Hello jsbranham7! I'm in just your situation, HT and surround sound music, hooray! I recommend the Emotiva MC-700 preamp/control center. It offers first class sound, but fewer decoding choices than a surround sound receiver. A used near top or top of the line Integra receiver can be had for less than $300 (likely $200 or less) and offers ten or more decoding choices (lots of fun) plus radio and the sound is B to B+ (quite good). You can always put it in another room if you upgrade to one of the very pricy Pre-Pros.
Use the "preamp outs" on the Integra receiver. I have three such setups running in my home. The Emotiva MC-700 controls the main system. There are five systems in all, one using the receiver as its maker intended.
Help! Receiver or preamp? Im overwhelmed...
I need some help. Been gone for years and much has changed and Im just overwhelmed with the years of info on the forums. I dont want to make a foolish decision and would so appreciate the communities gracious knowledge and assistance.
Im 75% music and 25% HT.
Gear:
Paradigm Studio 100 v4 mains Paradigm CC690 center
Paradigm V2monitor surrounds
SVS PB13 Ultra Sub
Emotiva XPA 5 amp (200x5)
Keeping all the above
The old 5 channel Rotel HT1055 receiver (no HDMI) needs to upgrade even though I love the sound! Im fine with 5.1 and not interested in Atmos. Im also fine with a used item. What do you reccomend for some killer sound and updated HDMI?
Im 75% music and 25% HT.
Gear:
Paradigm Studio 100 v4 mains Paradigm CC690 center
Paradigm V2monitor surrounds
SVS PB13 Ultra Sub
Emotiva XPA 5 amp (200x5)
Keeping all the above
The old 5 channel Rotel HT1055 receiver (no HDMI) needs to upgrade even though I love the sound! Im fine with 5.1 and not interested in Atmos. Im also fine with a used item. What do you reccomend for some killer sound and updated HDMI?