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Onkyo sr805 to use as amp and pre-amp together?

Title is limited, so let me explain my question here:

Can I use Onkyo SR-805's pre-out to transfer the signal directly to a classe amp's input (use sr805 as pre-amp here) for the main L & R speakers, while at the same time, still use sr805 to power the surround speakers (S-L, S-R, SLB, SRB) - still using 805 as power amp here?

Main reason is that the Onkyo SR805 is not powerful enough for the main speakers (for music), and I do like to power them with classe, yet I still need my surround sound setup for movies, but don't want to get two seperate system.

Any and all advice is appreciated.
jaguarcondor
kira
83 posts
 
I am thinking about doing the same thing - using my 875 for processing and connecting to an outboard power amp. Any user experiences appreciated.
blindjim
3,092 posts
 
the ONLY consideration for using the 805 to entirely run a 7.1 system would be the speakers themselves. Hard to drive speakers will cause problems I suspect.

if all the speakers are 89db or higher, with decent impedance values, the 805 ought to do very well.

Adding an outboard amp (s) can only help.

Do remember, Onkyo did make this piece to be a one box solution for powering, and processing a signal, afterall.
jaguarcondor OP
15 posts
 
Thanks, everyone. I'll give it a try.

Blindjim had a good point, but guess I am fine, my speakers are 92db.

I am thinking is in most cases since it's for music, so, I'll use the Onkyo solely as Pre-pro to process the digital signal, and switch it to "Pure music" and "Stereo", thus, hopefully it will minimize the one-box solution and other interference.
jaguarcondor OP
15 posts
 
Hey Sdrenslow,

Can you share with us your experience, did you notice significant improvement after switch to external amp? is the Onkyo serves well as an decoder and pre-pro?

Thanks in advance.

(PS: I am using Onkyo sr805, and main speakers are JmLab Electra 920, center and surrounds are all JmLab speakers. I am thinking of getting a classe to power the main speakers.)
blindjim
3,092 posts
 
Jaguarcondor

JM Labs makes some hungry speakers as their impedance figures are low.

The info in the Onkyo manual suggests 6 ohm minimums.... it'll drive lower impedance units though.... but having them all around might be taxing.

I'm curious too about that part. I've had no issues with it driving my Silverlines, and yes, an outboard amp does improve things but then, that's pretty much a slam dunk isn't it? I mean an outboard amp should be better than what's in the receiver, huh?
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