Question about using multiple receivers as amps

[Maverick1776]

Hello everyone. I am new this forum. I would like to know if its ok to use older receivers as amps for each channel in a 7.1 setup.
The way I have it currently setup is an Onkyo TX-NR709 with pre-amp outs to Onkyo receivers for left/right, surround left/right, back surround left/right, subwoofer, and 1 mono tube amp for the center channel.
Its a large room, 25'x14'. The front speakers I am using are from an old theater that closed down back in the 80s. Altec Lansing horns, and 14" woofers. The surrounds were bad and replaced with 5" JBL audio. The subwoofer is 18" JBL speaker with a custom made housing.
It sounds good, but I feel like something is missing. I used the audyssey quick setup.

I am unsure of what to do if you are using receivers as amps. I have them all set to 1/2 volume, and use the main AV receiver for master volume. But I am unsure if I should be turning anything else down or off on the pre-amps. In example, treble to 0, bass to 0, and let the main AV receiver handle that through audyssey setup.

Or the bigger question, is it better to get rid of all the extra receivers and go straight to the Onkyo TX-NR709 instead ? I would still use the mono tube amp for the center channel. Voice/dialog just sound much better with tubes.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Adam]

Welcome to the forum, Maverick!

Your thread title is misleading, as you're using multiple receivers as amps - not pre-amps. If you can change the title, I'd suggest doing that. Using multiple receivers as pre-amps is totally different and almost never (if ever) would make sense to do. Using them as amps isn't so crazy.

Have you ever connected your speakers directly up to the 709? If so, did you find it lacking? IMO, it's better to go straight to the receiver unless you think it's lacking power.

 

[Maverick1776]

Welcome to the forum, Maverick!

Your thread title is misleading, as you're using multiple receivers as amps - not pre-amps. If you can change the title, I'd suggest doing that. Using multiple receivers as pre-amps is totally different and almost never (if ever) would make sense to do. Using them as amps isn't so crazy.

Have you ever connected your speakers directly up to the 709? If so, did you find it lacking? IMO, it's better to go straight to the receiver unless you think it's lacking power.

Thanks, fixed. I think I did when I originally bought the receiver a few years ago. I may try it again.
I felt like the sound lacked bass. However, some components in my setup have changed since then, and I never bothered with the audyssey setup until recently.

 

[fmw]

.

Or the bigger question, is it better to get rid of all the extra receivers and go straight to the Onkyo TX-NR709 instead ?

Without question.

 

[Maverick1776]

Without question.

If I were to get a few low end stereo tube amps, would that be an improvement over going straight to the 709 ?

 

[fmw]

Not in my opinion. All the low end tube amps will do is add audible distortion to your sound. If you like that sound I would suggest getting used to cleaner more powerful amps to drive the system. In the end they will outperform. Just hook your speakers up to the receiver. It is designed for the purpose.

 

[Maverick1776]

Update: Everything sounds awesome now. About a year ago I changed all the speaker wire. I run the audyssey multi xt setup and I am happy with the results. I only use a separate amp for the subwoofer level.
Looks like the acceptable sound level is 70 Absolute. I tested several DTS MA, and DD True HD.
Thanks for the advice on plugging directly to the 709.