Better Preamp

[JasonATI]

Should I use a Denon 3805 receiver or get a Outlaw 970 preamp, they both are about the same price and features seem about the same also. Thanks

 

[t3031999]

The denon is a great receiver in my opinion, I don't own one, but I listened to it a lot at the store. It would be nice, if you ever upgraded your preamp, to use the 3805 in another smaller system.
On the other hand, Outlaw makes great products too.
And there is always the being better than everyone else just because you own dedicated separates.

It's a tossup in my opinion. As long as they cover all the features you need, get the cheaper one.


(Yay! 100 posts)

 

[mtrycrafts]

Should I use a Denon 3805 receiver or get a Outlaw 970 preamp, they both are about the same price and features seem about the same also. Thanks

I am not sure what are you trying to accomplish or what your problem may be? One is a receiver, the other seems to be only a preamp.

 

[JasonATI]

I was just wondering what the benifits would be of getting a dedicated preamp or getting a receiver like a denon or yamaha and using its preouts. It seems like you can get alot of receivers loaded with features for around $1000 but the list of dedicated preamps for that price is very small.

 

[sokrman14]

Usually the parts in a dedicated pre amp are better than using one out of a receiver. A receiver basically just tries to cram it all into one box, usually sacrificing the quality of parts it uses. Based on my hearing and personal use of equipment, I would go with separates for a better quality pre amp, and get a good amp also, and it wouldnt have to be from Outlaw although they do make good amps. Separates allows you to pick and choose for your prefences.

 

[Doug917]

I got both a 970 and a 990 in the last week. I was comparing them to a 2500. The 990 is the best unit with respect to both movies and music. I have not heard the Denon you refer to, but I can tell you after the 990 the 2-channel performance was great on the 970, but movies went to the 2500.

 

[furrycute]

I wouldn't go with an Outlaw. Check audiogon or ebay for used Nad, Parasound, B&K stuff. Preamps and amps don't have any moving parts. And if kept well, they can last 20 years or longer. A used 5-6 year old amp from a reputable manufacturer is quite a bargain.

 

[mtrycrafts]

I was just wondering what the benifits would be of getting a dedicated preamp or getting a receiver like a denon or yamaha and using its preouts. It seems like you can get alot of receivers loaded with features for around $1000 but the list of dedicated preamps for that price is very small.

If you get a preamp, let's just assume this, what amp will you be using?

If you buy a receiver mentioned an use its preamp, what amp will you be using?
If you are going to buy an outboard amp, no need for a receiver, but now your $1000 preamp and amp will cost more.

Maybe that Denon is not such a bad deal, after all.

If you really want to know sonic differences, try a DBT

 

[JasonATI]

I have a ATI2505 amp that I am using so if I go with a receiver I will not be using its amp section.

 

[mtrycrafts]

I have a ATI2505 amp that I am using so if I go with a receiver I will not be using its amp section.

I don't know any of the ins and out of this unit. Does this not have the preamp and processing you need? What is the power rating?

 

[JasonATI]

The ATI is just a dedicated amp that is rated at 250x5 into 8 ohms and 375x5 into 4 ohms, which my speakers are. The amp is built like a tank with a shipping weight of 120lbs and it has detachable boards for each channel. I don't know for sure but by the looks of the Earthquake Cinoma Grand they could be made by ATI, exact same power button, face plate, handles.

 

[mtrycrafts]

The ATI is just a dedicated amp that is rated at 250x5 into 8 ohms and 375x5 into 4 ohms, which my speakers are. The amp is built like a tank with a shipping weight of 120lbs and it has detachable boards for each channel. I don't know for sure but by the looks of the Earthquake Cinoma Grand they could be made by ATI, exact same power button, face plate, handles.

Well, in that case, just buy a preamp that can process what you need to process unless you need extra channels to amp. Then a receiver should work.

 

[jcPanny]

Nice Amp . . .

Check the input line level voltage range on your amp and make sure your receiver or preamp matches it. If your Amp requires 2.0 V for full power, and your receiver only outputs 1.5 V then you cannot take full advantage of the amp.

P.S. If you want to upgrade to 7.1 or add a zone 2, then the Yamaha 2500 or Denon 3805 are good options.