Pioneer Elite VSX-45 Question: Pre-Amp Outputs

[jhu]

I'm thinking about getting the Pioneer Elite VSX-45 as it seems to have most of the check boxes (that I know of) covered. The one thing I don't think I understand is the "Pre-Amp Outputs" - is this used for connecting to an amplifier so that I can get more power to the speakers? How likely will I need this feature? What does it mean that spec says that it is "0.2 ch"?

Also - if you can point out any other deficiencies for this receiver, it'd be much appreciated!

Thanks!

 

[fmw]

That would be the case if the unit had pre amp outputs but it doesn't. The great majority of home theater installations do not need accessory amplifiers. You should be fine.

 

[Latent]

Even the cheapest units have some pre-outs but this is only for sub-woofers. Most entry level amps are not designed for expanding with power amplifiers and they remove most of the pre-outs so they have a way to differentiate the higher end units that they charge more for. But most subs are powered so they need to have at least these pre-outs.

"0.2 ch" in this case means it has zero main channel pre-outs and 2 sub pre-outs.. Its the same numbering system they use for 5.1/7.1/11.1 etc where the main digit is how many full channels and then .1 for every partial sub channel (they only do base frequency and not the full range). Of course now there is a third number to worry about as we have 7.2.4 setups for added height channels.

One thing to note that while it has two sub woofer outs there is really only one on this unit as it is just the same signal going to both outputs. It is so you can easily connect two subs without using a Y adapter and both subs will get the same signal. Higher end units have independent sub outputs with variable delay/gain options etc.

as fmw said you should be fine without them unless you want to play with external amps and bi-amping etc.

 

[rsharp]

Pioneer seems to be cutting way down on pre outs now. For example, the $1,000 Elite SC-91 has only the 0.2 (subs). For being their top-end 7.2 receiver, that's pretty bad. My current receiver (6-year old VSX-23TXH) has pre-outs for all its 7 channels and it was at a lower price point I believe.

Ultimately one needs to invest in at least the SC-95 which is already a 9-channel which can get you 7.1.2 or 5.1.4 without external amps. Why not allow the SC-91 and other 7-channel models to have just say pre-outs for just an additional 2 channels?

In terms of deficiencies of the VSX-45, that's up to what you ultimately want. If your desire is to have 7-channel sound, you'd need an external amp. But alas, not an option. But even if you could hook up an external amp for the extra 2 channels, you have the cost of that amp and potential lack of convenience. With the Pioneer receiver I had prior to the VSX-23THX (forgot the model), it was 5 channel and I used an M-X10 to drive 2 other channels. I remember it being a package deal so got a good price (7-channel was just released and they were trying to push 5-channel inventory).

So I would say look at the either the VSX-1130-X, or VSX-90 if your desire is to have 7-channel.