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do i still need a pre-amp

time to upgrade my older pioneer elite rear projection tv to a plasma. everything now requires HDMI so my old rotel pre-amp cannot be used.

i have aerial speakers, martin logan sub, rotel amp and a panasonic blue-ray player.

i only use this setup for tv and movie watching so i was thinking to save some money just using the source switching on the tv as a pre-amp.

any thoughts if this would cause a loss i sound quality or ??

thanks
18sdrras
18sdrras OP
2 posts
 
thanks .. My cable is wired and has digital out as does my DVD player and my rotel has two digital inputs so if I understand correctly ...
HDMI from cable to TV
HDMI from DVD to TV
Digital from Cable to Rotel
Digital from DVD to Rotel

So to watch TV, I use the source control on the TV and for sound the processor?

thanks
nick_sr
263 posts
 
It sounds right to me. I guess that answers your question, you still need a preamp.
kijanki's avatar
kijanki
4,428 posts
 
The signal being output by the TV will be Dolby Digital stereo or surround depending on the broadcast

It depends on TV. Panasonics output Dolby with digital and PCM with NTSC automatically. Since NTSC is gone you would be stuck with Dolby. There is no menu to switch it (unless newest TVs have it). Samsungs have it selectable in the menu. Better check it before you buy. I have Samsung LED connected to two channel DAC.
seditious3
184 posts
 
Does your cable box have a digital audio out?
18sdrras OP
2 posts
 
Yes .. the current comcast box i have has a digital out.

seems like the good news is there no need to purchase a new pre-amp since my old one should work

thanks for the help
now just need to come up with the money for a new panasonic plasma
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