Musician getting into Home Theater - advice

[riveraman]

Beginner Home Theater user, although I have a lot of experience as a musician (different type of equipment). I own some great active studio monitors (Yamaha HS7) and currently have them connected to my TV. Although it's 'only' stereo, it far surpasses the sound quality and experience compared to the 'soundbar' systems my friends use. Every time they come over they are surprised. I read that there are some really good soundbar or other type of Home Theater systems available, but haven't seen many for a decent/budget price. This made me look for a preamp or some type of device with a HDMI ARC input, to which I can connect my speakers and possibly expand on those.

I've seen some small devices like this: https://www.amazon.com/HDMI-Audio-Extractor-Splitter-Converter/dp/B07DFDQ6HG/ref=sr_1_4?crid=1WQ79L1EUHD2Z&dchild=1&keywords=hdmi+arc+adapter&qid=1622641778&sprefix=hdmi+arc+,aps,238&sr=8-4

Unfortunately these don't have a remote or give me the control I want as a regular surround sound receiver would, however most of these receivers don't have 5.1 outputs for powered speakers.

What advice would you give me? I love my speakers and can expand if I can get a preamp/HDMI Arc device with remote, but if it's not worth the hassle or if it's not available, what other options are available to me?

Thanks!
JJ

 

[Trebdp83]

CX-A5200 - Overview - Yamaha - United States

Supreme Performance. Built from the ground up, this preamplifier processor delivers the best in performance and technology. Harness the latest technologies in audio and video in your theater and pair it with the MX-A5200 Amplifier for the ultimate experience.

usa.yamaha.com

 

[riveraman]

$2,699.95 - unfortunately doesn't fit the budget range, looks awesome though!

 

[Trebdp83]

Live a little.

 

[riveraman]

True... need the funds though!

 

[Eppie]

True... need the funds though!

We've all been there.

Your budget will determine what people will recommend. What kind of money are you looking to spend? If you plan to add speakers later, I think an Audio-Video Receiver (AVR) with pre-outs would be a wise choice. You can run the pre-outs to your monitors and when you add a centre channel and surrounds later you can go with passive speakers and use the amps in the AVR. Or do you plan to stick with 2-speakers and just want more connectivity? Any plans to add a subwoofer?

 

[lovinthehd]

You might consider a used avr with pre-outs, especially if you don't need the latest 4k/Atmos features, can save some money. Soundbars and HTIB sets I wouldn't recommend at all, tho.

 

[riveraman]

Yeah, an AVR with pre-outs, I thought about that, but wasn't able to find anything with 5.1 pre outs. Used is fine as well, as long as it has the HDMI ARC and pre-outs.

 

[lovinthehd]

Yeah, an AVR with pre-outs, I thought about that, but wasn't able to find anything with 5.1 pre outs. Used is fine as well, as long as it has the HDMI ARC and pre-outs.

Usually it's midrange avrs and up for newer models, and most avrs have been 7.1 versions or more for a while....new 5.1 avrs tend to be low end and probably wouldn't come with pre-outs. HDMI sufficient for ARC has been around a while, altho ARC is often just a pain in the butt (and with that age of avr you can mostly the same audio via optical cable from your tv). One example is the X series of Denon avrs that's been out the last several years, the series X3xxx and above has pre-outs, below that, no. Just gotta look up the specs (manuals or manufacturer's site rather than ads is generally a better way to go for that, too).

Where are you? What's your budget?

 

[riveraman]

Budget for an amp is about $500, I've been looking but haven't found any with pre outs, only the expensive ones appear to have it. Any models that you guys know that come with pre outs?

 

[Pogre]

Budget for an amp is about $500, I've been looking but haven't found any with pre outs, only the expensive ones appear to have it. Any models that you guys know that come with pre outs?

You're not likely to find one with $500 budget. I do see that AC4L has the Denon 3600 back in stock for $899 tho. It's a very good receiver, is fairly up to date and has a full set of preouts.

Accessories4less: High End Audio at Low End Prices!

www.accessories4less.com

 

[Eppie]

Budget for an amp is about $500, I've been looking but haven't found any with pre outs, only the expensive ones appear to have it. Any models that you guys know that come with pre outs?

You may have to up your budget a bit for multi-channel preouts. One option is Accessories4Less and then check the box for multi-channel preouts. Cheapest are the Yamaha RX-A880 and the Marantz SR5014 (currently on sale) both for $700. Sometimes they will have refurb units that you can pick up for a discount if you are patient. (Edit: I checked again and those two are factory refurbs.) If you have a Costco membership they sometimes sell Yamaha AVRs. I have seen mention of the TSR-7810 which retails for $850 but has been sold at Costco for under $500.

 

[Eppie]

You're not likely to find one with $500 budget. I do see that AC4L has the Denon 3600 back in stock for $899 tho. It's a very good receiver, is fairly up to date and has a full set of preouts.

Accessories4less: High End Audio at Low End Prices!

www.accessories4less.com

Beat me by 9 minutes again.

 

[ZenLunatic]

Beginner Home Theater user, although I have a lot of experience as a musician (different type of equipment). I own some great active studio monitors (Yamaha HS7) and currently have them connected to my TV. Although it's 'only' stereo, it far surpasses the sound quality and experience compared to the 'soundbar' systems my friends use. Every time they come over they are surprised. I read that there are some really good soundbar or other type of Home Theater systems available, but haven't seen many for a decent/budget price. This made me look for a preamp or some type of device with a HDMI ARC input, to which I can connect my speakers and possibly expand on those.

I've seen some small devices like this: https://www.amazon.com/HDMI-Audio-Extractor-Splitter-Converter/dp/B07DFDQ6HG/ref=sr_1_4?crid=1WQ79L1EUHD2Z&dchild=1&keywords=hdmi+arc+adapter&qid=1622641778&sprefix=hdmi+arc+,aps,238&sr=8-4

Unfortunately these don't have a remote or give me the control I want as a regular surround sound receiver would, however most of these receivers don't have 5.1 outputs for powered speakers.

What advice would you give me? I love my speakers and can expand if I can get a preamp/HDMI Arc device with remote, but if it's not worth the hassle or if it's not available, what other options are available to me?

Thanks!
JJ

I’m selling a Yamaha TSR-7850 if you’re interested. $350 and it’s yours.

Accessories4less: High End Audio at Low End Prices!

www.accessories4less.com

 

[Eppie]

I’m selling a Yamaha TSR-7850 if you’re interested. $350 and it’s yours.

Accessories4less: High End Audio at Low End Prices!

www.accessories4less.com

The 7850 does not have a full set of preouts like the 7810, but does have preouts for the fronts. If the OP is content with using his powered speakers for the fronts but using the AVR amps for the surrounds, that would be an option. Full specs on the 7850 here. A few open box units left on A4L as well.

 

[panteragstk]

You're not likely to find one with $500 budget. I do see that AC4L has the Denon 3600 back in stock for $899 tho. It's a very good receiver, is fairly up to date and has a full set of preouts.

Accessories4less: High End Audio at Low End Prices!

www.accessories4less.com

This would be on my short list. It's newer sibling actually is on my list for an office receiver. 5.x.4 with HDMI 2.1 will be neat when the HDMI mess is figured out.

My vote is for the 3600 or similar series.

 

[MR.MAGOO]

Unless you have a dedicated HUGE room (not a condo or apartment) I'd avoid home theatre. Just stick to music, 2 speakers and a sub. But if you don't mind the neighbors complaining about the noise from that 7 or more channel slam-bam action movie then go for it! It's your money, free to throw it down the proverbial HT rathole!