2. amps-preamps
  3. 1083340126

Preamp or Processor???

I am looking to get a preamp or processor, I am but not sure what to get. I listen to music 80% of the time and 20% movies. Right now I am using a Yamaha receiver as my processor and I want to upgrade badly. But I can't decide if I just want a two channels preamp or get a processor and dump the Yamaha. I also do listen to SACD so I need 5.1 inputs if I get a processor. Anyone have any suggestion for something used under $1500. I myself is leaning toward getting preamp and keep the Yamaha for processor since its pretty new and I don't watch movies that much, nor care about the sound that much in HT. But I want something that does sound really good for music. So far I been looking into some older models from Audio Research (I might want to try tubes). I also looked into the Audio Refinement since some of them offer 5.1 inputs on the preamp, but I am not sure how they sound. Lastly I heard great thing about Mccormack, it is really as good as they say they are? There are so many choices out there, I am not sure where to start.

Thanks for the help.
f155mph

Showing 2 responses by electric_monk

electric_monk
38 posts
 
I would sink the majority into a 2 channel preamp. Then sink the rest into a less expensive surround processor. I have a Rotel RSX-1055 integrated 5 channel driving my system. I recently borrowed a Sim Audio Moon P-5 preamp. The difference was stunning. Those a/v processors do way to much internally to provide excellent 2 channel. You can use a 2 channel preamp with your a/v processor as long as it (the a/v) has pre-outs. It helps if your preamp has a home theater bypass.
electric_monk
38 posts
 
VTL, Audible Illusions preamps have home theater bypass....not sure if all models do however. There have to be others. You can also just mark a point on the volume control that is on the low side of moderate (vague I know) and then calibrate the surround processor based on that setting. A SPL meter is needed for this and your surround processor has to have the ability to adjust the levels of individual speakers. Then all you have to do is set the 2 channel preamp volume control to this pre-marked postition and fire up the multi-channel.

As far as integrating the 2 channel you have to take the pre-outs on the processor and run them to an unused input on the 2 channel preamp. That input becomes your "home theater signal" input into your 2 channel system. Sorry if this is a bit rambling, I have yet to do this myself but have researched it a bit. If you have a home theater bypass it essentially shunts the signal from the home theater processor on a short signal path to the amp outputs of the (2 channel) preamp. Basically you end up bypassing the volume controls, gain stage, etc. in the preamp. Doing this also means you don't have to have that "marked" spot on the volume control to return to. Less fuss overall.

Any veterans that care to amend, correct or add to this please feel free.
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