[DecafBeanBoy]

I'm about to replace my old crt tv with a Pioneer PDP-6020FD 60-Inch Class KURO Plasma HDTV. I know I'll need to upgrade my cable service to HD (dual stream chip, mm-hmm), and get an HD TiVo. But here's what I'm wondering: I don't know if I need a new PreAmp. Right now I have a Nakamichi CA-1 that has no HDMI ins or outs and only has Pro-Logic and Dolby Digital (AC-3) decoding. It has nice sounding D/A converters. Right now I run everything through it and use it for video switching.


It routes my cable, TiVo, dvd/vcr, (the Wii goes through an aux input in the front of the dvd player), an old laser disc player, cassette player, and a radio tuner (that's actually an old Yamaha receiver).


But with all of the inputs on the new Pioneer TV, would it be practical for me to just run a line from the optical audio-out on the tv to my current PreAmp? What's odd is that then the tv would be my hub wouldn't it? And then, say, when I buy a Blu-ray player, I'll have to get one with onboard sound format decoding, right?


Sheesh. That seems weird. I've always liked getting a raw signal out of my disc players running into presumably higher quality decoding than you find in standard disc players. Is this a strategy I should consider abandoning in the new HD era? Can I do something as an intermediate step? Or am I going to need to buy a new PreAmp to make everything work together? If so, gear suggestions?


I'm hoping you'll say that there's something great that's cheaper than the Integra DTC-9.8 or its new cousin the DHC-9.9


What's a guy to do?

 

[phantom52]



Quote:
Originally Posted by DecafBeanBoy /forum/post/15458388


I'm about to replace my old crt tv with a Pioneer PDP-6020FD 60-Inch Class KURO Plasma HDTV. I know I'll need to upgrade my cable service to HD (dual stream chip, mm-hmm), and get an HD TiVo. But here's what I'm wondering: I don't know if I need a new PreAmp. Right now I have a Nakamichi CA-1 that has no HDMI ins or outs and only has Pro-Logic and Dolby Digital (AC-3) decoding. It has nice sounding D/A converters. Right now I run everything through it and use it for video switching.


It routes my cable, TiVo, dvd/vcr, (the Wii goes through an aux input in the front of the dvd player), an old laser disc player, cassette player, and a radio tuner (that's actually an old Yamaha receiver).


But with all of the inputs on the new Pioneer TV, would it be practical for me to just run a line from the optical audio-out on the tv to my current PreAmp? What's odd is that then the tv would be my hub wouldn't it? And then, say, when I buy a Blu-ray player, I'll have to get one with onboard sound format decoding, right?


Sheesh. That seems weird. I've always liked getting a raw signal out of my disc players running into presumably higher quality decoding than you find in standard disc players. Is this a strategy I should consider abandoning in the new HD era? Can I do something as an intermediate step? Or am I going to need to buy a new PreAmp to make everything work together? If so, gear suggestions?


I'm hoping you'll say that there's something great that's cheaper than the Integra DTC-9.8 or its new cousin the DHC-9.9


What's a guy to do?

Are you using some kind of amp? Its not mentioned here. Are you sure your current system is not an integrated amp? Don't know anything about Nakamichi, other than a very very long time ago they were considered good, now not so. There are other options available to the problem you are having depending on if you have an outboard amp or not. Just get a good reciever that has all the inputs,outputs you need. If you have an amp there are many good pre-pro's out there you can get to replace what you are using now.

 

[DecafBeanBoy]

No, it's not a receiver. I have a slew of Linn LK100's driving two active Linn 5140 full-range, floorstanding L/R speakers; an active Linn 5120 center-channel speaker; and passive Mirage rear surrounds.


But I've been out of the hi-fi game for any years now, and had entered a sort of "recovery" from high end purchasing. Then my wife got the bug for the new display, and she's the one doing all the high end tv research. Weird.


Anyway, I really need a PreAmp that will do my system a little bit of justice. Nothing crazy. I don't want to spend even $2000. My most recent dvd player was only $250, so I really think I'm making progress in this recovery thing. But I know I'll have to make a higher quality purchase for a PreAmp that will last me well into the foreseeable future.


So, what should I be considering?


Also, what are the most reputable sources of research info these days? Back in my day it was Audio Review and Home Theater Magazine. But that was when the web was still just for computer enthusiasts. What plays in North America today?

 

[dsmith901]

I have never run my video through my preamp and have no plans to do so, especially since some people are still having trouble with HDMI working properly full time, although that is getting better. But why turn on your preamp/receiver just to watch the news? I say if you like your current preamp then do what you are considering and run all your video straight to your TV.

 

[DougWinsor]



Quote:
Anyway, I really need a PreAmp that will do my system a little bit of justice. Nothing crazy. I don't want to spend even $2000.

Right now I would look at the integra 9.9 or you can wait becuase there are some cheaper options coming out soon.

 

[DecafBeanBoy]



Quote:
Originally Posted by DougWinsor /forum/post/15468151


there are some cheaper options coming out soon.

Ahhh! What? What's coming out?


Anybody?

 

[gpmbc]



Quote:
Originally Posted by DecafBeanBoy /forum/post/15471111


Ahhh! What? What's coming out?


Anybody?

The Emotiva UMC 1 was in production but not shipping yet and is supposed to be a hot ticket at $699

 

[DougWinsor]



Quote:
Ahhh! What? What's coming out?

Well receivers, emotiva, and outlaw.