Home Theater Preamp/amp advice.

Thanks for the comments.

The application is a master bedroom 13'x16'. I have a 52" Samsung LCD TV and Direct-TV HD source. I plan to add PC based multimedia for downloading Netflix movies, and eventually a Blueray disk player.

I currently have a pair of Sonas Faber Grand Piano Home speakers and a Martin Logan Depth-i subwoofer that I want to use. I still haven't decided on a center channel speaker and the ceiling mounted side/back speakers.

I'm leaning towards separate amp/premp pieces because it seems to me that amp technology is fairly mature (a 20 year old high quality amp is still good today), but the preamp technology is still changing rapidly with all the the new surround formats, and connections, etc. I'd rather spend the money on a good amp, and less on the preamp since I'm likely to replace it down the road. Make sense???

If you want to be able to use the new Codedec's and HDMI connectivity, go with the latest units that can accomodate the formats (Dolby HD & DTS HD). If you have Blu-Ray, HD TV box and computer, definitely go with newest technology.

My Recommendation:

Used Integra 9.8 Processor/Pre - Can find for $700-900. I use the unit and it works great, HDMI switching, decodes new formats, sounds good for movies, good video.

For amps there are a lot of options - I recommend a used 5 channel amp:

Arcam P1000 - around $1000-1200
ATI 5 channel - $1,000
Used Theta Intrepid - $1,500
Rotel

I use a an ATI 3007 amp - (300 watt@ 8ohm x 7), found used for $1,800. Big power reserves for movies, fully balanced design, quality components, big power supplies. I am running it fully balanced from my Integra processor to the amp via balanced Kimber Hero interconnects. ATI owns Theta, so they their build quality is outstanding at a fraction of the price.

Hope this helps.

Jmetrisin,

Your idea of separate pre/pro and amps is a good one, and for the reason you mention. I suspect you already know enough to make an informed selection. Aside from the info sought, I think you got some good equipment suggestions, especially the Theta combo. Many companies have PDA versions of manuals that you can download, so you can look at details about how well a unit might fit your application, e.g. how the Theta pre/pro deals with a sub.

db

I have a Rotel 1075/Onkyo PR SC886 combo. I bought the Onkyo new from Outlaw audio and the Rotel used off of Audiogon. Right in you price range. Since my basement theater is being worked on, I haven't had a chance to listen to it yet.

Although I recommend them, the Onkyo/Integra's run very hot due to the REON chip which you can't turn off. If you are planning to put your components in a cabinet, this may be a factor. The other overall concern is power to the bedroom....which is usually on a shared 15A circuit. It's easy to say...get an ATI 2505, but do you have a 20a dedicated circuit. Stay with 5x150W or a class D high quality amp which draws less power at normal listening volumes (NHT Power5 comes to mind).

ATI 1505 would be perfect as long as your stand can support it's weight....$5-600. Then add an Onkyo/Integra processor for the latest codecs and you'll be set.