getting stereo out from pre-amp out on pioneer VSX-522-K

[t3hw4h]

Hi all.. I just purchased a Pioneer VSX-522-K to hook up to my AudioEngine A2's which are powered speakers.

On the Audioengine website it recommends connecting the speakers via RCA to the pre-amp out if you decide to connect them to an amp, unfortunately I can't seem to get the right sound out of them, I am trying to set them up in stereo with the sub on the other pre-out.

Sound comes out of the sub but I can only get something to come out of the A2's if I change the surround settings, and then it's not at full level, I think it's just the voice coming out or something.

The two options within the setup of the amp for preamp out are Surr Back or Height, I set them to both settings and managed to get some sound out as described, using the Height setting.

Does this mean I can't set my speakers up in this config?

 

[j_garcia]

That receiver does not have preamp outputs for the front R&L speakers. The only pre-outs are the sub and height/back surround, so it will not work this way.

 

[t3hw4h]

Oh that sucks - thanks for confirming.

I'm running the speakers off the main amped outputs with very little volume on the speakers themselves and it seems to be OK.

I guess there should be no problems running it this way?

 

[adwilk]

Unfortunately, I don't believe you can set it up that way.. That pre-out is for either the surround back or front height- and can't be used as a main L/R pre-out.


EDIT: Already answered...

 

[j_garcia]

It doesn't look like those guys have speaker level input either, so I wouldn't run them that way. I'd probably see if you could return them for some P4s.

 

[t3hw4h]

The A2's are pretty old.. I can't return them at this point. The left speaker has speaker level and I have cobbled together a stereo jack to plain wire cable for the right speaker.

What is the problem running them in this setup?

 

[j_garcia]

Sending an amplified signal to a speaker that is amplified is sort of the problem. It will work, but overdriving them is a real risk IMO. How about using the headphone out on the receiver to a RCA to the speakers? That is how they are actually intended to be used with most portable devices and computers.

 

[agarwalro]

If you are trying to use this receiver with the A2 and a sub to get 2.1, it is not going to work because the pre-outs are not Main L/R out.

Where did you get the receiver from and can it be returned/exchanged?

 

[t3hw4h]

I can return the receiver yes, I bought it from Future Shop (Canada).

What would you recommend at a similar price point?

 

[slipperybidness]

What is your goal? Are these A2s gonna be computer speakers?

Or, are you trying to use the A2s as the front L/R for a home theater setup?

 

[t3hw4h]

They used to be my computer setup but I have now moved them to the amp which will be as you say, L/R for a home theater setup.

I might change the speakers at a later point but I like the sound of the A2's so much I don't see a point in spending more money for the P4's just yet.

 

[markw]

I can return the receiver yes, I bought it from Future Shop (Canada).

What would you recommend at a similar price point?

I don't know what you paid for your receiver or what's available for what price up there, but if you're bound and determined to use these particular speakers, look specifically for receivers with preamp outputs. Once you narrow the field down to those that meet that criteria, then you can start looking in your price range. You may find it to be a very narrow selection.

 

[slipperybidness]

They used to be my computer setup but I have now moved them to the amp which will be as you say, L/R for a home theater setup.

I might change the speakers at a later point but I like the sound of the A2's so much I don't see a point in spending more money for the P4's just yet.

Making some progress....maybe. What will your sources be for the sound? Just a cable box? Xbox, CD player, ipod?

Yeah, a receiver with pre-outs will get you where you need to be. What did you pay for the one you have now?

 

[t3hw4h]

I bought the amp for $250 - part of why it was such an attractive deal. Looking around it seems that at this price point finding an amp with anything other than sub pre-out is rare.

The amp powers a PS3 and computer.

 

[j_garcia]

That was going to be my next question - can you return the receiver. Exchange it for one with at least main R&L preouts and you should be good to go.

 

[slipperybidness]

You only want 2 channels (or only have the ability for 2 channels right now
)???

Does that receiver have a "5 channel stereo" mode or something similar? If you put the receiver in that mode (it's one of the DSP modes or advanced surround modes), you might be able to get the sound to come out of those pre-outs as you wanted. Probably not the best setup, but it might work if you are in a tight spot for $.

What about the TV? Does it have an audio out?

 

[t3hw4h]

I'll have a look for 5-channel stereo - thanks for the suggestion.

The TV has an optical out, I don't think it has RCA out - but I will check that as well.

 

[slipperybidness]

I'll have a look for 5-channel stereo - thanks for the suggestion.

The TV has an optical out, I don't think it has RCA out - but I will check that as well.

OK. I think you see where I was headed with the TV outs, just run those straight to the speakers (if RCA or headphone out that could use an adapter) and skip the receiver. I don't know if you can get the sub hooked up like that though.

Look at page 26 of the manual. I would try the "EXT.Stereo" setting and see if that sounds normal. For my older Pioneer Elite, I put it in "7 Channel Stereo" and I get the same signal to the SBs as the Front L/R. That might get you going.

Again, this isn't ideal by any means. But, if it gets you what you wanted for now and saves some $, then that is something at least. Upgrading to a receiver with robust pre-amps (for all channels or at least the front L/R) is a better option, but I don't think you can do it for less than $500, probably more.

 

[t3hw4h]

Thanks for your help slippery.

 

[slipperybidness]

Thanks for your help slippery.

So....that means it worked? Used EXT Stereo mode and you seem to be getting the full stereo signal to the SB preouts?

Just realize, this wouldn't work if you tried to add more powered speakers later.