help me choose a pre/pro

[ratso]

new or USED, doesn't matter. looking for the most economic way to find the following:

must have:
- HDMI (1080p) - at least 4 out would be nice, i don't want to get a switch if possible
- 7.1 preamp out
- individual speaker crossovers (like denon), not global crossover settings

don't need/care:
- fancy video processing (i let my TV do it)
- the latest surround formats that no movie has anyways, like the dolby height speakers - just the basic ones are fine
- THX certification, audyssey, bells and whistles, etc.

just a basic pre/pro with the above. any ideas? as many as possible please, since i will be scouring Agon, Ebay, etc. thanx a lot!

 

[Adam]

I just want to make sure that I got it right - you want four HDMI outputs? I ask because I was wondering if you would consider using a receiver, but four HDMI outputs probably rules any of those out.

 

[skers_54]

The Onkyo SC885/886 is probably your best bet. It's basically the same thing as the Integra 9.8/9.9. 4 HDMI inputs is going to be tough to find on older pre-pros, so the used market may not be very fruitful. If you're willing to wait, Emotiva is finally producing the UMC-1. It probably won't be available until January for non-preorders though.

Have you considered the Oppo HDMI switch? It has RS-232 control and a remote, so you might be able to get it to switch seamlessly. That would open up your choices a bit more.

 

[Lordoftherings]

I don't think the OP meant four HDMI outputs, but four HDMI inputs.

* I also agree with the above post on the Onkyo Pro PR-SC886P.
This is probably the best Pre/Pro for the money.

** I also believe that the 886 is a very nice upgrade over the 885,
and it is justifiable in the price difference.
I highly recommend the Onkyo 886 as a Pre/Pro for the OP.

 

[ratso]

The Onkyo SC885/886 is probably your best bet. It's basically the same thing as the Integra 9.8/9.9. 4 HDMI inputs is going to be tough to find on older pre-pros, so the used market may not be very fruitful. If you're willing to wait, Emotiva is finally producing the UMC-1. It probably won't be available until January for non-preorders though.

Have you considered the Oppo HDMI switch? It has RS-232 control and a remote, so you might be able to get it to switch seamlessly. That would open up your choices a bit more.

yes, 4 HDMI inputs. thanx for this suggestion - i will use a switch if i have to, but would rather not. unaware that the onkyo had individual crossovers, i will take a look at it. i should also add that perhaps i am misusing the word pre/pro (i'm new to this HT world, sorry). i read in a post somewhere that it was a 'catch all' phrase that included av recievers. i probably should have titled this 'help me choose an av reciever'. sorry for the misunderstanding.

 

[AVRat]

Here you go, only 1 left, Onkyo 806: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001AMUF7K/?tag=yahhyd-20&hvadid=47855959511&ref=pd_sl_66i64vmbbd_e

 

[Lordoftherings]

Hurry up!

Be quick, only one left:

* http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/ONKPRSC886/Onkyo/Pr-sc886-Thx-Ultra2-7.1-channel-3-zone-Preamplifier/processor-/1.html

 

[Porschetech]

i was in a similar situation a few weeks back. i ended up buying a marantz video switch for all my devices. a decent pre/pro with at least 4 hdmi's is going to be pricey.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I would get the new Emotiva UMC-1, but it will not be available until 1st Quarter 2010.