Should I buy a receiver or processor?

[jremitio]

I'm in the process of saving for separates and have decided on the Emotive XPA-5 (5 ch amp). I'm currently using an HK335 (no HDMI) receiver for both my music/HT needs and am an avid fan of the SQ and processing capabilities of the HK.

My question is: With the Emo amp, I would like to buy a processor but am also thinking that buying another HK receiver with HDMI 1.3 to act solely as the processor might be a cheaper idea. What are the advantages of buying a separate processor vs. a receiver to act solely as processor? I was thinking that with an HK receiver with 7 channels, I can use these channels for multi-room use while using the Emo amp to power speakers in my main room.

Thanks.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

With the quality and flxibility of AVRs these days, I see no advantage in a pre/pro.

 

[greggp2]

I think if you use the Emotiva amp with a good receiver, you'll get your 2nd zone and be happy with the overall sound quality. I agree with ParadigmDawg... We both are running AVR's with separate Amps..

 

[Seth=L]

Some of the most advanced pre/pros are found in receivers. There are not many separate pre/pros that can rival the function and processing prowess featured in most receivers over $1000, especially cost effective options. If a little simpler setup is required (such as just HD surround capability w/ 2nd zone functions) there are a few very capable AVRs for around $500 that can function very well as pre/pros. To name a few: Yamaha RX-V663, Onkyo TX-SR705/805 (the *06 series has not been as well received, there are apparent cutbacks in features and caliber of parts used), H/K AVR-254, Marantz SR-4003 just to name a few.

Naturally you can set your sights higher for a nicer receiver or even a separate pre/pro. I will simply say this is not the best time (economically) to just throw money at a higher priced product that has features/power/functions that you will not be using or don't need. If you feel that you will use the more advanced features found on higher end products (such as upscalers or advanced on screen display function) then get what you need/want in a receiver or pre/pro without over extending yourself while making sure the product has all you expect to use. Also, don't buy something from an unfamiliar camp until you are certain it fits you all around.

 

[Davemcc]

Should I buy a receiver or processor?

First things first. Do you need such an amp in the first place. What speakers are you using that requires such a monster amp? How big is the room that requires so much power? If your speakers are 8 ohm/93dB sensitive, a high end receiver is quite capable unless your demands are excessive.

Second, if you are set upon getting the amp in any case, it serves no purpose to look at receivers in the $1500+ range where the Integra currently sits unless you find a specific feature in a receiver that the Integra doesn't have. That price point may be lowered a great deal in the near future as Emotiva and Outlaw introduce their new pre/pros.

I used to use a receiver as a pre/pro, but for some reason it bothered me always having the amp section of the receiver on and drawing power but sitting idle all the time. I already had the amp because my speakers are low impedance/low sensitivity. So when the time came for an upgrade, I was looking at receivers that could handle my speaker's demands without the Rotel or a processor with which to use the Rotel without wasting a whole amp section. The price point of receivers with the features I wanted made it a no-brainer to choose the processor.

The budget receiver + amp makes sense for many even though the same money spent on a high end receiver might have been a better choice given the speakers in question and there certainly is a place for dedicated separates. Give it some thought and compare all the available options before making a decision. Choose what's right for you.

 

[jremitio]

First things first. Do you need such an amp in the first place. What speakers are you using that requires such a monster amp? How big is the room that requires so much power? If your speakers are 8 ohm/93dB sensitive, a high end receiver is quite capable unless your demands are excessive.

Second, if you are set upon getting the amp in any case, it serves no purpose to look at receivers in the $1500+ range where the Integra currently sits unless you find a specific feature in a receiver that the Integra doesn't have. That price point may be lowered a great deal in the near future as Emotiva and Outlaw introduce their new pre/pros.

I used to use a receiver as a pre/pro, but for some reason it bothered me always having the amp section of the receiver on and drawing power but sitting idle all the time. I already had the amp because my speakers are low impedance/low sensitivity. So when the time came for an upgrade, I was looking at receivers that could handle my speaker's demands without the Rotel or a processor with which to use the Rotel without wasting a whole amp section. The price point of receivers with the features I wanted made it a no-brainer to choose the processor.

The budget receiver + amp makes sense for many even though the same money spent on a high end receiver might have been a better choice given the speakers in question and there certainly is a place for dedicated separates. Give it some thought and compare all the available options before making a decision. Choose what's right for you.

My speakers are B&W 685 and HTM62 which are 88db sensitivity. My 685's will be relegated to the surrounds when I buy the 683's in the future. My HK AVR has 55 wpc and I find that it seems to exert too much effort driving my speakers. I'm thinking of letting the 5 channels in the Emo amp drive my 5 current speakers and let a couple of channels in the AVR power an extra 2 surrounds in a 7.1 setup.

 

[lsiberian]

I suggest only 3-channel amp. I think 5 channels is a waste in home theater. Very rarely do surrounds require a lot of power. And most midfi receivers can easily handle 4 surrounds.

The 3 channel amp will allow you to use an EQ for the fronts and subs to integrate them. But if you don't have those plans. I think a good receiver is good enough.

 

[jremitio]

I suggest only 3-channel amp. I think 5 channels is a waste in home theater. Very rarely do surrounds require a lot of power. And most midfi receivers can easily handle 4 surrounds.

The 3 channel amp will allow you to use an EQ for the fronts and subs to integrate them. But if you don't have those plans. I think a good receiver is good enough.

Thanks for the suggestion. The Emo 3 ch amp is about the same price as the 5 ch amp. Besides, other than 2-channel listening, I often find myself listening to 5 ch stereo using HK's Logic 7 which sounds pretty darn good.

Well, it seems like a receiver is the way to go. Thanks to all.

 

[lsiberian]

Thanks for the suggestion. The Emo 3 ch amp is about the same price as the 5 ch amp. Besides, other than 2-channel listening, I often find myself listening to 5 ch stereo using HK's Logic 7 which sounds pretty darn good.

Well, it seems like a receiver is the way to go. Thanks to all.

I think audigon regularly has rotel amps going for lower. If you can get an amp with XLR I recommend it. That way you can add a DCX later down the line.

Good to hear about the HK stuff. I've been forced to step down to a 247 from my 705 Honestly it was really hard to ship it this morning.

 

[jremitio]

I think audigon regularly has rotel amps going for lower. If you can get an amp with XLR I recommend it. That way you can add a DCX later down the line.

Good to hear about the HK stuff. I've been forced to step down to a 247 from my 705 Honestly it was really hard to ship it this morning.

HK AVR247 is actually the receiver that I'm eyeing. With an external amp, I'd only be using it as processor. The price is pretty economical at less than $400.

BTW, you can use XLR's with Emo amps.