2. amps-preamps
  3. 152567-103887

Noob, need help please

Hi there,

I have a pair of Klipsch RP-8000F floorstanding speakers. 
I am a little unclear about what I need to complete my setup. 
I want to use these as home theatre speakers when watching off Netflix or Satellite TV, and also as music speakers when playing off Spotify through the TV. 

Do I need a pre-amp and an amp, or just an amp? What does a receiver do?
Do I need a separate DAC too or an amp with built in DAC?

I am a newbie to all of this so willing to learn, please forgive my lack of knowledge.

My budget is max 1k but then I don’t really know what I need to bring out the best in these speakers. When watching movies I like a little warmth but also like some detail. When listening to music I like a lot of bass. 
I need channels to add in a sub (I have Klipsch R-12SW) and a center speaker (yet to buy but probably will get the Klipsch RP-504C) at a later stage. 
If you need more information please let me know. 
Many thanks in advance!
laher
jrwaudio
357 posts
 
I agree that you should go with fronts, plus a center minimum for HT
I have ( going to put it up for sale one day)
The Emotiva UMC 200 AV pre amp that I used for two months while I was waiting for the
 XMC-1 to be released.  It's been in my closet forever! There is a few for sale on the internet.  Home Theater Review gave it 5 stars across the board, especially for the money 
But you would have to add a 5 channel amp
Emotiva has the 500 A for around $500 so for both that would keep you under $1,000
Happy hunting. :  )

Specifications for the UMC 200

Video Inputs and Outputs:
(4) HDMI 1.4 compliant inputs (all with 3D and CEC support)
(1) HDMI 1.4 compliant output (with ARC support)

Audio Inputs:
(4) stereo unbalanced analog audio inputs
(1) set of 7.1 channel unbalanced direct audio inputs
(2) SPDIF coaxial digital audio inputs
(2) Toslink (optical) digital audio inputs
(1) Bluetooth audio input (requires optional Emotiva Bluetooth dongle)
(1) FM Antenna input; 75 ohms coax (F-connector)
(1) AM antenna input (spring terminals)
(1) internal AM/FM tuner

Audio Outputs:
(1) set of 7.1 channel unbalanced audio main outputs
(1) balanced subwoofer output (same as main sub output)
(1) stereo unbalanced analog mix audio output
(2) stereo pairs of unbalanced analog audio zone outputs (Zone 2, Zone 3)
Other Inputs and Outputs:
(1) IR remote control signal input
(1) IR remote control signal output
(2) trigger outputs (programmable)
(1) USB data input (reserved for firmware updates)

Size:
17” W x 14” D x 3-1/4” H
Weight:
10 pounds






laher OP
38 posts
 
I have posted my question in Home Theatre and had a few suggestions on an AV receiver, however it was mentioned by millercarbon that for better quality I should go the preamp and amp route.

Thanks jrwaudio for the recommendations. Does that preamp have an integrated DAC?

Can anyone else recommend some preamp and amp models that fit within my budget? If you tell me that I need to spend slightly more than that’s okay. It’s not a hard set budget. I don’t know the price ranges for different types of amps. 
For now I will leave the center and rears and just focus on the towers and sub which I already have.

By the way, I’m in the U.K. and where I live the only shop I know doesn’t have that much shop floor, it’s all online now. So it’s very difficult for me to go and listen and compare. I know sound is all personal preference but at the same time you guys are experts in this field so I’m relying on your guidance. 
tonivisser
3 posts
 
Buy a devialet that has all that:)
mesch
3,530 posts
 
I believe millercarbon indicated an integrated amplifier if your were to go with a 2-channel.  At your budget and for best sound quality a 2-channel integrated would serve best. There are many late model used ones for sale. 
f917025
81 posts
 
if you want the best of both worlds some great audio companies make home theater amps
like arcam , parasound or nad but pricier than 1k .usually stereo is better than 5.1 or whatever they do these days(19.8?) just for music.you can't go wrong with marantz or denon for home theater and 1k is great for those get the best you can within your budget. a center speaker is a must for 5.1 .
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