Beginners help with Pre-amp ONKYO PR-SC5530 vs Marantz AV8802 vs Yamaha CX-A5000

[Alexeijanssen]

Hi,

I'm a complete beginner so feel free to treat me like an idiot.

I am tasked with equipping a very old mini theatre in the UK with cinema capability. In fact we re completely replacing all AV gear. The venue will serve as a live venue and all the speakers will be LD Systems active speakers. So I'm looking for a main pre-amp to serve all the video and audio routing.

I'm looking for a AV-pre-amp that has balanced XLR outputs (min 7.1) that is easy to control from an IPAD as the main unit will be locked away most of the time. My biggest priorities are sound quality, (although I do realise this is a limited responsibility as a pre-amp) and usability via the ext. control as the public will be hiring the hall and operating the AMP via iPad.. so needs to be easily navigable via app.

Currently we are on track to purchase an ONKYO PR-SC5530 as it seem to do all of the above.

Before I commit, what is the consensus of experience here? Should I at least consider the Marantz AV8802 or the Yamaha CX-A5000?

I am only going with Onkyo currently as I have a mid range unit at home and had no problems.

Thoughts? Many thanks!

A

 

[TLS Guy]

Hi,

I'm a complete beginner so feel free to treat me like an idiot.

I am tasked with equipping a very old mini theatre in the UK with cinema capability. In fact we re completely replacing all AV gear. The venue will serve as a live venue and all the speakers will be LD Systems active speakers. So I'm looking for a main pre-amp to serve all the video and audio routing.

I'm looking for a AV-pre-amp that has balanced XLR outputs (min 7.1) that is easy to control from an IPAD as the main unit will be locked away most of the time. My biggest priorities are sound quality, (although I do realise this is a limited responsibility as a pre-amp) and usability via the ext. control as the public will be hiring the hall and operating the AMP via iPad.. so needs to be easily navigable via app.

Currently we are on track to purchase an ONKYO PR-SC5530 as it seem to do all of the above.

Before I commit, what is the consensus of experience here? Should I at least consider the Marantz AV8802 or the Yamaha CX-A5000?

I am only going with Onkyo currently as I have a mid range unit at home and had no problems.

Thoughts? Many thanks!

A

I would not go with Onkyo. I would go with Marantz or Yamaha. Onkyo has a checkered reliability record. I personally use Marantz pre/pros and have had good luck with them.

 

[Don G.]

I have the Onkyo preamp you are considering. It has worked flawlessly for me. I agree with TLS that the Marantz is probably better, but it is also almost 2x the price. I paid $1,500 for my Onkyo and you won't find the Marantz much below $3k. But if money is no object, the Marantz is a better unit.

 

[TLS Guy]

This is a professional application, and the gear all needs to be professional grade.