Well, I don't know if it makes a difference using RCA to XLR adapters vs. RCA to 1/4" adapters with my Denon 4310.
To clarify, my research here in Audioholics has reveled three major issues, listed in personal importance, when using commercial amps with AVR's in a home theater application. First is having the correct 4v rms maximum pre-out voltage on AVR to correctly signal to the amp. If the preout voltage is too low then the gain on the amp would need to be turned near maximum which may induce audible "hiss". The Denon 4310 I purchased has pre-outs with around 4v rms, a major reason I went with this model. It has other positive qualities as well.
Second issue is lack of 12v trigger. This can be handled a variety of ways from simple 12v activated power strips to more elaborate custom DIY 12v relays. And third is fan noise. Yamaha P series amps have thermosat activated variable speed fans. Doubt most of us can drive these amps hard enough to have the fan come on with out having our "ears bleed" but they are the quiet type so if they do come on you won't hear them.
While I used to have a dedicated pre/pro, I've been using a receiver as pre/pro for years now. Since I'm not going to add a trigger mechanism, doesn't matter to me.
I just sold my Samson SConvert to a member here, and the truth is I didn't need it at all. I believe the idea behind getting sufficient preout voltage is so that you have full potential performance of the amplifier. I think if I used even half of what the amp could give me, I wouldn't have a roof anymore. With the SConvert in place for only seconds, I thought the house was going to fall down.
My fans have never once been activated ever, and I've shook the place pretty good a few times. However, my sub is extremely efficient.
I will tell you the ONLY thing that has been an issue for me, and it was unexpected. The darn display and power light are SO CRAZY BRIGHT. Haha. Now, if my components were hidden in a closet or something, this wouldn't matter, but they are on the back wall, and have an extremely adverse affect on my projection system. I have to use black electrical tape, even window tint is not good enough. There are no adjustments for "dimmer" like with consumer grade products.
OTOH, there are some great bonuses with going this route, and the unexpected big one was the use of BM software that is free to DL, with 20 settings that can be stored and right into the amplifier (Crown XTi), and I can access them all from the front panel. However, if I actually did want to change the presets, I'd have to temporarily remove the black tape to see the display.
When the laptop is plugged (needs to be to make changes and/or new presets), I don't need to take off the tape, and simply have the computer select the desired preset at the time.
Ok another great thing I learned about with pro stuff is the Neutrik Speakons. Man, they are the best, and I wish ALL consumer products, even receivers, speakers, etc, used them. Forget about 5 way binding posts, Speakons FTW. If I ever build some speakers, they will definitely have Speakons, and no 5-ways.
