2. amps-preamps
  3. 1040397073

Receiver recommendations?


Hello there! I am starting to build my home theater
setup, one piece at a time. I started with some decent
speakers, and now I am looking for a receiver with
pre-amp outputs to make room for an amp. Preferably
around $300 (used is OK).

Can someone recommend one to watch for? I had been eyeing
the Kenwood VR-510 and a couple of Maranz models. I don't
have any particular brand loyalty, I just don't want to
shell out big $$ for just a pre-amp at this time.
pyite
elevick
2,636 posts
 
I've had nothing but grief from receivers. Too much stuffed into one box. Try the Marantz 550 pre-amp for about $250 or a similar Rotel. You can pick up a 5 channel amp for about the same (rotel 30 x 6?).

Otherwise, try www.tsto.com and get a marantz or denon receiver new for around your price. There is no comparison in quality between a $300 denon and a $500 kenwood. The Kenwood is just filled with more crap.
pyite OP
28 posts
 
slipknot1,

Yes very good of you to catch that! Do you listen to
them a lot? My favorite CD is probably the 6-14-2000
show they released not too long ago.
pyite OP
28 posts
 
Sogood51,
Does Onkyo generally have pre-amp outputs? I am wary of
buying on ebay without a specific model number because I
don't want to end up in the same situation I'm in
currently! I have a Pioneer VSX-D509S (which I like
quite a bit except for the lack of a real phono input) but
it's a dead end amp-wise.
audioman4
174 posts
 
Try a Yamaha rxv 695 or similar with preamp inputs and outs...
this way you can get the processor usage out of the unit and
also the "ok" preamp stage....
It would be a decent start...
yamaha processing is not bad for ht usage...
Good luck,
Joe
Custom Audio LLC
yslee
6 posts
 
You can get a used Outlaw 1050 for around $350. May not be the most beautiful receiver out there, but the sound and quality cannot be beat for that price. The 1050 does have pre-out.
More to discover