Pro-Audio(/Video) Processors

[Quickley17]

I've been reading a lot of posts here lately touting the cost for performance benefits of eschewing the ritzy name brand AV companies and instead going with things like the P-Series pro-audio amplifiers from Yamaha.

My curiosity is whether there are similar products or brands that produce multi-channel processors for use in a home theater. With all the different signal processing requirements of a processor meant for use in a theater, can a company like Yamaha make "utilitarian" style products for use like their pro-audio amps that still provide the cost benefit that their amps do?

 

[Knucklehead90]

If I get what you are asking - no.

If you are looking for a pro audio equivalent of a HT processor you won't find one. Pro audio has no use for multi channel Dolby Digital sound other than in theaters. Pro amps are popular in HT for their power in relation to what you spend. The only common denominator between pro audio and HT is the amps. Other stuff like equalizers also find their way into the HT setup such as the very popular Behringer BFD 1124P/2496P feedback destroyers. They are used to equalize subs - but could also be used on your main speakers as well.

 

[MidnightSensi]

While the cost/benefit of a lot of pro equipment is often better than home audio, it can get expensive also. The Behringers people use on here are budget pro-gear used mostly by startup DJs. As you start to move up the chain a bit they get more expensive, but the big difference is that with the home amps you need conduction cooling and in a pro-amp you can use convection cooling. Convection cooling is cheaper than conduction, but, it requires fans.

The closest thing I could name to what you are looking for is the Onkyo Professional line: http://www.onkyopro.com/model.cfm?m=TX-SR806P&class=Receiver&p=i

I have a Onkyo Pro 805 preamp. They have balanced outputs and come with rack ears.

Integra is similar, also offering balanced outputs.
http://integrahometheater.com/line.cfm


They are both reasonably priced.

 

[WaynePflughaupt]

Denon Professional

Marantz Professional had a similar unit as recently as a year or two ago, but it appears to have been discontinued. Probably happened when Denon bought them out ( a sad day for MP).

Sony, Pioneer, JVC also have professional arms, so you might be able to dig up a few others as well.

Regardless, I don’t think you’re going to find that these products are the bargains that the Behringer amps are. As noted, outside of theaters, there just isn't much demand for multichannel surround sound in professional audio settings.

Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt