Receiver to use as pre/pro

[Jay]

I have decided to purchase an amp XPA-5. My current receiver is a Yamaha rx-v2500. I think I want to purchase a receiver with HDMI for convenience. I know there is a lot of talk about not being able to tell much difference between the new sound codecs over HDMI verses core DTS over optical. However, I think I want the receiver for convenience and really to use the new sound codecs (I have a PS3 and no way to use it via analogs). Also, I want to be able to use the SACD player on the PS3 and maybe a DVD-A player I might pick up used somewhere and I think they can only be used via HDMI or analog (although I could be wrong). There are a lot of options out there but since I am using an amp, I am really looking for the most inexpensive Denon or Yamaha with pre-outs, unless someone can talk me into stepping up to a better model due to sound quality. Please let me know your thoughts.

 

[Lordoftherings]

Hi Jay,

About an Onkyo TX-NR807?

 

[Seth=L]

Hi Jay,

About an Onkyo TX-NR807?

If the network features are not a requirement he might look into the TX-SR707 which I believe also has preouts.

Yamaha's lowest offering with preouts I would avoid. I think the unit is ugly and appears to be cheaply made, for example the poor display and the use of integrated output devices would indicate a cheaper design. It's likely the rest of the receiver is similar in this regard.

Denon's least expensive unit with preouts is kind of expensive, moving on.

Marantz has some good AVRs for fairly inexpensive with preouts, but with more limited HDMI functionality (but more than enough for most users). What kind of HDMI audio and video processing/conversions are needed?

 

[Lordoftherings]

Yes, the Onkyo TX-SR707 has also pre-outs for all channels, which would be perfectly suitable too.

* How's Seth=L doing?

 

[Jay]

Networking not an issue to Onkyo 807 I don't think is necessary.

I have a chance to pick up a Marantz 5003 for $400 used or a Yamaha 1800 for $500 used. Marantz 3 HDMI vs. Yamaha 4 HDMI. Watts are different but don't matter to me as I will be using an Amp. I think the difference comes down to one extra HDMI. Anyone else see any other difference?

Not sure about Onkyo 707. Never owned an Onkyo product but it seems what I am able to find is a bit more expensive. About $600 but that is new. Can't seem to find a used one.

As far as HDMI I need at this time, I will have three sources. PS3, FIOS, and whatever SACD/DVD-A I purchase. Can't think of a reason I would need more than three but one never knows.

Thoughts?

 

[Seth=L]

I'd probably shoot for the Marantz. My RX-V3800 kicks out weird noise to the amplifier about 5 seconds after shutting the Yamaha off (an amplifier with a 12v trigger will keep this from happening). Unfortunately the amplifiers I've used lately both lacked a 12v trigger because of their age. Other than that the Yamaha works great and would work great with most amplifiers (if not all if you can get passed the minutely annoying noise that occurs for just a few seconds).

 

[gene]

My RX-V3800 kicks out weird noise to the amplifier about 5 seconds after shutting the Yamaha off (an amplifier with a 12v trigger will keep this from happening). Unfortunately the amplifiers I've used lately both lacked a 12v trigger because of their age. Other than that the Yamaha works great and would work great with most amplifiers (if not all if you can get passed the minutely annoying noise that occurs for just a few seconds).

Seth, I first noted this problem in my RX-V2700 review. Apparantly Yamaha went with lower power muting transistors that don't provide the same level of isolation of the ones they used to use. This really irked me everytime I'd shut off my 2700 and hear sirens coming from the speakers for a few seconds until the discharge. I don't believe the Z7 suffers from this problem since I am using that now in the same system and haven't heard it.

Great feedback to give the other users though as its something to consider when using a receiver as a preamp.

 

[heavyharmonies]

I just bought a Marantz SR5002 factory refurb with a 3-year extended warranty for $323 shipped for precisely this purpose.

It doesn't support the latest codecs, but if you're using a PS3 it's a nonissue. Have the PS3 do the decoding and send multichannel PCM via HDMI. I've been doing that with Blu-Ray and HD-DVD for several years to a Denon AVR-2807 with no problems at all.

 

[lsiberian]

I have decided to purchase an amp XPA-5. My current receiver is a Yamaha rx-v2500. I think I want to purchase a receiver with HDMI for convenience. I know there is a lot of talk about not being able to tell much difference between the new sound codecs over HDMI verses core DTS over optical. However, I think I want the receiver for convenience and really to use the new sound codecs (I have a PS3 and no way to use it via analogs). Also, I want to be able to use the SACD player on the PS3 and maybe a DVD-A player I might pick up used somewhere and I think they can only be used via HDMI or analog (although I could be wrong). There are a lot of options out there but since I am using an amp, I am really looking for the most inexpensive Denon or Yamaha with pre-outs, unless someone can talk me into stepping up to a better model due to sound quality. Please let me know your thoughts.

What is this nonsense about getting a receiver.

You deserve a pre-pro.

You can pickup an HK AVR 254 for less than 250 shipped off ebay.

 

[Lordoftherings]

About the Marantz SR6003? Check the price at accessories4less, or try to get a deal on a used one. That's a very nice unit.

 

[oppman99]

I have a chance to pick up a Marantz 5003 for $400 used or a Yamaha 1800 for $500 used. Marantz 3 HDMI vs. Yamaha 4 HDMI. Watts are different but don't matter to me as I will be using an Amp. I think the difference comes down to one extra HDMI. Anyone else see any other difference?

Thoughts?

I would advise against the Yamaha 1800. The SQ from the 1800 is not as good as what you have now with the 2500 in my opinion. I have a 2500 and a friend has two setups, one with the 3800 and the other with the 1800. He is not happy with the 1800 for his music system and after listening, I can see why. He is using both with external amps. Voices and the high end of the spectrum sound "hazy" through the 1800. We've tried adjusting the EQ and a number of sources. It could be there is something wrong with his unit, but I don't think so. The 3800 he has does sound very good. I don't have any experience with the other preamps, so I can't give you any reliable advice concerning them.

 

[Seth=L]

Seth, I first noted this problem in my RX-V2700 review. Apparantly Yamaha went with lower power muting transistors that don't provide the same level of isolation of the ones they used to use. This really irked me everytime I'd shut off my 2700 and hear sirens coming from the speakers for a few seconds until the discharge. I don't believe the Z7 suffers from this problem since I am using that now in the same system and haven't heard it.

Great feedback to give the other users though as its something to consider when using a receiver as a preamp.

Wow, thanks for the info Gene! That's kinda cool to at least know that it's not just my receiver, but a slew of them. I just wish the Adcom GFA-5400 I have now had a 12v trigger to get around the issue like the Niles SI-275 I had.

Other than that stupid noise the Yamaha works great as a preamp.

 

[Seth=L]

I would advise against the Yamaha 1800. The SQ from the 1800 is not as good as what you have now with the 2500 in my opinion. I have a 2500 and a friend has two setups, one with the 3800 and the other with the 1800. He is not happy with the 1800 for his music system and after listening, I can see why. He is using both with external amps. Voices and the high end of the spectrum sound "hazy" through the 1800. We've tried adjusting the EQ and a number of sources. It could be there is something wrong with his unit, but I don't think so. The 3800 he has does sound very good. I don't have any experience with the other preamps, so I can't give you any reliable advice concerning them.

That's odd, is it possible that the RX-V1800 he has is defective. As far as I know the RX-V3800 and RX-V1800 use similar parts for the preamp, if not exactly the same. I'm sure someone will correct me on this if I am incorrect.

 

[Jay]

About the Marantz SR6003? Check the price at accessories4less, or try to get a deal on a used one. That's a very nice unit.

Lordoftherings, can you tell me why to check out the 6003 over the 5003. I see it has an extra HDMI out and more power (neither of which I need -- only have one display where this will be used so no need for second HDMI out and will be using an amp so paying for more power when I don't need it). Is there another major difference between the two that I am missing?

 

[Lordoftherings]

Lordoftherings, can you tell me why to check out the 6003 over the 5003. I see it has an extra HDMI out and more power (neither of which I need -- only have one display where this will be used so no need for second HDMI out and will be using an amp so paying for more power when I don't need it). Is there another major difference between the two that I am missing?

I've read a lot of comments about these two receivers, and the 6003 is hand down the better one.

The 6003 has a better sound (the 5003 sounds thinner) and a very good deal more amount of power.
Plus, because it's been replaced by the 6004, you can get a very good deal on it.

Check the reviews on the 6003 (just Google it).

 

[Seth=L]

I've read a lot of comments about these two receivers, and the 6003 is hand down the better one.

The 6003 has a better sound (the 5003 sounds thinner) and a very good deal more amount of power.
Plus, because it's been replaced by the 6004, you can get a very good deal on it.

Check the reviews on the 6003 (just Google it).

Is your judgment based purely off the reviews you've read comparing these two receivers?

I would only have on justification for purchasing the SR6003 over the SR5003, and it's because I think it looks much nicer (it's got the door concealing the plethra of user controls giving it a far cleaner look).

 

[PENG]

That's odd, is it possible that the RX-V1800 he has is defective. As far as I know the RX-V3800 and RX-V1800 use similar parts for the preamp, if not exactly the same. I'm sure someone will correct me on this if I am incorrect.

I agree with you 100%. Preamps at this level will not sound different (to human) for pure direct mode music listening. They really don't do much other than volume control, they hardly amplify the signals from CD/DVD/BD players. Power amps have to do much more.

 

[Lordoftherings]

Is your judgment based purely off the reviews you've read comparing these two receivers?

I would only have on justification for purchasing the SR6003 over the SR5003, and it's because I think it looks much nicer (it's got the door concealing the plethra of user controls giving it a far cleaner look).

My analysis comes from several comments by astute owners, reviews from well grounded reviewers, and personal PMs.

Sorry, I cannot personally confirm that myself, so I'll stick with what I know best; reading and communicating.

By the way, I agree with you about the looks. But there is also more to it...

 

[Seth=L]

My analysis comes from several comments by astute owners, reviews from well grounded reviewers, and personal PMs.

Sorry, I cannot personally confirm that myself, so I'll stick with what I know best; reading and communicating.

By the way, I agree with you about the looks. But there is also more to it...

So you would agree that it is possible they sound no different when calibrated to the same spec? A lot of people will hear a difference between two products because they believe there is one (based on what they read, how the feel about paying more, etc.) even if there is no audible difference at all.

 

[Amherst]

My RX-V3800 kicks out weird noise to the amplifier about 5 seconds after shutting the Yamaha off (an amplifier with a 12v trigger will keep this from happening). Unfortunately the amplifiers I've used lately both lacked a 12v trigger because of their age.

Wow, thanks for the info Gene! That's kinda cool to at least know that it's not just my receiver, but a slew of them. I just wish the Adcom GFA-5400 I have now had a 12v trigger to get around the issue like the Niles SI-275 I had.

Hi Seth, I'm sure you're already aware, but I'd like to mention. I also have an older amp and trigger it with a Niles AC-3. Simple and fairly inexpensive fix. Here's a product link, enjoy.
http://nilesaudio.com/product_detail.php?recordID=120Volt AC Power Switching Systems&categoryID=Automated Switching Systems&catcdID=10