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
auxinput
2,920 posts
 
Don't look at HT receivers.  You want an HT Processor (it's basically an HT receiver without the internal amplifier part).

For new, the Outlaw 975 at $549 is the only one in your budget (or Outlaw 976 if you want something a little better for $929).

Otherwise, used is the only alternative.  On audiogon, search through the "Category => Home Theater => Processors" section.  There are several that may work for you.

Onkyo PR-SC885 at $450
Anthem AV-50  at $700
Rotel RSP-1572  at $775
auxinput
2,920 posts
 
there really isn't a cheap 2-channel option except for those really cheap "HDMI audio extractors" for under $50.  The only 2-channel option I know of that has HDMI inputs/outputs is the Classe Sigma 2200i integrated amp.  There's a guy on ebay selling a bunch of these for $2k brand new.  He does have one "open box" version for $1700.
ledhed2222's avatar
ledhed2222 OP
45 posts
 
I know it’s conventional wisdom not to
use a HT receiver as a processor. But
WHY?

Also any thoughts on the integrated models I listed in the OP?
auxinput
2,920 posts
 
Well, sure, you could use an HT receiver as a processor.  However, it's really a cheap swiss-army knife type of device since they are trying to shove as many different features and functions into a single unit at that low purchase cost.  The DAC and audio stages are not going to be as good as the dedicated HT Processors, so if you're not going to use the amp part of the HT Receiver, it would be better to put your money towards an HT Processor.  The end result would be that the HT Processor would sound a lot better than any of these HT Receivers.

I don't know any of those receivers personally, but based on the typical sonic signatures of those brands, I would likely choose the Integra.
glennewdick's avatar
glennewdick
1,640 posts
 
Does your TV, projector, apple box have a digital out? or even lightning cable out, you can get a USB from the lightning cable and use that to feed an outboard DAC.   get a decent DAC and skip the HDMI all together. Schiit audio for example has DAC's in all price ranges. 

there are also  HDMI to USB audio converters out there. they are dead cheep think $20. google it you will need one that works with IOS I'd imagine. 
More to discover