Not including pre-amp inputs on AVRs is a crime

[Trebdp83]

Right, and that is the point of the jumpers. They are separate components when disconnected. The MULTI IN/EXT. IN 7.1 ports are a source input port and while digital processing is bypassed, volume control is on like on any other source input. They were meant for connection to a source device, not an external AVP/AVR for power like the IN port when jumpers are removed from the IN and OUT ports on some receivers. It can be done, it just was never the real point of them.

 

[PENG]

Maybe I misinterpreted what the manual for the MHT300 states, or what the OP is asking for, or both. The manual states, on Page 7, that the jumpered RCAs above each set of binding posts on the back of the AVR are:



You can find the manual here:

https://www.mcintoshlabs.com/-/media/Files/mcintoshlabs/DocumentMaster/us/MHT300_OM_24120200.pdf?rev=ac2e807b2c944f8eac9df5659d4b7e0a&revision=ac2e807b-2c94-4f8e-ac9d-f5659d4b7e0a

It seems to me that the OP is asking for pre-amplifier inputs so that he can turn an AVR into an amp. Now, how many people actually want to do that? But it does seem like the MHT300 fits the bill.

I think you guys may be talking about two different things. Trebdp83 seems to be referring to post#1, so he is right about those multichannel inputs are not directly intended for using the AVR as a power amp. It could be used that way if one doesn't mind having the volume control in between. Your example using the Mcintosh MHT300's jumpers are in fact use to allow the preamp/poweramp to be separated. The jumper thing was only cited on the OP's post#5, not his start post.

As for the A1H the OP also cited, there would be no need to use jumpers, Denon could have done it via the control scheme, as it already has the capability to disconnect the pre out and power amp inputs, via relays (or SS IC switches, or hybrid...).

 

[Trebdp83]

Ok, I might be losing my mind, but I could swear @PENG posted something here this morning with a pic of the A1H. There was some talk of jumpers, board swaps and back panel real estate but it has been replaced with another post. Oh well. Anyway…

Jumpers would be nice on a unit for a true “PRE IN” port to connect a newer AVP/AVR to the amp section or use the “OUT” ports to connect more powerful amps.

Referring back to the RX-A3040 and RX-A3050, I’d think those still using older players with 7.1 analog output ports would have been put off by the RX-A3050’s lack of MULTI IN 7.1 analog ports more than those who may have wanted to use them for powering later models.

More annoying for some still would be the compromised pre outs on the RX-A3050 with its 11.1 processing but shared pre outs for heights and zones. This would be the case up to and including the RX-A3080 and the RX-A8A would finally have full pre outs with separate zone pre outs but the MULTI IN 7.1 analog ports would never return to a Yamaha receiver.

So, what are fans of both Yamaha equipment, MULTI IN 7.1 ports for disc players and full pre outs to do? Well, for a setup of less cost and more capability than the previously mentioned Mcintosh MHT300, those folks can pair the CX-A5200 with the MX-A5200.

 

[PENG]

Ok, I might be losing my mind, but I could swear @PENG posted something here this morning with a pic of the A1H. There was some talk of jumpers, board swaps and back panel real estate but it has been replaced with another post. Oh well. Anyway…

Jumpers would be nice on a unit for a true “PRE IN” port to connect a newer AVP/AVR to the amp section or use the “OUT” ports to connect more powerful amps.

Referring back to the RX-A3040 and RX-A3050, I’d think those still using older players with 7.1 analog output ports would have been put off by the RX-A3050’s lack of MULTI IN 7.1 analog ports more than those who may have wanted to use them for powering later models.

More annoying for some still would be the compromised pre outs on the RX-A3050 with its 11.1 processing but shared pre outs for heights and zones. This would be the case up to and including the RX-A3080 and the RX-A8A would finally have full pre outs with separate zone pre outs but the MULTI IN 7.1 analog ports would never return to a Yamaha receiver.

So, what are fans of both Yamaha equipment, MULTI IN 7.1 ports for disc players and full pre outs to do? Well, for a setup of less cost and more capability than the previously mentioned Mcintosh MHT300, those folks can pair the CX-A5200 with the MX-A5200.
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View attachment 62278

Sorry, I did, but deleted the post as I did say I was done and out...

I do like the idea of swappable HDMI board that is easier enough to do by authorized local dealers. Anthem has allowed that now.

 

[highfigh]

Let me repeat: IT COSTS NOTHING!

It costs NOTHING to have a way to bypass the preamp and go directly into the amplifier. Receivers used to connect the two via jumper bars on the back the user could remove. WHY WAS THIS PRACTICE EVER DISCONTINUED?!

It's ridiculous!

EVERYTHING has a cost, especially if it's an alternative. The economy of scale dictates this.

The jumper bars (or a switch) was for stereo equipment, not multi-channel. On the modern equipment, real estate on the rear panel is precious.

 

[Trebdp83]

Board swaps make sense. Processing upgrades can be done over firmware update as many processes are held up by licensing deals rather than hardware issues. But, full 48Gbps HDMI ports of the HDMI 2.1 spec are nowhere to be found on any new AVR. Upgrading those on pricey units would be a welcome option for some connecting gaming PCs to new 48Gbps capable TVs. The next PS and XBOX consoles may support 48Gbps and many will want AVRs that do the same.

 

[Trebdp83]

The MHT300 has multichannel jumpers for connection to external amps for seven channels or for powering seven channels of an AVP/AVR. Though, the actual point of them is for connection to external amps. There are no MULTI IN 7.1 ports for players with 7.1 analog output ports and it is compromised in many other ways. The cost of going with McIntosh separates exceeds that of Yamaha separates by a huge margin.

 

[ban25]

Sorry, I did, but deleted the post as I did say I was done and out...

I do like the idea of swappable HDMI board that is easier enough to do by authorized local dealers. Anthem has allowed that now.

It seems to have worked out well for owners of the X8500H/X8500HA.

NAD has expansion boards for their products, but it remains to be seen if there is actually enough sales volume to support building and selling these modules. Notably there is no HDMI 2.1 MDC card available:

MDC Modules - NAD Electronics

NAD Electronics MDC Modules

nadelectronics.com

 

[PENG]

It seems to have worked out well for owners of the X8500H/X8500HA.

NAD has expansion boards for their products, but it remains to be seen if there is actually enough sales volume to support building and selling these modules. Notably there is no HDMI 2.1 MDC card available:

MDC Modules - NAD Electronics

NAD Electronics MDC Modules

nadelectronics.com

I thought the Denon owners have to ship their heavy 8500 to Denon for the 2.1 upgrade. Anthem was like that too in the beginning but is now allowing their dealers to do it.

 

[ban25]

I thought the Denon owners have to ship their heavy 8500 to Denon for the 2.1 upgrade. Anthem was like that too in the beginning but is now allowing their dealers to do it.

Yeah you did -- but it was important because the 8500 was released right on the verge of HDMI 2.1. If they hadn't offered that upgrade path, they would've been selling an obsolete product practically from day 1.

 

[Trebdp83]

Didn't the hassle and cost only get them one HDMI 2.1 port capable of 4K @120Hz/8K @60Hz? Did they offer a full set later?

 

[ban25]

Didn't the hassle and cost only get them one HDMI 2.1 port capable of 4K @120Hz/8K @60Hz? Did they offer a full set later?

Yeah, just the one port. But if they didn't do even that, it would effectively have been a last-generation product (now 2 generations old).

 

[lovinthehd]

The MHT300 has multichannel jumpers for connection to external amps for seven channels or for powering seven channels of an AVP/AVR. Though, the actual point of them is for connection to external amps. There are no MULTI IN 7.1 ports for players with 7.1 analog output ports and it is compromised in many other ways. The cost of going with McIntosh separates exceeds that of Yamaha separates by a huge margin.
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I meant to mention that the McIntosh didn't have the LFE channel input needed for disc players analog output, so it is primarily only useful with a pre-amp that can handle the sub (altho a few disc players do have such a pre-amp section).

 

[Trebdp83]

Right, the jumpers are for connecting a more powerful amp, not at all meant for a player with multichannel 7.1 analog outputs that would need the input selection and volume control of the processor. So, for a bit more power, one could connect the McIntosh MI357.