basic 2 channel preamp amp help for noob

[customstevo]

I bought a stereo reciever to power some speakers I thought later on I could build off the reciever and add components, but it doesn't have pre amp outputs.

I want to upgrade speakers down the line such as the audio monitor rx6, and add and amplifier, integrated amp, or pre amp, I have been searching for them but I can't figure out how to control the system.

Even if I ditch my reciever and go pre amp to an amplifier, I don't even see any controls on pre amps such as the cambridge or those in the 300 dollars area they just look like boxes, I thought they are supposed to have bass trebble or some buttons I don't even understand what there function is, I know obviously to get up to line level.

Right now I am just want to be able to hook up a 2 channel stereo system get nice speakers and an amp, but the pre amps confuse me, and i dont want to by more equipment I can't add on too.

I would eventually want to be able to add onto the 2 channel stereo, adding a center channel, subwoofer, and eventually a tv and surround speakers. have tried to find info searching so on my own for quite some time so I am getting involved here to get further help. Ill take any advice I can get Please and Thank You!

 

[oppman99]

A preamp is used for two channel or in some cases two speakers and a subwoofer. It basically is a device for volume control and switching inputs like a CD and turntable. Not all will have tone controls. I for one don't miss them. If you are looking to add surround sound speakers (5.1) what you want is an AVR or preamp/processor. If you give us some more information, we may be able to offer more useful advice. What kind of time frame are you looking at as far as adding more than the two front speakers? Do you have a budget in mind? What do you have for equipment right now? What sources are you planning on using? In other words, CD player, turntable computer ect. How big is the room you are using? Give us the info and we'll do our best to help you out.

 

[customstevo]

Right now I have a $200 5.1 pioneer receiver, and 2 junky tower speaker, I got the reciever because I wanted to be able to hook up my powered sub.

Now that I am trying to upgrade, I want to get power other than receiver power, to push tower speakers, the budget is flexible, since I was hoping to go one piece at a time, right now I just want to learn what I am doing with the basics and get a nice 2 channel stereo going with my powered sub, and maybe on later add a center channel.

I want to get the power and control down before the speakers.

I will be in a dorm room apartment the living room is about 20ft by 20ft, so I was going to start with bookshelfs, then later on down the road if I ever get a nice room or house with no neighbors I want to have the power to throw up some towers and complete the system 5.1 with the tv.

Thanks for helping me out.

Its almost all played off the computer. Id say under 1000 for pre amp and amp

 

[oppman99]

In your situation, I would upgrade the speakers first. They have the greatest effect on the sound you get. I can understand why you might not want to do the speakers first being in college and having room mates, moving ect. I don't have any experience with Monitor Audio, but I have read a number of positive comments about them.

Since you want to add a center channel eventually, your best bet is probably an AVR like you already have except with preouts. If you are dead set on going with separate amplification first, you will need them. Amplifiers last a long time, so going used is probably a good option. If you're not familiar with the used market, check out audiogon and also the classifieds here. You should be able to find something relatively reasonable from Parasound (there are plenty of other good options) to get you started. If you really want to go new, look into Emotiva. They are a very good bang for your buck company. I've been very happy with them so far.

What does your computer soundcard have for audio outputs? That may affect your options as well.

 

[customstevo]

now I am thinking about just upgrading my pioneer cs-m551's which are like uheard of, but I dont want to spend a ton of money on a college apartment

 

[customstevo]

need 1 more post for pics

 

[customstevo]

heres what im working with, i have a decent velodyne 10" and a pioneer receiver that says it does

"Stereo: Continuous average power output of 95 watts at 8 ohms, from 20 Hz to 20 kHz with no more
than 0.2 % total harmonic distortion."

 

[oppman99]

I guess the real question is how do they sound to you? Seriously, if they sound ok, I would consider just keeping what you have to get you through college. How long do you have to go? It's really a personal choice and what is important to you. The real issue is that it's going to cost more to go the amplifier route since your AVR doesn't have preouts. I'd consider saving what you have stashed for upgrades and adding a little to it if/when you are able. By the time you finish school, you should have enough to get something you really want instead of small improvements a little at a time (not that there's anything wrong with that). You may actually spend less in the long run. I'm thinking any AVR you would buy with preouts now will be outdated by the time you look into new speakers (depending on the time frame involved). If you decide the piece by piece approach will work best for you, sell the Pioneer you have and find a used AVR with preouts now, knowing you will replace it down the road.

Keep sticking around the forum and learning. Even putting off any decisions for a few months may help you figure out or at least get a good idea which direction will serve you best.

 

[Seth=L]

I'd keep the receiver for the time being and upgrade your speakers. Stay around audioholics long enough and you'll learn a lot of great information about audio products in general and you can then draw your own conclusions one whether a preamp and amplifier or a receiver suite your needs better. Given you're in a dorm I think keeping the receiver you have now will work fine for the duration of your stay at the dorms.

 

[customstevo]

I have been looking at new speakers for a while, it's hard for me to say if the ones i have sound good or bad as I don't have much to compare them too.

There virtually informationless on the entire web, the foam suspension travel on the woofers are papery and construing, they sound a little bright and a little harsh. and the enclosures themselves are seperating.

I have the subwoofer so the towers are set as small speakers, if I cross over the bass through the towers they fart out pretty quick.

Kids are impressed when they come over and hear it bumping, but Im not particularly impressed.

I just feel like i'm missing out like for all the music I listen too if I got a pair of 500$ bookshelfs I would never regret it, however I would be dissapointed if I spent 500 on bookshelfs and the overall sound quality was only a few shades better.

Bottom line is if the quality warrants it, I definatley want to get some impressive speakers in the dorm, it is an apartment, and the living room is 20 x 20 and theres going to be alot of partying. and I am getting into HQ so im not sure what I want to do.

 

[customstevo]

i had been looking at Cerwin VE-12f's for party speakers, but getting into the forums I have been interested in paradigm bookshelfs.

I really like the monitor audio bookshelfs but I dont think I would trust having those lying around. It is a fairly safe small campus and apartment and all but it's something thats going to be in the back of my head since I dont know my roomates that well this year.

 

[TLS Guy]

heres what im working with, i have a decent velodyne 10" and a pioneer receiver that says it does

"Stereo: Continuous average power output of 95 watts at 8 ohms, from 20 Hz to 20 kHz with no more
than 0.2 % total harmonic distortion."

Those speakers are old and not good new. I recognize the tweeters as the old infamous CTS. They cost $1.35 each back in the seventies and early eighties. As you would expect they were really dreadful. The mid ranges look like the typical "squawker" of the period. So speakers are your top priority.