Do I really need a modern preamp processor for a 5.1 setup?

[Subfloyd]

Here are the details...

I currently have 7 specifically selected speakers. This is fixed and will not change, (wife).



Def tech XTR-60 on wall R+L
Def tech XTR-50 on wall C
James Loudspeakers QXC820
in Ceiling SR + SL
(2) Def tech Supercube SC2000’s

And a for a receiver
Denon AVR (very low end) with HDMI 2.0, HDCP 2.2 and no pre-outs
I will be using my amazon cube, an Ultra HD Blu-ray and occasional 2 channel audio.

I want to move up to separates with a 5 channel amp (RCA inputs). I’ll likely be purchasing it used. Currently looking at B&K, Rotel, Marantz and Outlaw just to name a few.

I need to know what I need for a pre/pro. Again, I’m only using 5.1 and really don’t want to spend the extra cash on an unnecessary modern pre/pro with Atmos etc. unless a benefit exists.

The only newer Pre pro’s I can afford/know of are outlaw 976 and nuforce AVP-18.
(Sub $1000)

I’m not opposed to an older toslink or hdmi 1.x pre/pro if it will do, knowing all 4K will need to run direct to tv. Just not sure if a newer processor will decode the newer formats into 5.1 better.

Any advise and opinions are welcome.

 

[Drunkpenguin]

The Denons and Marantz are all on clearance price right now if you look at last years model. I think we're always gonna end up with features we don't need. Are you going to use it as a video switcher? HDMI is constantly upgrading their standards so a newer receiver will keep you compatible with future 4k.

One thing I can tell you as far as decoding, and I am not expert at all, but I just installed a Denon 3400 and I only have a 7.2 system, so no atmos. But when streaming Netflix if I change the audio to the DTS neuralX it sure makes movies sound a hell of a lot better for some reason.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Brand new Pre-pros that have all the features you may need are usually pretty expensive (over $1500).

Denon makes a pre-pro for the professional crowd, but it doesn't even have bass management or DSP like Stereo 2.1 mode - DN-700AVP for $799.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?InitialSearch=yes&N=0&Ntt=Denon+Dn+700avp&c3api=4680,241574056964,denon+dn+700avp,e&gclid=CjwKCAjwns_bBRBCEiwA7AVGHqfHn_puMhFS_HSXekSTS-LlbjLmpDfldtQeoVzg1oZ_axCOYMsAQxoC68wQAvD_BwE

 

[j_garcia]

Emotiva also has the MC700 which is a fairly bare bones pre, but checks most of the boxes, especially for a mostly HDMI system. Has 3 HDMI 2.0 connections. I don't have any complaints about it other than maybe I'd like Audessey XT32.

Decoding to 5.1 should be comparable on most everything these days.

 

[Subfloyd]

Thank you!
That denon 700avp is really nice, I like the balanced outputs at that price point. Problem is if I buy a modern pre-pro id like it to do my HDMI switching. That model is not hdmi 2.0
Leaning toward outlaw 976 or something older used.

 

[Verdinut]

I would suggest that you use an A/V receiver as a pre-pro with the Audyssey XT32 EQ feature and save money.

With last year's Denon AVR-X3400H which has most of the latest features. It is a 7.2 AVR but you don't have to use the 7 channels. It's somehow future proof if you want to add Atmos or another 3D enhancement at a later date. It's available at a real bargain for $599 at Amazon.

 

[Drunkpenguin]

Amazons where I bought mine, but I had some people telling me that if I went to greentoe.com I could have gotten it for 500. Im not familiar with that site so I chose Amazon, but apparently you submit what you are willing to pay and then resellers can accept or deny. They said if you bid 500 it would be accepted.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Atmos and DTS:X are certainly not salient.

In terms of importance, I would rank Atmos speakers at #4 behind 1) Center Speaker, 2) Front Main L/R, and 3) Subwoofers.

But if there is even a remote possibility of you desiring or being curious of it, then you might want to get something with Atmos.

No point fighting it. Is there a possibility?

Do you have attic space above your HT room for the Atmos ceiling speakers? If the answer is yes, then there is a possibility.

 

[Verdinut]

An alternate option to the Denon X3400H might be the Marantz SR6010 which you could get from Accessories4less for only $649.99 -It's their last one in stock.

That store is a reliable place for buying A/V equipment.

 

[PENG]

After trying 2 prepros, one I paid more than $3,000, I failed to one reason that would make me go for one the third time, when I can get a last year model Denon or Marantz avr for less, and do more.

There is no advantage to use balanced connections unless the interconnects are very long.

If you must, I would recommend the popular ones from Marantz or Yamaha. You can't beat the economy of scale advantage.

 

[lovinthehd]

I'm going to take a different direction. What do you specifically want to gain via electronics? It sounds like you have a fairly current avr albeit with no pre-outs but with WAF and your current speakers I'm not sure what you expect to gain?

 

[Subfloyd]

I'm going to take a different direction. What do you specifically want to gain via electronics? It sounds like you have a fairly current avr albeit with no pre-outs but with WAF and your current speakers I'm not sure what you expect to gain?

Absolutely! Great question... easy answer, I need to turn my avr up 90% to watch a movie. The distortion is ungodly. It was an impulse decision I’m not proud of.

 

[lovinthehd]

Absolutely! Great question... easy answer, I need to turn my avr up 90% to watch a movie. The distortion is ungodly. It was an impulse decision I’m not proud of.

You sure that's not a limitation of your speakers?

ps Listing specs for your speakers would be helpful

pss Denons don't use percentages for volume...have you setup with Audyssey and what scale are you using, absolute or relative, and what is the volume control reading?

 

[Subfloyd]

After trying 2 prepros, one I paid more than $3,000, I failed to one reason that would make me go for one the third time, when I can get a last year model Denon or Marantz avr for less, and do more.

There is no advantage to use balanced connections unless the interconnects are very long.

If you must, I would recommend the popular ones from Marantz or Yamaha. You can't beat the economy of scale advantage.

Noted. Honestly, I also like the simplicity of separates and as for the balanced outputs... I’ve got a McIntosh stereo setup with xlr’s and I personally find it a level up, though not necessary in a home theater.

 

[lovinthehd]

Noted. Honestly, I also like the simplicity of separates and as for the balanced outputs... I’ve got a McIntosh stereo setup with xlr’s and I personally find it a level up, though not necessary in a home theater.

Balanced connections really have no audible advantage without extreme length/noise issues. Separates don't have particular audible advantages either. Probably placebo otherwise.

 

[Subfloyd]

You sure that's not a limitation of your speakers?

ps Listing specs for your speakers would be helpful

pss Denons don't use percentages for volume...have you setup with Audyssey and what scale are you using, absolute or relative, and what is the volume control reading?

Not my speakers, I have a quality stereo setup in the den (McIntosh mc162) and tested that same theory, connected my L+R and was very pleased with the def techs. Yes, the denon volume is not a percentage, agreed, I calculated from min to max dB. As for Audyssey I’ve set it up but absolute or relative, I have no idea what that is so I’ll do some research. Thanks for your thoughts.

 

[lovinthehd]

Just touching on possibilities.

You can choose relative or absolute from the setup menu - audio - volume. Try this https://denon.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/136/~/relative-and-absolute-volume-ranges