Preamplifier Question / Application question

[cbraver]

I'm graduating school pretty soon and will be moving into a loft style apartment. The building is pretty thickly built (concrete), but I still don't plan on really being able to crank it, so I'm going "minimalist" 2.1 channel.

For the main system I'm going to have two M&K S-150s on M&K stands, powered by a Crown XLS402. The subwoofer will be my little M&K K-10, which will be fine for a nuetral low end. I need to purchase a preamp, and I'm pretty sure I'll just get a 7.1 preamp because the 2 channel ones don't have the HDMI and other features that make sense. My Playstation 3 will handle a lot of stuff (blu-ray, music source, and maybe some videogames too haha), but I still need more HDMI for my cable box and whatever else I plan on adding in the future.

Everything is going to get put into a Middle Atlantic rack that I'm going to buy, so honestly anything that has rack-ears is a huge plus ... I was looking at that Onkyo Pro ... but are there any other options?

I'll be sure to take pictures whenever I get it all setup!

 

[Nomo]

I'd look seriously at the new Emotiva pre-pro (UMC-1??)

If........It...........Ever..........Gets...........Here

 

[jostenmeat]

If that's your price point, there isn't much competition to that Onkyo/Integra. Dual HDMI outs, Reon HQV, balanced outs. A guy I look up to really believes they could sell more if they were priced a lot higher.

The only knock, if there is one, is that some people are not quite as happy with analog connections/performance. I'm sure they must be comparing this to other multi thousand $ units, however. Digital, everyone seems to be very happy.

I read today that the Rotel will come in at about 2.2k, though some are unhappy that there is no auto EQ.

Lastly, for now, not all cable boxes have HDCP repeaters, which means that the signal just might die at the pre. Component connections should work fine, and in some cases work better than the HDMI, depending on the STB.

 

[WmAx]

My advice: buy a factory refurbished Yamaha RX-V1700 or similar(You can get them for like $500-$550 last time I checked, depending on the eBay seller, and this from Yamaha Authorized Refurbished Sellers). This is an example of a superb quality pre-amp with full HDMI up-scaling, etc. Personally, I use a Yamaha RX-V2600 as a 2 channel pre-amp, and it's a perfect neutral device with all of the features I want for my purposes. For amplification, I use 3 Yamaha pro audio amplifiers(my speakers are 3 way active; which explains why I use 3 amps for a 2 channel system). I actually prefer the RX-V2600 to the stand along pre-amps that are currently available within the same price range. The Yamaha receiver has far more features/abilities, and since it gives up nothing in terms of sound quality: why not? The RX-V1x00 is the same as the RX-V2x00, with the same pre-amp, but slightly different HDMI features and different amplifier section. The build quality is excellent, and they look superb, with thick polished aluminum front panels , minimum buttons/clutter and access door made from the same material as the rest of the front.

-Chris

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Well, if you are a "separates" kind of guy, like me, then you will never ever be happy with using receivers as a preamp.

First, there is absolutely nothing wrong with using a receiver as a preamp. In fact, I think it makes great sense. I think it's a pretty smart setup.

But some of us (TLS Guy is another fellow separates-only audioholic) must have our separates components.

I tried using a HK receiver as a pre-pro once. It worked great. It sounded great. It looked fantastic. But in the end, I just coudn't change the fact that I'm a separates-component guy.

So I say either wait for Emotiva or Outlaw Audio to come out with their new pre-pro or get the Integra pre-pro.

What is your budget by the way?

 

[cbraver]

Ah, right, my budget. Well, it's whatever I need to spent to get something that makes sense... because the Denon pre-amp looks great, but at 7500MSRP it's just too pricey for my needs. The Onkyo Pro seems to be the front runner right now.

If that's your price point, there isn't much competition to that Onkyo/Integra. Dual HDMI outs, Reon HQV, balanced outs. A guy I look up to really believes they could sell more if they were priced a lot higher.

The only knock, if there is one, is that some people are not quite as happy with analog connections/performance. I'm sure they must be comparing this to other multi thousand $ units, however. Digital, everyone seems to be very happy.

I read today that the Rotel will come in at about 2.2k, though some are unhappy that there is no auto EQ.

Lastly, for now, not all cable boxes have HDCP repeaters, which means that the signal just might die at the pre. Component connections should work fine, and in some cases work better than the HDMI, depending on the STB.

The only analog source I have are my two Technics 1200 turntables connected through a Vestax PCV17 mixer. The Rotel also doesn't have balanced outputs. The balanced outputs just make my connections a little cleaner, and also take care of any hums I might have. My voltage regulator has a common ground, and the M&K K-10 isn't too finiky, but, cable boxes tend to be. Which brings me to: Thanks for the note on the cable box, I'll have to check that out, I haven't moved in yet.

Well, if you are a "separates" kind of guy, like me, then you will never ever be happy with using receivers as a preamp.

First, there is absolutely nothing wrong with using a receiver as a preamp. In fact, I think it makes great sense. I think it's a pretty smart setup.

But some of us (TLS Guy is another fellow separates-only audioholic) must have our separates components.

I tried using a HK receiver as a pre-pro once. It worked great. It sounded great. It looked fantastic. But in the end, I just coudn't change the fact that I'm a separates-component guy.

So I say either wait for Emotiva or Outlaw Audio to come out with their new pre-pro or get the Integra pre-pro.

What is your budget by the way?

Nod, separates just make sense for me. I don't want/need to upgrade my power each time I want a format update, and I like the modularity of it from a "gadgets guy" aspect, plus my speakers are all hard to drive (M&K and Dynaudios) which make for expensive receiver options. Yeah... Using a receiver as a pre-amp is what I do now, and, while there isn't really anything wrong with it technically .... I just want a pre-amp for some reason. haha.

I don't really want a Emotiva or Outlaw... I want a big brand, not because they are technically superior but simply because they are easier to deal with when something doesn't work (in my experience).

 

[adk highlander]

Well all I can say is I've had my 885 for about 6 months and I think it is great. The setup is easy and it does all the scaling I need. Balanced outputs and dual HDMI outs are nice extras. If you are interested PM me and I'll let you know what I paid and where I purchased mine.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I just want a pre-amp for some reason. haha.

I don't really want a Emotiva or Outlaw... I want a big brand, not because they are technically superior but simply because they are easier to deal with when something doesn't work (in my experience).

Welcome to the Separates Club.

Denon is working on another Pre-pro based off the Denon 4308, but it probably won't come out for another year.

Another option besides the Integra pre-pro is the Marantz pre-pro:

http://us.marantz.com/Products/2317.asp

http://bestofaudio.com/product_info.php?products_id=8449

As for me, I'm saving up for the AVP-A1HDCI. I don't know why, but I just want it for some reasons.