Looking for some Preamp vs AVR as Preamp Advice

[elwaylite]

Ok, so I added an Outlaw Model 7125 to my setup, and am looking to replace the AVR.

Of course I have two options, AVR as preamp or dedicated preamp. With a budget around $1500, the only "preamp" there is a 7701 Marantz, which I have heard good things about. Unless I get a refurb Onkyo 5509...

Then there is the fact it does not have XT32, so that brings in the AVR's:

Denon X4000 (have heard these can run kinda hot)
Onkyo 1010
Yamaha 1030 (YPAO of course)
Anthem MRX 510 (ARC)

SQ/DAC's are of course important, but room correction has value was well. One train of thought it the preamp version will offer better SQ and less heat, but then others do not buy into that. I guess for example one could ask if you used a SR7007 as a preamp, then the 7701, would you actually hear a difference or could you even test a difference? I dont want to buy a preamp just because, one other appealing item to an AVR is if you lose the separate amp, you still have one internally.


Thanks for any input.

Also, video processing and all of that is of no concern. I always turn that off anyways. I have an Oppo 103D that handles everything.

My first idea is to just get the X4000. Comes with XT32 and Sub EQ, and the Denon SQ is good in my experience. I could always wait and see what the Denon 2014 4000 series brings from CES.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I would get the Denon X4000 or something newer when it comes out.

 

[elwaylite]

Kinda where Im leaning and reading. I think to expect to hear a difference in my system between the 7701 vs the x4000 on internal components and DACs (they may use the same) is reaching, then there is the fact you have to spend an arm and a leg to get XT32 on a preamp.

Im simple, im not even running 7.1. One HDMI in, one HDMI out to display, and analog cables out to Outlaw amp.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Kinda where Im leaning and reading. I think to expect to hear a difference in my system between the 7701 vs the x4000 on internal components and DACs (they may use the same) is reaching, then there is the fact you have to spend an arm and a leg to get XT32 on a preamp.

Im simple, im not even running 7.1. One HDMI in, one HDMI out to display, and analog cables out to Outlaw amp.

I wholeheartedly feel that in Pure Direct mode (no EQ of any kind) you cannot tell the difference. I would unequivocally get the XT32 + dual Sub EQ.

 

[sterling shoote]

Here's an idea. The last HT preamp from Sony was the TA-E9000ES. I have one. It does not have HDMI but connected to a high end OPPO you would have state of the art decoding. You can find this unit on ebay for about $350.

 

[elwaylite]

Ive also considered just getting an Oppo 105 and using it as the preamp

 

[sterling shoote]

You could do that if you intend to control volume from your computer of if you are using amplified speakers that have a volume control. Still you'd be missing control, convenience, and component integration as the control/preprp amp provides.

 

[elwaylite]

I went ahead and pulled the trigger on a X4000 to get XT32. Ill see what 2014 brings for preamps and HDMI 2.0.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I went ahead and pulled the trigger on a X4000 to get XT32. Ill see what 2014 brings for preamps and HDMI 2.0.

Congrats!

If I were buying a new processor now, I would just buy the X4000 for the XT32 + dual Sub EQ and save money.

I just saw Dennis Murphy mention in another thread about people getting way too uptight with "audio religion". And I agree. If it sounds good, then it IS good.