Yamaha and Emotiva...but backwards

[jnmfox]

I currently have a Yamaha 659 and have a 663 on preorder. One of the main reasons I'm upgrading is for the HDMI inputs and output for easy of use and for use with a PS3 as a Blu-Ray player in the future.

I know some people use their AVR as a pre/pro and add an outboard amp. I am wondering if I can use my AVR as the amp and the Emotiva UMC-1 as my pre/pro? I have never had separates so I am not sure if the connection between the two is possible. I was thinking maybe through the multi-channel inputs on my 659???

I am happy with the performance of the 659 and doing this way I could add the HDMI functionality and upgrade later to a separate amp.

 

[Seth=L]

Possible, yes, practical, no.

Your noise floor would likely be unbearable, meaning your speakers would have very audible hiss all the time. The RX-V663 has the same amplifier section as your RX-V659, and for about the same cost I believe you are best off getting the RX-V663. If you want to go with Emotiva separates I suggest saving up and getting the LMC-2 and XPA-5 when they become available.

 

[GlocksRock]

as long as your receiver has analog inputs you can use it as an amp, you would just leave it set to the analog input all the time, but why wouldn't you just sell your yamaha receiver(s) and get an Emotiva amp? The LPA-1 is only $500 and would be a way better amp than what's inside the yamaha.

 

[jnmfox]

Thanks for the replies.

The reason for doing it this way is so I can go

659>UMC-1(previously called the LMC-2)>UMC-7 or XPA-5

instead of

659>663>UMC-7 or XPA-5>UMC-1

It would cut out the extra step of buying the 663. I could save up until I have enough for the Emotiva separates but I was hoping to start taking advantage of the HDMI connections sooner than later, for the reasons stated above.

 

[jnmfox]

Possible, yes, practical, no.

Your noise floor would likely be unbearable, meaning your speakers would have very audible hiss all the time.

Any other thoughts on this?

 

[jcPanny]

Upgrade path

Fox,
I can attest that the Emotiva LPA-1 amp was an easily audible upgrade for driving my 4 ohm Onix Ref speakers.

Based on your sig, I don't see a bluray player, so no need for HDMI audio in the near future. Instead of buying a new Yamaha, get an emotiva amp. A few months from now when the pre-pro is avaialble, bugs are worked out, on sale, etc. you can upgrade to the pre-pro.

FYI, I plan to upgrade my Yamaha with one of the Emotiva pre-pros, but I expect less of an audible upgrade than when I added the amp.

 

[jnmfox]

Fox,
I can attest that the Emotiva LPA-1 amp was an easily audible upgrade for driving my 4 ohm Onix Ref speakers.

Based on your sig, I don't see a bluray player, so no need for HDMI audio in the near future. Instead of buying a new Yamaha, get an emotiva amp. A few months from now when the pre-pro is avaialble, bugs are worked out, on sale, etc. you can upgrade to the pre-pro.

FYI, I plan to upgrade my Yamaha with one of the Emotiva pre-pros, but I expect less of an audible upgrade than when I added the amp.

The plan was to get a HDMI capable AVR or pre/pro then purchase the PS3 shortly after.

I don't doubt an amp would be an upgrade but like I stated above I am content with the power I have now and am mostly upgrading for the connectivity. One of the things that most frustrates my wife is our Westy doesn't always change inputs when it should, it would make her life, and hence my life a lot easier. Plus I wouldn't mind eliminating a few cables.

 

[Seth=L]

Since no one else is answering, allow me to explain. Receivers typically have a reasonable noise floor. They are often audible but not enough to be annoying. Power amplifiers typically have low noise floors, probably in part due to the less complicated circuit design and interference that would occur if it was like a receiver. A preamp will also have it's own noise floor, but probably not as high as a receiver (however the noise floor on the Emotiva is higher than typical separates). The noise floor on the LPA-1 or other power amplifiers from Emotiva are fairly low. If you combine the satisfactory noise floor of the pre/pro with the lesser satisfactory noise floor on the Yamaha it will amplify to very audible levels more than likely.

Your power from the Yamaha may be satisfactory. For a little bit more you can get much more power and a matching system. The Yamaha RX-V659 typically goes for more than $200 on ebay easily, I would suggest selling it and upgrading the amplifier while you are at it. You could try selling it here, I know there are several people that would be interested in the RX-V659 for a setup that doesn't require HDMI.

 

[jnmfox]

Since no one else is answering, allow me to explain. Receivers typically have a reasonable noise floor. They are often audible but not enough to be annoying. Power amplifiers typically have low noise floors, probably in part due to the less complicated circuit design and interference that would occur if it was like a receiver. A preamp will also have it's own noise floor, but probably not as high as a receiver (however the noise floor on the Emotiva is higher than typical separates). The noise floor on the LPA-1 or other power amplifiers from Emotiva are fairly low. If you combine the satisfactory noise floor of the pre/pro with the lesser satisfactory noise floor on the Yamaha it will amplify to very audible levels more than likely.

Thanks for the explanation.

For a little bit more you can get much more...

Isn't that almost always the case it this crack like addicting hobby?

Considering I am also looking at getting a PS3 and would like to add a couple of bass traps I don't think I can swing getting the Emotive amp and pre/pro at the moment. I will have to get the 663 and then upgrade to a separate amp and then later to a pre/pro. I was just hoping to skip the 663...oh well. I'm greatfully I got the 663 and the jr.com pre-order price so I shouldn't complain too much .

 

[Seth=L]

Thanks for the explanation.



Isn't that almost always the case it this crack like addicting hobby?

Considering I am also looking at getting a PS3 and would like to add a couple of bass traps I don't think I can swing getting the Emotive amp and pre/pro at the moment. I will have to get the 663 and then upgrade to a separate amp and then later to a pre/pro. I was just hoping to skip the 663...oh well. I'm greatfully I got the 663 and the jr.com pre-order price so I shouldn't complain too much .

Well you could always get the amplifier now, as jcPanny suggested. Then later when you get the PS3 you can add the UMC-1 (which isn't out until June anyway).