to the driver and bypass the existing amplifier.

Amplifiers for Powered Subwoofers:
http://www.parts-express.com/webpage...ctGroup_ID=505
http://www.madisound.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=360

External Amplifiers for Passive Subwoofers:
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/show...number=300-812
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/psho...TOKEN=50414889
http://www.amazon.com/Audiosource-AM...8465481&sr=8-5
http://www.amazon.com/Boston-Acousti...8465645&sr=8-4
http://www.amazon.com/TBI-200-su-Sub...8465645&sr=8-5
http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/p...ifiers/swa500/

[JJ]

Jeez, did you just complicate his life - Pops, do you really expect him to go through all that hassle (for him, anyway)?

[Leon Liew]

My setup is Onkyo 676 as pre-amp to Forte HT 5 channel amp.As for sub
connection its thru the Onkyo 676's sub pre-out and it sure rocks.

As Big Daddy mentioned separates gives better audio quality especially
with Blu-Ray its pure sound.

[Oddiophile]

Originally Posted by xtreme02gt

So can I hook up a AMP to my receiver? That way I can just up the power of my receiver. If so, what is good amp? I don't need a $4,000 amp! But something good

As others have said, Yes. You can use a receiver as a preamp if your receiver has preamp outs on the back. Using a receiver as a preamp is a great way to get into spreates and will give you a taste of what separates can do over a receiver. But a good preamp will still give you better performance then a receiver. One reason for this is the large transformers used in amps can putout a lot of noise that can raise your noise floor. Removing the amp from the processing and having a dedicated transformer just for the processing in the preamp can give your audio a dramatic improvement. Larger sound stage, blacker background, crisper highs, etc.

Some manufacturers even have dual transformers in there preamps, one dedicated to the digital circuits and the other dedicated to the analog circuits. Receivers are more of a one size fits all option where separates is a mix and match what works best for your setup. With separate amps you have lots of different classes of amps to choose from. Class A, B, A/B, C, D, E, etc.

You can read up more on each class here. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electro...lifier_classes

Anthem makes an awesome amp (P5), each channel is it's own independent card that drops into the chassis. Each card has it's own transformer for each channel. 5 channels, 5 cards, 5 transformers, basically its a mono block amp for each channel in one chassis. Only negative to this amp is it draws more power then a house circuit can deliver so it has two power cords and requires one dedicated circuit for each power cord.

[Opips2]

Harman Kardon AVR-254 and 354 has preout.
that's High Definition the receiver has HD audio 7.1 channel. blah blah...

[xtreme02gt]

So how do I know if my Sony STR-DG720 can be used as a pre-amp?

[Oddiophile]

Originally Posted by xtreme02gt

So how do I know if my Sony STR-DG720 can be used as a pre-amp?

If you see this on the back of your receiver, your good to go.

[JasonR]

There are no pre outs on the 720.

No, it cannot be used as a preprocessor.

[D]

I use a McIntosh MC275 to power my front mains, the build design of the amp eliminates the noise floor issues of using a receiver as a pre-amp. Works quite well, but not an inexpensive option, but the sound of tubes is great.

[DangeRuss]

Originally Posted by Hammie

Here is my layman's definitions.

A receiver is a device that consists of both a Pre-Amp and an Amp on one nice package.

A Pre-Amp is a device that has all of the connectors and processing components.

An Amp is a device that amplifies the signal from the Pre-amp to the speakers.

I'm sure others will expand on my post if necessary.

The receiver also has a built in tuner........

An integrated amp has the pre-amp circuitry and an on board amp (No Tuner)