Where can I get a 5.1 or 7.1 signal, preouts, no amp

[Pixel Eater]

Hey guys, you know how 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound receivers sometimes have pre-outs for all the channels? I need that, but I don't need the amplification at all. Just processing. Are receivers the only option? Can anyone recommend units? I'm just trying to get a signal to my older amps and make up some vintage surround sound.

[gyusher]

Hey guys, you know how 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound receivers sometimes have pre-outs for all the channels? I need that, but I don't need the amplification at all. Just processing. Are receivers the only option? Can anyone recommend units? I'm just trying to get a signal to my older amps and make up some vintage surround sound.



Its called a 'PreAmp'. . . what you are looking for is a Preamp/Processor. In order to have 5.1/7.1 it has to become a processor. Combine outputs, volume control and switching for the Preamp. . .


An old receiver probally is the best thing far as cost is concerned.

[jlindsey86]

Are you looking for surround sound/dolby pro logic, or Dolby Digital/DTS?

3 processors I can highly recommend are:

Sony SDP-EP9ES
Pioneer Elite SP-99D
Marantz DP-870

They pop up on ebay every so often. These are DPL/Dolby Digital units only, they can be modded for DTS.

[RichPA]

Good answers so far. There are lots of choices, and if you let us know your budget it would be easier to suggest more options.

[Face]

If you're looking for all the new formats/gadgets, check out the Integra 9.8. http://www.integrahometheater.com/model.cfm?m=DTC-9.8&class=Separates&p=i
I plan on picking one up soon.

[Dusty Chalk]

Its called a 'PreAmp'. . . what you are looking for is a Preamp/Processor.That is correct. It's also sometimes called a preprocessor, or a "prepro" or a "pre/pro" (just in case you want to google or whatnot).

I have no recommendations on specific models, as I've never used ones.

[Pixel Eater]

My goal is to stay under 200 dollars. I wish it weren't in the form of a whole receiver, but it looks like not only have companies stopped producing prepros, but all the receivers have moved preouts up to the more expensive models. Marketing at its best. I would like Pro Logic II at least, and probably DTS as well. I think what I really need to know is what models to chase on theBay. The Pioneer VSX-815 (http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pna/product/detail/0,,2076_4153_209695979_tab=B,00.html?compName=PNA_ ProductDetailComponent) prooobably fits the bill, but I'm not sure and could really use some experienced opinions.

[RichPA]

One thing to look for is a Technics SHAC-500 - should be in your price range, and does both DD and DTS. A little quieter than the similar-price Sonys, I think.

[Dusty Chalk]

My goal is to stay under 200 dollars. I wish it weren't in the form of a whole receiver, but it looks like not only have companies stopped producing prepros, but all the receivers have moved preouts up to the more expensive models. Marketing at its best. I would like Pro Logic II at least, and probably DTS as well. I think what I really need to know is what models to chase on theBay. The Pioneer VSX-815 (http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pna/product/detail/0,,2076_4153_209695979_tab=B,00.html?compName=PNA_ ProductDetailComponent) prooobably fits the bill, but I'm not sure and could really use some experienced opinions.You can use a receiver that has pre-outs, and just not use the amplification section. I think I have a friend who does that -- it's an older Pioneer Elite model. I'll check the next time I'm over there.

[gyusher]

Marantz AV550/AV500 (no DTS on the 500) both are solid models for 5.1 and DTS and cane be had for much less than 200 bucks.

Rotel also made several 1999-2002 models.

You will find them just keep looking. . .

I bought my last AV550 for 50 bucks mint.

There are scoodles of older high dollar ProLogic models that can be had right as well.

[gyusher]

For receivers find a VSX1014 Pioneer or a 1012 you get better chips and more features. . .

HK 230/235/240 and up

You want OSD (on Screen Display) on the receiver you find.

[jlindsey86]

My goal is to stay under 200 dollars. I wish it weren't in the form of a whole receiver, but it looks like not only have companies stopped producing prepros, but all the receivers have moved preouts up to the more expensive models. Marketing at its best. I would like Pro Logic II at least, and probably DTS as well. I think what I really need to know is what models to chase on theBay. The Pioneer VSX-815 (http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pna/product/detail/0,,2076_4153_209695979_tab=B,00.html?compName=PNA_ ProductDetailComponent) prooobably fits the bill, but I'm not sure and could really use some experienced opinions.

One problem you may face is that when processors were popular DPL II had not been developed at this time. Most just have Dolby Surround/DPL. With the later ones having DPL/Dolby Digital, and a few with DTS. DPL II was introduced in 2000 and by that time most companies had stopped manufactering stand alone processors.

gyusher, correct me if I am wrong but I'm not sure that the AV-550 had DTS.
http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_5_3/marantzav550processor.html

[geespot]

I can suggest -

Sherwood Newcastle AVP-9080
Parasound AVC-1800
B&K Ref 20 or 10 - maybe a little higher $ than you want to pay
Pioneer Elite SP-99D

The owners manuals can be found at the respective websites, so you can see what each has to offer.

[gyusher]

gyusher, correct me if I am wrong but I'm not sure that the AV-550 had DTS.
http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_5_3/marantzav550processor.html


I guess you are right. . . Its been awhile. I do remember I liked it and that remote is still a hot item. . .I have since sold the remote for a lot more than it costs to buy the preamp. . . The AV550 was my first DD Preamp. After that one I bought the AV9000 IIRC. . .Paid way too much money but liked it anyway. Then came 7.1. . .Whole nuther story. . .

DPLII doesn't do as much for me as DPLIIx. Also I still like a good ProLogic setup. Great for older movies such as HiFi tapes. . .

[Pixel Eater]

Thanks for so many suggestions. These amps all seem really close to what I need. Unfortunately there's a Nintendo in the mix and they rely on Pro Logic II. If I have to raise the bar a little to get that or preferably IIx, that's okay too.