Video Asylum

Inexpensive HT preamps?

128.115.27.11

Hornlover

I want to bi-amp my HT loudspeakers, so I need a preamp/processor, or at least a HT receiver with pre outs. Any recommendations? I dont want to spend 10k for a Conrad Johnson, etc. It must be affordable.

Follow Ups:

Harman Kardon 254 cost 390 bucks - Brian A 13:58:54 01/14/09 (3)
Has three HDMI 1.3a inputs. Full processing of all digital formats including both Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. Has pre out so you can hook it up to the amp. It works great, I have one and love it.

Worry not, Sarah Palin will fix it all in '12
- Sounds good. Can it downmix to 2.0 stereo via analog outs? - Russell 14:45:48 01/14/09 (2)
  I've been looking for a decent pre-pro that will do this, as I'm still utilizing 2-channel stereo in my HT setup but would love to take advantage of the new advanced audio codecs. Sound like this might fill the bill if can do the downmixing. (My BD player doesn't provide full resolution of those codecs via the analog outputs.)
  
  Russell
  - Of course - Brian A 14:52:45 01/14/09 (1)
    Any HT receiver will do this automatically when you go to the set up menu and tell it you have no rears/center/sub.
    
    I have the Sony BDP 350 and connect its HDMI to the H&K and get all the video and sound modes through the digital stream.
    
    Worry not, Sarah Palin will fix it all in '12
    - Great--thanks! (nt) - Russell 15:37:21 01/14/09 (0)
      nt
RE: Inexpensive HT preamps? - cfraser 10:42:58 01/14/09 (0)
There are all sorts of affordable/cheap AVRs with pre outs. This was my choice while waiting for something a little more "weighty" to become available. I chose a Denon 3808 which does pretty much everything as far as current audio formats/decoding, but you could go quite a lot cheaper. I could recommend this unit based on its pre-pro functionality (never even tried the amp section). I do not hold HT audio to the same standard as stereo audio though...so I really haven't evaluated it as to SQ as I only use it for DVD/BD.
What's "affordable?" - Kal Rubinson 09:57:30 01/14/09 (1)
Also, which do you prefer, AVR or preamp, or, perhaps, a pre/pro? Very different options.

Kal
- my question as well - Joe Murphy Jr 18:00:30 01/14/09 (0)
  It's a very Donald Trump vs Wal-Mart greeter situation.

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