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
 
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
1,678 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. 
chrshanl37
835 posts
 
Essence HDACC might fit the bill.. There’s one listed on the auction site (i’ve no affiliation with the seller).
jbuhl's avatar
jbuhl
987 posts
 
Get a Schiit DAC for $99 and rollback to a early version of apple TV device  that has optical out, I think up to generation 3 had optical out. I actually have an apple TV device that I will sell you if your interested but they are easily found on used market.
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. 
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