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Budget receiver with 2 preouts; preamp question

post #1 of 8
4/24/12 at 9:14pm
Thread Starter 
Background: I have 4 speakers [Cerwin Vega MX400's] in my new system, both pairs (L and R) are hooked up to crown xls 1000's. I recently ordered a yamaha rxv-371 to go with this setup, and it was not what I was looking for. I didn't realize when I ordered it that I needed a pre-out to hook up an external amplifier, so I am selling it and getting something new. The yamaha had all the features (HDMI, DD, etc) I desired other than this, and was in a good price range.

Questions:
1) Am I correct in thinking I can't hook up an external amp without preouts?

2)Should I get a new budget 5.1 receiver with multiple preouts (for less than 300 dollars), and if so can anyone give me recommendations?

3)Is there a different way I can set this theater system up, since I already have 2 amps? What I mean by this is, can I buy components like a separate tuner, pre-amp, and any other required pieces instead of buying them all together as a receiver, with an internal amp I would not be using?

Thanks
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post #2 of 8
4/24/12 at 9:19pm
Q1. Yes
Q2. I like Denon. Look for closeouts on 2012 model year units
Q3. An AVR will be much less expensive than separates.
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post #3 of 8
4/24/12 at 9:25pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by UtahPaul View Post

Q1. Yes
Q2. I like Denon. Look for closeouts on 2012 model year units
Q3. An AVR will be much less expensive than separates.

Thanks for your immediate response UtahPaul! Is there no way to hook up preouts to a receiver without them? It would save me a lot of work lol
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post #4 of 8
4/24/12 at 9:34pm
Yes, you need a receiver with preouts. The preout is the unamplified signal. What are you trying to accomplish?
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post #5 of 8
4/24/12 at 10:05pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by UtahPaul View Post

Yes, you need a receiver with preouts. The preout is the unamplified signal. What are you trying to accomplish?

you answered my question, I need non-amplified signal. I purchased the receiver less than 30 days ago from newegg, so I should be covered under their return policy. I tried going through their return process, and it wouldn't let me, so I sent them an inquiry. I will update as they let me know if they will accept the return (for a 15% restock fee) or if they have some minor technicality as to why I am not covered
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post #6 of 8
4/24/12 at 10:11pm
Thread Starter 
sorry for the double post... actually I have another question. Do I need 2 preouts if I want to connect 2 external amps? I seem to only be able to find this feature in high end receivers
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post #7 of 8
4/25/12 at 12:27am
An AVR with preouts will have a preout for each of the channels. For example, a 5.1 AVR will have preouts for the front left, front right, center, surround left and surround right. You are right, generally preouts are NOT a feature of the lowest/lower models within a manufacturer's line.

The Denon 3312 MSRP is $1100 and has 7 preouts for 7.1 in zone 1 and 2-channel preouts for each of zones 2 and 3. Street price is currently sub 800ish I'm guessing. When the XX13 models become available you might get one for sub $700.

I think you have started down a path without fully realizing what would become necessary for building out a surround sound system. The very highly capable Denon 4311 would drive relatively efficient speakers crossed over to sub(s) at 60-80 Hz at or near reference levels in a typical room. Street price is $1300 and external amps probably aren't needed (depending on speaker efficiency and room size/listening distances). With it you'd also get Audyssey's multieq xt32 room correction, three zone capable, etc. All the bells and whistles, including dual sub calibration.

Now you are in a position of trying to figure out how to make the equipment you already have work within, apparently, a modest budget. Can you get a center channel speaker that will match the speakers you have for front left/right?

I've subscribed to your thread and will try to answer and questions you have, as well as direct you to information you really need to know to maximize your total system within your budget and time frame.

Paul
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post #8 of 8
4/25/12 at 4:50am
Thread Starter 
I realize I can spend thousands of dollars on receivers, etc. It just isn't in the budget right now, but I still would like a sound system I enjoy listening to. I have 4 speakers, and the amps which can accomplish that. I have not yet purchased a center channel, that will happen eventually.

As for the receiver, my budget is around 300 dollars. Newegg is saying I cannot return my product because of the 'warranty I chose when I purchased it', although it says it is eligible on the website for the 30 day return/refund.

What I want in my receiver is 5.1 surround, and preout for front left and right, back left and right. I don't need very much power, since I am externally amping all my speakers.

Edit: Newegg made a 'one-time' exception and is giving me an RMA (their return policy) after I told them I would be purchasing a much more expensive receiver from them. So far I am looking at Onkyo (possibly ONKYO TX-NR515) or Harman Kardon. I think I am willing to spend around 500, maybe a little more, so still budget by audiophile standards. Other than all the bells and whistles which are usually included (HDMI, DD+ etc) I would like it to be 4ohm stable, have front and rear preouts, and a good warranty. It does not need to be the newest model, but I would like it recent

Ben
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