AVR pre-out confused

[yupanic]

I have decided on Mackie 824's for my living room based on multiple recommendations. Since they are active I was concerned about the correct AVR. I am looking for something lower end but future proof as well. I was thinking of the yamaha v661 until I realized it doesn't convert analog to hdmi. So on to the denon 1708, which does and has 1.3. But looking at the back I do not see pre-outs for the mains. please clarify.

 

[MDS]

Not sure exactly what the question is but if the speakers are 'active' that means they have their own on-board amplification and you must send them a line-level signal.

An AVR with pre-outs would do it but you could also use any analog line-level output (such as tape out or the audio outs of any of the video outs). The catch is that receivers will not convert an incoming digital signal to analog so it can be output thru any of the analog outs. That would limit you to using only analog input sources.

 

[yupanic]

so does you mean if my satellite input is hdmi through the AVR then to tv with analog outs to active speakers this won't work?

 

[yupanic]

will a avr with pre-outs work differently than an avr using analog outs to the speakers?

 

[brulaha]

You definitely want a receiver with pre outs. Using a tape loop or something similar would be a mistake in my opinion. This is what a pre out is designed for. You won't find pre outs on most lower level receivers.

 

[Seth=L]

I believe the Harman Kardon AVR-247 converts analog inputs to HDMI, but I am not 100% on that. I know it has as scaler (which by no means indicates it converts inputs to HDMI). The least expensive AVR I know for sure that does it that also has preouts is the Onkyo TX-SR705, but from my understanding the conversion quality may not be very good.

The Denon you mention does not have preouts. Denon opted to not put preouts on anything until you get up to the AVR-2808CI.

Edit: Checking the manual to the Harman Kardon AVR-247 confirms that it does in fact convert analog inputs to HDMI output. IMO, the Harman Kardon is a bargain for the price.

 

[yupanic]

wait..now I was told the V661 would not up-convert but it says it will on its specs...and it has pre outs...it does only have v1.2 but if I am mainly using this for music and only normal tv viewing it should work fine with the active mackie's, right. My HD direct tv recv will HDMI into the AVR, HDMI to Pana H plasma, Mackie 824 via pre-outs for music and tv sound and zone 2 for outside...maybe zone 3/B speakers later for kitchen...this will work..sound good? thanks guys

 

[Seth=L]

wait..now I was told the V661 would not up-convert but it says it will on its specs...and it has pre outs...it does only have v1.2 but if I am mainly using this for music and only normal tv viewing it should work fine with the active mackie's, right. My HD direct tv recv will HDMI into the AVR, HDMI to Pana H plasma, Mackie 824 via pre-outs for music and tv sound and zone 2 for outside...maybe zone 3/B speakers later for kitchen...this will work..sound good? thanks guys

I gotta recommend the Harman Kardon AVR-247. I don't know where in the manual for the Yamaha it says it will convert analog inputs to HDMI, but I read in the manual for the H/K that it does. Maybe the upconversion Yamaha is refering to is converting composite and s-video to component.

 

[no. 5]

I don't know where in the manual for the Yamaha it says it will convert analog inputs to HDMI, but I read in the manual for the H/K that it does.

I read the manual for the 661, it will not transcoed analog video inputs to HDMI (it will, however, transcoed all analog video inputs to component).

Is the H/K HDMI repeating, or switching?

 

[Seth=L]

I read the manual for the 661, it will not transcoed analog video inputs to HDMI (it will, however, transcoed all analog video inputs to component).

Is the H/K HDMI repeating, or switching?

Repeating, it has HDMI 1.2 with simplay, can decode 7.1 Lossless, can decode DSD, can scale, and can convert all inputs to HDMI. It simply has no rival.

 

[yupanic]

ok sold me (sure wish they would do black )...next question...infrared remotes....what suggestions...I see H/K has an IR sensor so I get that then one of the Harmony remotes?

 

[bandphan]

ok sold me (sure wish they would do black )...next question...infrared remotes....what suggestions...I see H/K has an IR sensor so I get that then one of the Harmony remotes?

you mean an ir input? I use a universal mx3000 and a mx950(rf to ir) and its bullit proof! The layout on the 950(and others except the 3000)is very user friendly not over complicated(for all of us that have wifes that get pived when we overcomplicate things)

 

[yupanic]

Oops, sorry I did mean RF, all of this will be hidden. And you must've read my mind...this system HAS to be wife compatable! Does anyone else use Harmony IR. I have an 880 for the upstairs and the wife uses it ok...if the universal and harmony are comparable I may stick with it just for consistency sake.

 

[bandphan]

Oops, sorry I did mean RF, all of this will be hidden. And you must've read my mind...this system HAS to be wife compatable! Does anyone else use Harmony IR. I have an 880 for the upstairs and the wife uses it ok...if the universal and harmony are comparable I may stick with it just for consistency sake.

the 900,950 are "pro" grade and you can get them for 300-400 respectively(thats from sound advice, and a great price) The harmony are great for the money.