Whats the deal with Pre-Outs on this site?

[tom67]

A lot of recommendations on this site suggesting people buy $400 recievers and add amps that cost $1,000 or more later. The sound will only be as good as the weakest link which may be the pre-amp or DACs on the receiver. Why not just buy a good receiver with adequate power for $1,200 and avoid the trouble, expense and the additional box with yet another wire cluster. Now I do understand the suggestion of buying quality separates, but thats a whole different subject. Most receivers like my $249 Yamaha RXV 659 in fact have a second zone, so there is no need for a second amp in most cases...

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Your 659 is a prime example.

It has a great pre amp section and DACs but a tad low on power for hungry speakers, a lot of headroom or a big room. Add an amp to that baby(I always loved my 659) and you have a great set up.

 

[CraigV]

An all in one receiver is always going to have compromises, and an outboard amplifier can make a big difference in sound levels & quality. Suggesting Pre-outs means an inexpensive upgrade in the future, and not having to sell off existing equipment, retaining its value.

 

[Davemcc]

The wisdom and experience of board members here is that mid level receivers actually do process signals as well as separate pre/pros. In that case, it's up to the discretion and budget of the user to determine whether a pre/pro makes sense. For many, the decision to use a mid level receiver is based on the fact that it is the component most likely to be replaced the soonest so it's best to spend as little as possible and still have the processing ability.

If you already have or plan to get an amp that can last many years, it's better to upgrade a $400 receiver every three years than to upgrade a $1200 receiver or pre/pro. It makes sense in a way but I have already resigned myself to the idea that my Integra will be well and truly antiquated by the time I get around to replacing it.

 

[mike c]

getting a receiver that even matches the capabilities of a "decent" 2 channel external amp in terms of low ohm driving capability would shoot the receiver budget way above 1200 bucks.

granted, you are welcome to use the 1200 buck receiver as a pre-pro with an external amp (for better DACS and all)

there are also many people here who believe/know that the pre-amp section of a "500 dollar" receiver would be indistinguishable to one in the 1200 range in a blind test.

basically, it's human nature for an audioholic to want to upgrade sometime in the future, most sooner than later. a receiver with no pre-outs simply means that unit would have to be replaced for an upgrade to happen. a unit with a pre-out can be supplemented with an external amp thus adding one less step in the upgrade ladder.

 

[Highbar]

Dave and Mike nailed it. If you go and buy that $1200 receiver you have to replace the entire thing when you want new decoding, features, whatever. Now if you buy a $400 receiver and $1000-1200 amp, you can keep that amp forever and just keep updating the mid level receiver. You are more than likely also going to get more power out of that $1000 amp than you will a $1200 receiver.

 

[just-some-guy]

what those guys said.

 

[jwenthold99]

Double what those guys said

I am looking at getting the UMC-1 from Emotiva, and the UPA-7. If I get the amp now, I can use it with the receiver I already have (Yamaha RX-V640) and then add the UMC-1

I like the flexibility, and as long as Emotiva is around, you can upgrade the processor as technology advances for a reasonable price.