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Please recommend a preamp receiver and 8 channel amp for biamping

1130 Views 14 Replies 6 Participants Last post by rick240, Aug 2, 2011

daxhughes

Discussion Starter · Aug 2, 2011

My budget is 6,000 for both together.

I have B&W 800 series speakers.

I would like to have pandora capabilities as well as IPOD capabilities. I want the best I can get for this budget.

My projector is a JVC RS60u (ordering tomorrow)!

My room is acoustically treated.

Please give me your suggestions! Thanks!!

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MichaelJHuman

· #2 · Aug 2, 2011

I don't get the 8 channel part. You running 5.1, and you want to bi-amp...the fronts? For 7 channels total?

I would skip the bi-amping, and just get a big amp, which is very do-able with your budget. You can even go class D, such as Dsonic 2500-7 ( only downside is it's a small company, and future servicing might be a potential issue.) Or look at Parasound, or Outlaw (cheaper than Parasound, but many many options.)

For a processor, look at Onkyo, Integra, and Marantz, to name a few that offer excellent value. You can also look at high end receivers with pre outs, which some have had good luck with. But you can certainly do separates at that price.

schan1269

· #3 · Aug 2, 2011

I got less than $6000 in a DHC 80.2 and Sunfire Cinema Grand, with a Hafler for height...

daxhughes

Discussion Starter · #4 · Aug 2, 2011

Quote:
Originally Posted by MichaelJHuman /forum/post/20768250

I don't get the 8 channel part. You running 5.1, and you want to bi-amp...the fronts? For 7 channels total?

I would skip the bi-amping, and just get a big amp, which is very do-able with your budget. You can even go class D, such as Dsonic 2500-7 ( only downside is it's a small company, and future servicing might be a potential issue.) Or look at Parasound, or Outlaw (cheaper than Parasound, but many many options.)

For a processor, look at Onkyo, Integra, and Marantz, to name a few that offer excellent value. You can also look at high end receivers with pre outs, which some have had good luck with. But you can certainly do separates at that price.

The 8 channel is becuase my center will biamp as well. It is a B&W HTMS center.

I ahve been thinking and would really appreciate some feedback on this setup:

1) Onkyo PR-Sc5508- Onkyo's new preamp receiver- can handle pandora, etc..

2) McIntosh MC303-Multi-Channel Amplifiers;300 Watts x 3-Channel for the fronts and center.

3) I have the NAD T 975 Seven Channel Power Amplifier already- use this for my back speakers.

4) I have an SVS PB Ultra 13 subwoofer

HOW DOES THAT SETUP SOUND?? WOULD I GETA GREAT SOUND FROM THAT? WILL ALL THAT WORK TOGETHER WITHOUT FRYING MY SYSTEMS?? Thanks for the advice!!!

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schan1269

· #5 · Aug 2, 2011

I don't see the external crossovers...

daxhughes

Discussion Starter · #6 · Aug 2, 2011

Quote:
Originally Posted by schan1269 /forum/post/20768363

I don't see the external crossovers...

Schan, I know I am showing my ignorance but this is why I ask questions on here in the first place. What do you mean by external crossovers? I am not even sure what you are asking? Sorry, learning.

rick240

· #7 · Aug 2, 2011

If you are going to bi-amp and have it be useful then you must ACTIVE bi-amp.

This means you take the signal from your pre-amp processor and run it through a crossover so that it separately feeds two channels on your amp (for each speaker you plan to bi-amp).

So if you plan to bi-amp your front three you will need three external crossovers to split the signals (L/R/C) from the pre-amp into two each.

Odds are you would be perfectly happy forgetting about bi-amping completely and just worrying about getting the best pre/pro and amps you can afford (with 1 channel per speaker).

daxhughes

Discussion Starter · #8 · Aug 2, 2011

Rick I see your point about skipping bi-amping. What do you think of this setup with no biamping:

1) Onkyo PR-Sc5508- Onkyo's new preamp receiver- can handle pandora, etc..

2) McIntosh MC303-Multi-Channel Amplifiers;300 Watts x 3-Channel for the fronts and center.

3) I have the NAD T 975 Seven Channel Power Amplifier already- use this for my back speakers.

4) I have an SVS PB Ultra 13 subwoofer

schan1269

· #9 · Aug 2, 2011

Well, you don't need the NAD 975, so choose a standard 2 channel amp

Or go "gonzo" and get the M3 for the rears.

Mpray1983

· #10 · Aug 2, 2011

Quote:
Originally Posted by daxhughes /forum/post/0

Rick I see your point about skipping bi-amping. What do you think of this setup with no biamping:

1) Onkyo PR-Sc5508- Onkyo's new preamp receiver- can handle pandora, etc..

2) McIntosh MC303-Multi-Channel Amplifiers;300 Watts x 3-Channel for the fronts and center.

3) I have the NAD T 975 Seven Channel Power Amplifier already- use this for my back speakers.

4) I have an SVS PB Ultra 13 subwoofer

Swap the onkyo for an integra dhc 80.2

Get two pb 13 ultras. The dhc has the $800 subwoofer equalizer found on svs' website in it.

Or integra dtr 80.2 and use that to power the surrounds. Get a 3 channel amp to save some cash.

daxhughes

Discussion Starter · #11 · Aug 2, 2011

Schan what is another option for running the three fronts. The McIntosh is so crazy expensive. Is there a better price option that still brings a great sound for the B&W's? Say somewhere around 3,000?

WiWavelength

· #12 · Aug 2, 2011

Quote:
Originally Posted by daxhughes /forum/post/20768471

Schan what is another option for running the three fronts. The McIntosh is so crazy expensive. Is there a better price option that still brings a great sound for the B&W's? Say somewhere around 3,000?

If you are looking for a high powered three channel amp, ply the lightly used market. Consider a Proceed HPA 3 (~$1700) or a Bryston 6B SST (~$3000). Audiogon has several HPA 3 listings right now.

AJ

schan1269

· #13 · Aug 2, 2011

I'm using a SCG with Waterfall Audio Victoria/Iguascu/Elora. I tested out the Victoria against some B&W(don't remember which ones) and preferred the WA.

If the SCG isn't enough power, your system has issues.

I also did an in home demo with...

The aforementioned SCG

Emotiva UPA 7

Rotel 1075

The Waterfall

Acoustic Zen Adagio

Dali Ikon 6 mk2

KEF XQ30

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daxhughes

Discussion Starter · #14 · Aug 2, 2011

Can I use a NAD T975 AMP with any preamp? Could I use it with the Onkyo preamp and be fine? Are there any compatability issues? I don't want to fry my speakers!! I need to buy a new preamp but the NAD AMP still works great.

rick240

· #15 · Aug 2, 2011

If I were you I would buy this Marantz av7005 , give it a try with your NAD and see if you are happy with everything (and $4800 richer).

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