2. amps-preamps
  3. 152544-7042

Preamp with HDMI inputs

Hi there. I'm looking to upgrade my preamp. Would love some advice! My current set up:
Ohm Walsh 1000 speakersParasound HCA1000A amp (225 watts)Parasound PHP800 preamp
The problem is that I literally _only_ listen to music via Airplay at this point. The input is my Apple TV, running through a fairly budget Benq projector. Since the preamp has no HDMI inputs, I'm running analog audio directly out of the projector into my preamp. Kinda shitty I'd imagine due to the bad DAC on the projector and the noise coming from the fan in there.

I definitely want to keep my amp. I'm not interested in surround sound or a subwoofer. What I'm looking for is a preamp (or integrated/receiver with pre-outs) that has HDMI inputs and outputs. I'd be fine with getting a HT receiver and just not using the additional channels, but am most focused on stereo quality. Budget is ~$500 and definitely happy to go used.

I've found a few products that meet the bill. Frankly, they seem like they are all clones of each other:

Denon DRA-800H
Marantz NR1200Integra DTM-7
Onkyo TX-8270
For each of those except the Marantz, there are only pre-outs for zone 2, but I don't see why I can't have zone 2 just be my main zone. Of all of these, seems like the Denon is the best option. It seems like the Denon and Marantz have a DAC per channel (the others don't), which might be more pure.

Bumping up to about 1K, there are some NAD products that could work.

I'm wondering:

* anyone have thoughts on these particular products?* is there _really_ any reason why I shouldn't get some 5.1 HT behemoth that has pre-outs and just use that?
* are there any products that are a few years older that would fit the bill that I can get used?
* any other things I'm not thinking of?

Thanks!
128x128ledhed2222
ledhed2222's avatar
ledhed2222 OP
45 posts
 
I realize a stand-alone dac isn’t what I want either, because another issue is that my existing preamp has no remote control feature. The Shiit would’ve been a killer move though. I actually already have the older ATV with optical out. 
Damn that Essence is EXACTLY what I’m looking for! Anything else like that? Seems hard to find a good used model. 
ledhed2222's avatar
ledhed2222 OP
45 posts
 
Ah and no the projector has no digital audio out. I thought about that 😢
geof3
1,125 posts
 
The Classé’ is fantastic. It’s on sale as Listen Up (my local shop) bought out the stock. They retailed @5500. Overall great system with very nice optimization and customization features. Has everything you need, and more (can airplay directly with higher quality)... highly recommend.
gallus
45 posts
 
There is the (relatively) new Cambridge Audio Edge NQ with a separate digital board whilst the preamp section is entirely analog. It offers an HDMI Arc input.
davekayc
173 posts
 
I used to be in the same boat looking for an extractor . There were no essence available at the time . But as i got researching , i think that unit has had other  names and packaging. I may be wrong but no name made in china. I came across the nad M51 . I liked it so much i bought another for my other system. Check out the reviews and specs . They are no longer made but they have created a more consumer mainstream version with the same internals. 
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