Which Mid level pre/proc/amp

[MR_PINK]

Hello all,

I have just recently got into home theater. I am in the process of building a theater in my basement. I am looking to upgrade my current electronics from my Yamaha receiver. I am looking for a pre-amp processor/amp combo. 7.1 is a must and it will be used primarily for home theater with very little music use. My main concern will obviously be a the processor. Looking for a mid-high level proc/amp combo with a budget of roughly 2k. Obviously on that budget I will be looking for pre-owned and hdmi is not 100% needed but it would be nice if it were upgradable later What do you guys suggest? I have been looking at b&k/anthem/rotel/emotiva/outlaw/ and various others but can't seem to make up my mind and just wanted to get some opinions. Looking for the best bang for the buck in processing. This will be my 1st seperate purchase. Thanks a lot guys

My current set up is as follows

Full Monitor Audio Set up Silver series(less sub)
Fronts RS6 silver
Center RSLCR
Surrond Sides CPW RS (walls)
Surround Rear CPC RS (ceiling)
Velodyne DPS-10 Sub
My electronics include a yamaha HTR 5860-Receiver.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Emotiva should fit the bill.

 

[Davemcc]

I'll give you my opinion on the subject. Used pre/pros are expensive for what they are and I don't see the value of spending a lot of money on something that is obsolete the day you bring it home. The new generation of ID pre/pros looks to be very capable, affordable and up-to-date in terms of technology. Just sit tight and let Emotiva get their new line of pre/pros on the market before you you settle for an expensive, but outdated piece of equipment.

Amps are a different story altogether. The technology is basically stable and doesn't get outmoded. Head over to audiogon and choose a good used amp that suits your need.

 

[MR_PINK]

I'll give you my opinion on the subject. Used pre/pros are expensive for what they are and I don't see the value of spending a lot of money on something that is obsolete the day you bring it home. The new generation of ID pre/pros looks to be very capable, affordable and up-to-date in terms of technology. Just sit tight and let Emotiva get their new line of pre/pros on the market before you you settle for an expensive, but outdated piece of equipment.

Amps are a different story altogether. The technology is basically stable and doesn't get outmoded. Head over to audiogon and choose a good used amp that suits your need.

Thanks for the post. I was also thinking that as well as far as waiting an updated emotiva processor. The new line should be arriving this summer correct? My yami does have pre outs so I was also considering going the amp route 1st to see how it sounds then considering upgrading the processor. On my current set up which 7 channel amp would you consider and how much power do you think my setup will require?

 

[Davemcc]

I don't see anything on Audiogon right now that would fit the bill, from my quick look.

You could probably get away with the Emotiva LPA-1 (125x5 plus 50x2). The RS6 is 6 ohm and reasonably sensitive so the LPA-1 would have no problem driving it. And for $499, you're stealing it. The only question would be your listening habits and how hard you want to drive it.

The Emotiva MPS-2 would also seem to be a safe bet and you will never have to second guess whether you have enough amp. Although I haven't owned one myself (yet), I defer to the other users here that are happy with them. It's hard to beat 7 channels by 200w in a single chassis for $1,699 new with warranty. I know it takes up most of the current budget, but you can run it with your receiver for now and choose a pre/pro sometime this summer.

I also understand that Outlaw is a good choice for a 7 channel amp.

Or you could look at a Rotel 1075/1080 combo or and Anthem PVA5/MCA2 combo, but these come with some compromises, like two separate chassis, a lower power 5 channel amp and probably more expensive.

 

[The Chukker]

The Emotiva MPS-2 would also seem to be a safe bet and you will never have to second guess whether you have enough amp. Although I haven't owned one myself (yet), I defer to the other users here that are happy with them. It's hard to beat 7 channels by 200w in a single chassis for $1,699 new with warranty. I know it takes up most of the current budget, but you can run it with your receiver for now and choose a pre/pro sometime this summer.

I totally agree; I own a MPS-1 and it is a top notch piece of a/v equipment I guarantee you will not have buyers remorse over. If you can wait a couple of months the new Yammy RX V663 is looking to have all of the features you will need for a 7.1 HT set up (7.2 actually, it has 2 sub outs) with all the bells and whistles of HDMI spec 1.3; it will put you slightly over budget @ $549.00 USD, but... so what? .
More details on that unit can be found here:
http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=41119

 

[cfrizz]

For home theater I always recommend multichannel amps with 200wpc. That way you are sure to have all the headroom you need with any speakers you have now & in the future.

All of the companies that you mentioned will do the job. I would also take a look at Sunfire as well.

By all means use your receiver right now as a prepro until you can get the exact one that you want that you will be happy with.