Yamaha A4A Receiver or specific pre amp?

You looking to maintain the home theater multichannel or shifting to just 2 channel stereo?  What are you trying to achive or make better?

Quickly, if staying in the home theater market, yes, there are many.  Just Google "a/v processor" or "home theater processor" and you will get many choices, although they tend to be much higher in price than the A4A.  Brands like Anthem, Emotiva, Marantz, Rotel are among the bigger names.  You also have options to use the preamp outputs and add off-board amplification.

If looking at 2 channel preamp, then the question is what features and what you are trying to accomplish need defining first.

- Jeff

As it says same features. 7.1, latest hdmi, earc processing chips etc. Just don't need the amp part of receiver.

I don't do games. Music & HT

@rustyd02359 

Sorry, I didn't make the proper connections in my brain last night.  

As I mentioned, there are quite a few dedicated "preamp/processors" out there.  However, new, most are going to run you north of $3000.  They are going to have all or more feature sets, including Dirac, that the Yamaha has.

So, I guess the big question is, what is driving your question.  Assuming that you are using the A4A as the pre/pro with the pre-amp outputs to external amps, or not?  Are you looking to improve the sound quality by switching to a dedicated pre/pro? Do you have a budget in mind?  What amp(s) are you using, and speakers?

-Jeff

I guess you answered my question. Yes, there are pre amps that are equal to or better than the  tech offered in the yamaha. It just kinda bothered me buying a Receiver when I was looking for a pre. Then using that receiver as a pre. Plus it's only a $1200 rec. SO i felt it was a step down from my Rotel pre. I feel as if I'm paying for stuff I don't use. But the cost is so low it doesn't matter as long as the part I do use is hi-end.

It's sound is harsh & fatiguing, hollow & lacks mid but manageable until I get my Rotel RMB 1095 repaired. I'm running 5 Paradigm ref V2, 100, CC, & 40. So I guess I should stop stressing about thinking I cheaped out on buying the A4A.

BTW, Thank you

np.  Only thing I can suggest, if you haven't already done so, is work with the built in DSP to see if you can adjust out the harshness and sound balance.

Good Luck,

-Jeff