Video Asylum

Posted by cfraser (A) on July 02, 2010 at 13:05:37

In Reply to: RE: I'm shocked! posted by Poles Apart on July 02, 2010 at 09:43:51

Well, not 3X the price of a similar-quality AVR. But yes, it is kind of funny that a pre-pro does typically cost more (and sometimes has less processing features too) than the AVR model using a very "similar" pre-pro section. It comes down to manufacturing cost (not just parts), and that they sell a lot less of them; overall they probably cost more to manufacture and carry as a model on a per-unit basis.

Many AVRs have pre outs. Plenty of people use them as pre-pros only. Or maybe use a couple of the amps for the back or surround channels. Not so bad to have the AVR amps as spares anyway. It's just my opinion, and except for Pioneer AVRs with ICE modules, I say the amps in AVRs are essentially "free". Once you get into AVRs in the (very) ~$1500 range the amps are really not that bad, fine for the typical 6-8 ohm HT speakers. Probably not suitable for the demands of most people here though, or the speakers they might have (least for fronts).

And more my opinion: forget these AVRs for analog sources. Even with pre-pros, you have to get into a noticeably higher price range to find one that handles analog decently. That's why so many of us still use a separate analog pre too.