AV Processor Question

The AVR market is just more competitive with mainstream manufacturers having to bring new models to market every year with the latest bells and whistles. If you compare current AVR models to the same manufacturers pre-pro (providing they make one), chances are the case and chassis, decoders, HDMI protocol, room correction, etc. are all the same. The only thing that is different is that the AVR gives you up to 7 channels of amplification - for less money! Kind of makes you wonder the quality of those built in amps?

I would say though that pre-pro from the higher end companies, Cary, NAD, Anthem, etc., probably offer much better 2 channel pre-amp sections than the mainstream company's pre-pros. But this is usually not why people buy AVRs or pre-pros.

HDMI 1.4, lossless decoding, etc in an AVR vs. a pre-pro is exactly the same. The same version of Audyssey in an AVR is exactly the same as what you get in a pre-pro. Therefore with exception of the analog pre-amp sections on some high end models (and this applies only to those interested in two channel music; not movies or concerts), I would say pre-pros are not superior to an AVR.

The above is why I use an AVR with a multi channel power amp. For two channel analog, I use a 2 channel pre-amp with home theater by-pass. Best of both worlds in one system.

Internetmin
Great post dude! That answers my question perfectly.

Thanks to everyone else for your 2 cents, it's great to hear a balanced set of opinions and ideas.

Great forum!

rev
PS: Post closed as far as I'm concerned

Rev,

Have fun. Glad the community could give you some thoughts that were helpful.

Theo

@Saeyedoc/Paraneer. I too had an Onkyo pre 885 and a Parasound Hca2205AT power amp. My Oppo 95 did the processing via 5.1 multichannel analogue ins. Sounded good and actually sounded better than digital with Audyysey XT calibrated. Analogue multichannel sounded better than the digital hands down.

But there was a weak link, it was processing twice. So I looked into Dared.

Researched and bought a Dared DV-6C integrated- multichannel analogue hybrid Tube. Next level. Simply smoked my Pre/power combo I had.

Everything is running purely straight to Oppo 95 with multichannel 2.1/5.1
With my Oppo acting as pre. Just stunning. This $400 integrated brought my system to level I couldn't imagine. You will need an efficient speaker say 90-91 or more to feel the 65x6 power rating. As I run Paradigm Signature S2's V3 with them and it stomps on that 220x5 power I had.

I would refer the Dared to all or everyone who wants great 2 channel/5.1 multichannel movie viewing and stunning two chanbel music. And I also put money back in my pocket simplifying my system of cords.

I'm still amazed at the sound difference....

"AV Receivers all seem to come with amplification and I don't need more amplification. I certainly don't want to pay for it if I've already got it"

IRRELEVANT! Priced of otherwise superior sounding AV receivers on the used market, which can be had for $150 - which included 7.1 ch, Dolby HD/DTS Master, Auto volume and EQ adjust, Audyssey MultEQ, 1080p HDMI 1.4 upscaling, pre-amp out's, and a host of other nicesties - makes the fact that you have included 125watts x 7 of power a moot point! WE'RE TALKIN BARELY $100+ FOR ALL OF THAT, AND SOME OF THESE THINGS SOUND INCREDIBLE FOR WHAT THEY DO!! (yes, better digital processing than 10 year ago Mark Levinson Digital on board currently with most any AV receiver around!)
Yeah, you get the amps thrown in for mere peanuts, my boy! You can use em or not use em. I mean you get a used superb sounding Harman Kardon AVR 354 for $175 on the used market, and sonics are simply stellar! -with or without using the amps in the sucker! (that's 24/192 dac's, 7ch processing with DD and DTS HD, Parmetric EQ, HDMI 1080 Faroudja processing, and ultra smooth detailed and clean sound quality!
I'm simply amazed at how cheap you can throw together some pretty darn good movie and stereo sound quality for dirt cheap any more on the used. It's a wonderful thing