Looking for good value A/V Pre/Pro with HDMI

[Viffermike]

I'm about to upgrade to an LCD TV and would obviously like to take advantage of the HDMI ins/outs on it for HD video. However, I'm a 2.1-channel audio freak and my A/V setup favors that, to the point to where I run most of my speakers through separate power amps (Adcom and Outlaw) instead of my six-year-old Marantz SR-5300 receiver. Obviously, that receiver has no HDMI or DVI ins/outs.

So I'm thinking of ditching the Marantz for an A/V processor with HDMI ins/outs. That said, I can't find a good one for less than $800 new, which is beyond my budget ($500, give or take). Any suggestions? I'm willing to go used for mid-fi brands (Outlaw, NAD, Parasound, Rotel, etc.) ... ?

 

[jostenmeat]

Any suggestions? I'm willing to go used for mid-fi brands (Outlaw, NAD, Parasound, Rotel, etc.) ... ?

I don't think you'll find anything at your budget. In fact, I don't even think Outlaw or Rotel are even available quite yet with HDMI. In any case, if and when they are, they will be over budget.

I personally think that one convenient way to get a good deal is to buy last year's model. Try a Denon perhaps.

The only new gaga feature I can think of this year is Audyssey Dynamic EQ/Volume. This would be nice for apartment dwellers, or those with kids. I, on the other hand, like to crank it in my dedicated HT. So, I personally don't need that, and have instead gravitated towards Audyssey XT.

 

[bandphan]

Pioneer, denon, and yamaha all make avrs with pre outs in the price range your looking at. With most feeling the denon has the better eq - bass mangement. Ive been happy with pioneer but its just a brand preference for me.

 

[WmAx]

You can get a refurbished Yamaha RX-V1700 on eBay, with Yamaha warranty, within your stated budget. I believe this has the same pre section as the RX-V2600, which I have, and it is a superb pre. I only use external amplifiers. It also looks very sharp - has no clutter - just a clean face - all the buttons are hidden behind a metal door. Polished aluminum front plate.

-Chris

 

[davidtwotrees]

I was close to pulling the trigger on the best "affordable" prepro out there, the Integra 9.8? but at $1200 used it was out of my budget in these uncertain economic times. I bought the Yamaha 663 for $340 delivered from an "unauthorized" dealer. It has pre outs for outboard amplification so I can use my three channel parasound for the fronts and center...............it offers a pure direct mode where all non essential circuits are shut off for two channel listening. I have found it to be a fine value and it works great as a pre pro. It has two hdmi in which some find offputting...........

 

[zumbo]

For $500, pre-outs, current HDMI, and scale to 1080P, there is only one unit. Onkyo 706.
http://www.6ave.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=ONKTXSR706B

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882120107&nm_mc=OTC-pr1c3grabb3r&cm_mmc=OTC-pr1c3grabb3r-_-Receivers-_-Onkyo-_-82120107

 

[Viffermike]

Hmmm ...

... I've had bad luck with Denon and Onkyo (and thus Integra, to a point, though I've never heard one long-term), so they're out. I'm not normally a fan of the dry-sounding Yamaha pres (true: a Denon's native sound is warmer, especially for rock, which is my usual music choice), but they're not as barren as Pioneers, at least ...

... that Yamaha RX-V1700 is gorgeous. Too bad it's a receiver and not a pre/pro. I don't quite understand why pre/pros are considerably pricier than receivers ... I suppose it's the same axiom as why pre/power amp setups tend to be pricier. Sigh.

Looks like I'll deal with component video for a while and save some more. I love my power amps, and I ain't givin' 'em up. Thanks for the advice, gents.

 

[bandphan]

... I've had bad luck with Denon and Onkyo (and thus Integra, to a point, though I've never heard one long-term), so they're out. I'm not normally a fan of the dry-sounding Yamaha pres (true: a Denon's native sound is warmer, especially for rock, which is my usual music choice), but they're not as barren as Pioneers, at least ...

what in the world are you talking about?^^ None of the above brands have "sound" in regards to their avrs

... that Yamaha RX-V1700 is gorgeous. Too bad it's a receiver and not a pre/pro. I don't quite understand why pre/pros are considerably pricier than receivers ... I suppose it's the same axiom as why pre/power amp setups tend to be pricier. Sigh.

Looks like I'll deal with component video for a while and save some more. I love my power amps, and I ain't givin' 'em up. Thanks for the advice, gents.

Why not use the receiver as the pre/pro and keep your power amps? Denon, Yamaha, Pioneer, ect all sound the same.

 

[zumbo]

There is no brand sound.

There is either a high quality piece of equipment sound, or a value priced piece of equipment sound.

You seem to be looking for a value priced piece of equipment. They will all sound the same. Like a $500 piece of equipment.

 

[mtrycrafts]

...

... that Yamaha RX-V1700 is gorgeous. Too bad it's a receiver and not a pre/pro. .

Apparently it can be used as a pre/pro only using its preamp outs then to other power amps.