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Worth it To Upgrade to Better AVR?

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I'm currently utilizing Denon 1801 AVR which I would classify as entry level for HT at best. I was thinking about upgrading this unit but wasn't sure what I would need to spend to note improvement regarding the audio quality for movie watching. The Denon 1801 is DD and DTS capable so I have those bases currently covered. I'm also utilizing B&W speakers for fronts, centre and surrounds and I'm not really interested in upgrading those.
Thanks for your thoughts on this!!

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I've been finding out that... - kuma 22:50:50 09/02/02 (0)
a preamp section inside of a reciever/processor really
put a damper on the HT system. Most of 'em are not
transparent compared to the stand alone two-channel
preamp. Interesting is even with an analogue bi-pass option,
I can still hear some vailing going on. ( I don't know why )
Get the one with a good preamp.
That depends.............................. - lingerlonger 06:56:51 09/02/02 (5)
on whether you are a 5.1 man only or have a stereo system connected as well.

LINGERLONGER
- Music Listening, I Have Separate System - Robertc88 13:22:35 09/02/02 (4)
  I have a DVD-A player which gives DVD movie playback capability and I utilize the Denon AVR with my B&W speakers for that.
  My music listening rig consists of tube amps and an SACD player along with the same B&W speakers fronts I'm using for HT.
  HT is slowly peaking my interest and therefore I thought to upgrade the AVR. First and foremost, I'm an audiophile and spent lots more on my music listening 2 channel rig than my HT setup.
  - Re: Music Listening, I Have Separate System - lingerlonger 23:46:08 09/02/02 (3)
    If that is the case (good to see you have your priorities in order)
    how about INTEGRATING your stereo and home theatre setups?
    The main weakness of a surround receiver is the onboard amplification (power and pre).
    Combine everything and your precious stereo remains unchanged whilst your 5.1 will definitely improve due to the valves now running the mains.
    The Denon will only be providing surround preamplification and power to 3 channels instead of 5.
    As I am not too familiar with your Denon I am guessing that the rear panel will support the connectivity requirements.
    If not , sorry for wasting your time.
    
    LINGERLONGER
    - Re: Music Listening, I Have Separate System - cfraser 12:13:41 09/03/02 (0)
      Getting a receiver with preamp outputs for all channels, and direct (analog) pre inputs for all channels, is something people look for in their SECOND AV receiver. Makes things very flexible. Even better if the receiver amps all have separate inputs, so you can switch around what amp does what. Very often the front amps are better, and if you use an external (music system) front amp, you can redirect the receiver front amps to the surrounds, say, or to the backs if you ever have them.
      I have combined the music and HT systems, but only to the extent the front HT preamp outputs go over to the music system, otherwise they are separate. So nothing gets ruined for music, the DVDP not being used in the music system (though it could).
    - Interesting - Robertc88 04:17:57 09/03/02 (1)
      Since I bought all my equipment from the same audio/video dealer, I'll ask them how to go about what you are recommending. I'm assuming it is possible with the Denon. Thanks for the tip. The Denon is a good unit for the buck paid but is as I stated before only entry level for HT at best.
      - Re: Interesting - Lowrider 09:11:59 09/03/02 (0)
        
        In Reply to: Interesting posted by Robertc88 on September 03, 2002 at 04:17:57:
        
        I also think the best upgrade is a separate power for the front speakers, as you already have one, just integrate, then use direct mode for stereo, unless you get hooked in DPLII, as I did...

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