I might be aquiring a 5.1 amp for home theater for a bargain deal. If so, I'll need a signal processor/preamp for it- any suggestions?

I'd like it to have DTS. And I dunno if it'd be worth hunting down a unit that does 7.1 or 6.1, and later adding an additional amp to help with the duties.

I'd like it to be very affordable- suggestions for any extreme bargain units to a few hundred at most- my main concern is stereo, so HT is strictly budget.

Heck, even a receiver with pre-outs could work, no?

Hi thedelihaus,

There are probably lots of possibilities here, but I can only give advice on the simple one :D.

I thought about getting a pre-amp/processor and using my badboy vintage receivers to do the driving work, but working it all out gave me a big headache, so I just decided to go the 'simple' route and buy a simple Digital 6.1 AV Receiver and let that do all the work, - much easier to keep track of everything! It does everything, the D/A conversion, and powers all the speakers.

It's a Marantz SR7300. Retailed at about $1400 new in 2003/2004, but I picked up mine 2nd hand a year later for $400. I just saw one sell on eBayUK recently for just over $250, - a real bargain IMO :yes:.
In simple terms, it is 6 x 105wpc RMS @ 8ohms, 6 x 130wpc RMS @ 6ohms, and has more inputs/outputs/features than I could ever use! I just plug my cheapo $50 DVD player into it via the Digital Coaxial input, and the receiver handles DTS like a dream! :yes: In fact, DTS sounds so good (probably because its not dynamically compressed nearly as much as Dolby Digital) that it actually sounds like you're sat right in the middle of the concert! :) Also, because it's Marantz, normal 2ch stereo playback is also excellent.....

I'm thinking that, even though the amp offered is a good one, my cost for a prosessor/preamp will cost so much as to make it not feasable for me to do.

A good frfiend is offering it, and it's a swell offer- heck, he's a swell guy. But it may be more money than I care to spend for this ability, in the long run.

I'll keep the thread open, however, for suggestions.

But yours is a very wise one, ToToman.

Thank you.

i use the sony ta-e 9000 es for about 3 years now and it´s great for music too :yes:

all information here:http://home.online.no/~espen-b/ta-e9000es/


prices on ebay about 450 dollar

I'm not aware of any cheap standalone multi-channel processors. They're all pricey which is why I haven't got one yet. As Toto man suggested the AV receiver with pre-outs is an option. But another option perhaps nots as good but I don't see why it wouldn't work in a multi-channel sound card for computer. You could get an external model to make hook up easier. Of coarse you would have to control the volume and stuff from computer, not as handy if you don't have a remote. Heck I might even try this myself and use my av receiver in another room.

TDH, if you are still thinking about a stereo unit remember the Harman Kardon AVR 7200. You could use if for powering your 2-channel setup and also use it as a pre for your surround system.

Good idea Wireworm. My brother has a 24/192 Audigy sound card and it even has a remote control with it. Great sound off it, especially when listening to the hi-res layers of DVD-Audios.

Are you getting a multi-channel amp (3,4,5,6 channel)? Is this what's driving you towards a pre amp/ processor ? I've owned many (procs) over the years,more than I'd like to count,actually.Most all of the newer pre-pros will have DD and DTS processing and 5.1 is good enough,IMO.But,they all have different bells and whistles attached,especially on the video side of the system,with the various varying video connections,composite,S-Video,component,DVI/HDMI...good greif.

I think most of the good A/V receivers have the ability to use an outboard amp.Straight processors do not.Which is better ? Who knows.
My choice ended up being an all EAD (Enlightened Audio Device) system,processor and amp.The best sounding I've ever had,but very limited on the types of inputs,3 analog and 6 digital (1 Toslink,5 coax and 1 useless AT&T).

The amp is a 5 channel 200w monster and does well with the power hungry speakers I use (all Aerial).All of the EAD equipment was bought used.Nice sounding system,music and ht.Just wish I had heard this system way back when and saved some bucks...

Look at the Outlaw Processors. $699 and $999.

used Outlaw 950 is an option, I still have mine and have no desire to upgrade it, does a hell of a job, and the last one I remember was going for below 400.00

If you want to go cheap just buy a used ht receiver off ebay with preamp outputs, should be able to pull it off very reasonably.

Heck post here in wanteds.

Pete