Can I use an External Amp?

[sw3ll3r3]

Hello all,

New to the game, so sorry if this is a very basic and ignorant question.

From my understanding you need a pre out (red and white RCA) in order to hook up an external amp. A lot of new recievers to not have this. I am looking at the Sony STR-DH550 ($199) or the Denon AVR S510BT ($249). Neither of these have a pre out. Both do have 2 subwoofer outputs, can you hook up a external amp with one of those?

 

[Swerd]

From my understanding you need a pre out (red and white RCA) in order to hook up an external amp. A lot of new recievers to not have this. I am looking at the Sony STR-DH550 ($199) or the Denon AVR S510BT ($249). Neither of these have a pre out. Both do have 2 subwoofer outputs, can you hook up a external amp with one of those?

Your understanding is correct. Those subwoofer outputs can only be hooked up to an external amp that drives subwoofers – most subwoofers contain their own built-in amp. The sound is filtered so only low frequencies pass through. See page 86 of the Denon S510 downloadable manual where it says:

Set LFE (low frequency effects) signal playback range when you want to change the playback frequency (low pass filter point) of the subwoofer. You can select among these frequencies:
80 Hz / 90 Hz / 100 Hz / 110 Hz / 120 Hz/ 150 Hz /
200 Hz / 250 Hz (Default is 100 Hz)

To get full-range audio pre out jacks, you will have to spend more, such as $999 for the AVR-X3300W.

Look at Accessories 4 Less to find better prices on older models.

 

[sw3ll3r3]

Your understanding is correct. Those subwoofer outputs can only be hooked up to an external amp that drives subwoofers – most subwoofers contain their own built-in amp. The sound is filtered so only low frequencies pass through. See page 86 of the Denon S510 downloadable manual where it says:

Set LFE (low frequency effects) signal playback range when you want to change the playback frequency (low pass filter point) of the subwoofer. You can select among these frequencies:
80 Hz / 90 Hz / 100 Hz / 110 Hz / 120 Hz/ 150 Hz /
200 Hz / 250 Hz (Default is 100 Hz)

To get full-range audio pre out jacks, you will have to spend more, such as $999 for the AVR-X3300W.

Look at Accessories 4 Less to find better prices on older models.

Thank you for the quick reply. Well that is unfortunate, but I will have to deal with it because I refuse to spend that kind of money on home audio. I've spent over $10,000 on car audio over the years and I have learned by lesson lol.

Sub-woofer I have purchased is a Dayton audio 1200 sub (12") self powered.

 

[Swerd]

Most people never really need the excess power provided by external amps, especially if they use a powered subwoofer.

What speakers will your new AVR be driving? It is quite possible that 70-100 watts/channel will get the job done.

I say that despite the fact that I do have an external amp .

 

[sw3ll3r3]

Most people never really need the excess power provided by external amps, especially if they use a powered subwoofer.

What speakers will your new AVR be driving? It is quite possible that 70-100 watts/channel will get the job done.

I say that despite the fact that I do have an external amp .

Dayton T652 Tower Speakers
Dayton B562-Air Bookshelf
Dayton CCS-33B 3 way
Dayton 1200 sub

I am well aware these are not the best products, but for the price, reviews, and a 45 day no hassle return and 5 year warranty, might as well try them.

 

[Swerd]

Dayton T652 Tower Speakers
Dayton B562-Air Bookshelf
Dayton CCS-33B 3 way
Dayton 1200 sub

You can't beat the price on those towers . The owners manual says their upper power should be in the range of about 90 watts and no more than 150 watts. A typical AVR can easily do that.

 

[sw3ll3r3]

You can't beat the price on those towers . The owners manual says their upper power should be in the range of about 90 watts and no more than 150 watts. A typical AVR can easily do that.

I will find out how I like everything tomorrow going to get a reciever.

 

[lovinthehd]

Power levels among avrs are quite similar really. Consider it takes a doubling of power to gain merely 3dB in spl. Your speakers will be fine with typical avr power, external amp isn't necessary.