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I would like to know what setup (products/configuration) people believe to be the best for Home Theater which also allows for audiophile quality 2 channel sound. I have been told that HT pre-amp processors are horrible for use as two channel pre-amps and I'm wondering how people integrate the two different formats to achieve optimum results.
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ADCOM GTP 760 preamp/processor. ADCOM 5700 5-ch THX power amp. Panasonic DVD-A10 DVD-Audio/Video player. Most of my listening is stereo, but I use the 5.1 Direct mode on the 760 for ALL listening because it's a thru-put with no processing in the path. You'll need five, full range 'speakers plus a sub. I use KEF all around with a REL sub. The REL's are fed by both the .1 sub output and, thanks to the Nutrik connector, the front left/right speaker line terminals on the amp (so the sub is engaged no matter what format disc is played). The 5700 is comprised of 5, seperate mono amps--independant for each channel. Each only activated as required, so I'm not blowing power thru all channels when I only want two.People who say HT rigs are terrible for stereo are right and wrong.
"Right"
Don't go with some one-box reciever, at any cost, and expect "audiophile quality" stereo listening. And video circuts are just plain noisy. I actually reach behind the peramp and switch off the video processor (and another thing I like about this unit is that it's possible to DO that) when not watching DVD-Video (which is most of the time).
"Wrong"
Many of the "Never mix HT and Music" people are tube and LP cultists to begin with. Well meaning and entitled to their opinions they may be, just don't expect open minds (or ears) when it comes to emerging technology!
You can, of course, spend a LOT more money than this set-up requires. But the "HT" component of this rig is very satisfying. And the audio, my personal main concern, is excellent. Good luck. -b
I just run my reciever's front pre-outs into an aux input on my Bryston preamp and use my 2 ch system for the fronts on my HT setup (reciever only powers the back speakers... I use a phantom center channel).
Pam,I have a question above which is very similar to the set-up you are describing. However, one distinction is that you are connecting the receiver's pre-outs into an aux input on your Bryston preamp whereas my dealer suggested connecting the receiver's tape-out to the preamp's aux input. According to this particular receiver's specs, the preout has an output level of 1 V (Impedance 470 ohms). Whereas the Input sensitivity of a pre-amp is generally 200 mV (Impedance 50 kohms) impednace. In other words, you are feeding your pre-amp a signal that is five times as strong. I think that the pre-out is meant for connecting your receiver to an external power amp, not a preamp.
Please understand that I am confused and I am trying to get a clarification here. Is it better to connect the receivers's tape out or the pre-out to the preamp? My concern with the tape out approach is that I may not get the surround effects if the signal is going out through the tape-out connections. On the other hand , with the pre-out you are boosting your signal twice.
> > I have a question above which is very similar to the set-up you are describing. However, one distinction is that you are connecting the receiver's pre-outs into an aux input on your Bryston preamp whereas my dealer suggested connecting the receiver's tape-out to the preamp's aux input. < <Pam's method is correct, your dealer is wrong. Using the tape-outs on the receiver would bypass the receiver's volume control. With Pam's set-up, the level of all five channels in HT mode is controlled by the receiver.
> > According to this particular receiver's specs, the preout has an output level of 1 V (Impedance 470 ohms). < <
1V is the maximum rated output. However it is continuously variable from 0V to 1V by using the volume control.
> > I think that the pre-out is meant for connecting your receiver to an external power amp, not a preamp. < <
Many people here, including me, connect their HT front channel preamp outputs to a stereo preamp. The trick is, set the volume control on your stereo preamp to a setting so that it isn't adding a lot of gain. I find setting my stereo pre to the 12:00 position works very well. Maybe a lower setting would make you more comfortable. It doesn't really matter, as long as it's repeatable and it's within the range of your HT processor to balance the front channels with the others.
> > Is it better to connect the receivers's tape out or the pre-out to the preamp? My concern with the tape out approach is that I may not get the surround effects if the signal is going out through the tape-out connections. < <
It's better to use the pre-outs. You would still get surround effects with the tape-out connection, but you would be controlling the main channel volume with the stereo preamp and the rest of the channels would be controlled by the receiver's volume control. You would have to re-balance the two volume controls every time you want to change the volume on a movie.
> > On the other hand , with the pre-out you are boosting your signal twice. < <
Only if you balance your front channels with the stereo preamp volume control set too high. Don't forget, your preamp does not just increase volume, it also attenuates. As a matter of fact, that's all it does with most CD players, because they don't need any preamplification.
No text.
Try Enlightend Audio Design's EAD TheaterMaster pre/pro and the PowerMaster amps. This combo is excellent for both Audio and HT.Scott
I use the analog throughput of my B&K Reference 30 pre/pro in conjuntion with a CAL CL-20 for music. Works wonderfully...so much I sold my Audible Illusions L-1 preamp.I use a Toshiba SD-6200 component DVD player for DVD's.
See ya. Dave
I've found the Proceed pre/pro sounds very good in 2 channel. 80% of my listening is music, I wanted to combine the systems though and I've been pleased with the Proceed.
Yes, I think the 2-channel pre-amp with CD and DAC combined/connected to an HT pre-pro with external amps is the best route, as you can change individual parts as your tastes or pocket book allows.
Bry, I am faced with the same problem. I have demoed several AV recievers and most were not very good for 2 channel sound. I have been trying to research the Anthem Pre-2L tube pre-amp. It has a "DSP loop" on it so you have a great 2 channel system and can also use an external AV reciever for HT. I am not sure how this work nor have I been able to demo one. If anyone out there know of this product or a dealer in the Phoenix area please comment.One recommendation I did get was the Marantz AV9000 and the NAD receivers, but I have not listened to them yet.
Good Luck
I use an Outlaw 1050 receiver for all surround sources (sat, DVD), and use the LR pre amp outs to a deidcated music pre (in my case a Foreplay pre).
All audio (CD) is run directly from the DAC to the Foreplay.dg
I agree with this approach, but am not doing it currently. I have an old Hafler DH-100 that I may try for fun, but can you recommend an audiophile high quality 2 channel pre-amp / switcher with remote capability so that I do not lose the remote volume control / mute capability for CD's ? Any good used ones out there?
You don;t mention a budget, but I assumesomething inexpensive.
Remotes are hard, I really like tube pre's and a remote with a tube pre is impossible under $1k pretty much.
Barring tubes, personally I really dig passive pres. A passive has many limitations (short cables required, may not work with all amps) but if it works- it is a great sound- very clean
I used a Creek OBH-12, which is a remote pre with 3 inputs- perfect for 1 source plus HT receiver.
It looks tiny, any is cheap, but there is inherent quality to simplicity.
Drop me a line private like, . I have mine spare. I gotta get a remote replaced from Creek (went south) but can send mineto you to try. If you use a learning remote maybe we can download the codes and save time.dg
i was considering configuring a system that way but are you able to utilize a powered sub for both movies and 2 channel music this way?
if yes, how is it all connected?
thanks!
I use a sub in line with my main speakers
The signal goes from my pre out to the sub (Bag End Infra 18) which has a crossover to the mains, so for both stereo & HT I have my sub.Perviously with other subs I did try to use the receiver's crossover for music, but going through it;s circuitry really killedthe sound quality.
If possible I would recommend you get a good quality external crossover like the Paradigm X-30 (which, coincidentally, I have a brand new extra one I no longer need....)
Take pre amp feed to crossover, then it provides the leads for your sub & mains.
This allows you to high pass your mains, saving your amplifier the load, which should open up your mids & increase clarity.If you want extra LFE bass too, just run the LFE out from your receiver to the other sub input.
dg
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