2. amps-preamps
  3. 1176664008

Any 5.1 processor with integrated 3 ch amp

I want to add 5.1 home theater capacity to my existing stereo system (Anthem Pre 2L, Odyssey Stratos, Vandersteen 2CE) but I have limited space in my rack.

So I'm looking for a surround sound decoder (AC3 and maybe DTS) with an integrated 3 channel amp. Since my preamp have a bypass mode (direct line to Amp), I want the decoder to manage the all 6 channels volume with a remote.

Does any one know any 5.1 processor which such capacity?
wfbal
reubent
6,994 posts
 
Any 5.1, 6.1 or 7.1 channel HT receiver that has pre-outs for (at least) the front L&R or all channels, will work. I've used a similar setup on numerous occassions, letting the HT receiver provide all of the processing and powering the center and surround channels.

You can get a decent HT reciever with pre-outs for as little as about $399 new. I've owned the Pioneer VSX-1015, VSX-1016 and Sony STR-DA4ES and STR-DA5000ES, plus several more expensive ones. I would go with one of the lesser expensive models as long as they had pre-outs and met any of your other needs. I'm currently in the market again and I'm considering the Onkyo 703 or 704.

Enjoy,

TIC
chadnliz
3,736 posts
 
I know of no such option, and it would make little sense to 99% of consumers....I do sympathize with what would be ideal for you, but how could you justify that in a production model?
reubent
6,994 posts
 
There actually were a couple of units with processor and 3 channels of amplification that were available several years ago. I can't recall the brand names. However, they were DD5.1 and pro-logic and did not support DTS or pro-logic II. So, for me, I would still buy the modern HT receiver w/pre-outs as it will have much better processing than those older units.

TIC
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