Preamp or Receiver

[jimjoa]

My old Yamaha surround receiver that I was using as a preamp took a dump. Looking at the Yamaha RX-V667 ($488) or the Emotiva UMC-1 ($699 less $100 Emo bucks). I noticed that the UMC-1 can be programmed different for each audio device. Not sure if the RX-V667 can do this. No 3D on Emotiva but do not have anything 3D now. Not sure which way to go.
Trying to stay in this price range or maybe a couple hundred more.
I currently have the Emotiva XPA-5 amp, Definitive BP-7000 fronts, old Sansui rears and Yamaha small center.
Any advice would be appreciated
Thanks
Jim

 

[j_garcia]

I would go with the Pre/pro.

 

[zumbo]

I would get the Yamaha 3900.
http://store.audioholics.com/product/3317/1/yamaha-rx-v3900-surround-receiver--yamaha-refurbished-/70a7caa266038281f1c47a024476bf76

 

[TommyV]

A pre/pro is going to give you much more flexibility down the line instead of a disposable receiver. Look at it more as an investment.

 

[3db]

Isn't this the Emotiva model that has given this company some trouble?

 

[3db]

I would get the Yamaha 3900.
http://store.audioholics.com/product/3317/1/yamaha-rx-v3900-surround-receiver--yamaha-refurbished-/70a7caa266038281f1c47a024476bf76

That would be a waste of the RX-V3900's capabilities. All that power sitting idle. That is my only reason for not wanting to use an AVR as a pre-amp. Maybe a lower end model but the RX-V3900 has a formidable amp section alone which is more than adequte to drive any loudspeaker to room filling volumes in small to mid size rooms.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

My old Yamaha surround receiver that I was using as a preamp took a dump. Looking at the Yamaha RX-V667 ($488) or the Emotiva UMC-1 ($699 less $100 Emo bucks). I noticed that the UMC-1 can be programmed different for each audio device. Not sure if the RX-V667 can do this. No 3D on Emotiva but do not have anything 3D now. Not sure which way to go.
Trying to stay in this price range or maybe a couple hundred more.
I currently have the Emotiva XPA-5 amp, Definitive BP-7000 fronts, old Sansui rears and Yamaha small center.
Any advice would be appreciated
Thanks
Jim

Love your front speakers BTW.

I would also go with the UMC-1, especially since you already have the XPA-5.

No brainer IMO.

 

[jimjoa]

Thanks a lot for the advice. When speaking with Emotiva on the phone (yes you can actually talk to a person), it sounds like they stand behind what they sell. I still have not figured out if the Yamaha 667 is capable of storing different sound parameters for different audio inputs, such as 2 channel for cd and surround for tv or diifferent surround settings

 

[adk highlander]

[shameless plug]I don't know if you are considering used gear but I am selling a Onkyo PR-SC885 prepro that has the features you are considering plus 2 HDMI ouputs, balanced outputs, pair of balanced inputs and in near perfect condition.

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=70230
[/shameless plug]

 

[zumbo]

That would be a waste of the RX-V3900's capabilities. All that power sitting idle. That is my only reason for not wanting to use an AVR as a pre-amp. Maybe a lower end model but the RX-V3900 has a formidable amp section alone which is more than adequte to drive any loudspeaker to room filling volumes in small to mid size rooms.

I don't think so. I use a Z7 as a pre-pro, and it is designed to do so. While I don't believe the 3900 has pre-amp mode like the Z7, it's very similar. It's just a fantastic piece of equipment at a fantastic price.

 

[3db]

I don't think so. I use a Z7 as a pre-pro, and it is designed to do so. While I don't believe the 3900 has pre-amp mode like the Z7, it's very similar. It's just a fantastic piece of equipment at a fantastic price.

I''m not arguing the quality. Just the guilt of having the power of the receiver at your disposal but not using it. I guess its a personal quirk of mine.

 

[zumbo]

I''m not arguing the quality. Just the guilt of having the power of the receiver at your disposal but not using it. I guess its a personal quirk of mine.

If I could get a new Vette that had to have a new motor installed by the manufacturer for the price of a Malibu, I wouldn't feel guilty for the power built into the car that I couldn't use.

Just my perspective.