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preamp/amp question

469 Views 7 Replies 4 Participants Last post by ashokn225, May 13, 2006

ashokn225

Discussion Starter · May 12, 2006

hey guys

sorry im a newb when it comes to this part of the theater and really have no idea how it actually works since ive always only dealt with a/v recievers---but im thinking about getting a setup with mmg w's and i need a separate amp for that, like a rotel 1095 or something but how does it work? Let me rephrase:

how does an a/v reciever= preamp+ amp?

I know the amp provides the muscle and the preamp provides the brains but how does everything hook up to the rest of your system?

( also, if anyone here has recommendations for a preamp

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ClarkeBar

· #2 · May 12, 2006

Any receiver with pre-outs for all or some channels may be used as preamp with external amping. Simply use interconnects between the two units and the receiver amping for any channel so connected is bypassed. You then run your speaker connections from the amp.

Try and see if the Boston Acoustics AVP7 is still available at OneCall or AudioAdvisor. It is a steal for the closeout price but it may be sold out by now.

EDIT: I just checked OneCall and both the Boston Acoustics A7200 amp and the AVP7 preamp are still listed. With the Maggies though you will likely want to stick with the something like the 1095 if you're only running 5.1. With the A7200 you would get less rated power but also dual toroidal design and extra channels for bi-amping if again only running 5.1

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dsmith901

· #3 · May 12, 2006

In terms of functionality there is no difference between a receiver and a preamp/power amp combination (although a "receiver" will always include a radio tuner, while a separate preamp may not). The difference is the separates combo will usually provide superior power capabilities and often better sound quality as well. FYI you might want to consider the Sherwood Newcastle P-965 and A-965 combination as they are often sold as a package deal for well under $2k - check Audiogon. The A-965 is an especially good amp IMO.

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Mr. Brownstone

· #4 · May 12, 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by ashokn225
I know the amp provides the muscle and the preamp provides the brains but how does everything hook up to the rest of your system?

Connections are very little different from using a receiver:

You'll need five (or seven) interconnects between your preamp and power amp.

Your speaker cables will connect to your power amp.

Everything else (various inputs and outputs, including the subwoofer output) connect to your preamp same as they would to a receiver.

Also, the preamp will probably have a 12-volt trigger cable that connects to your power amp and switches it on and off automatically. (Beware that you want to connect the power amp's power cable directly to a wall outlet and not to an outlet on the back of the preamp; separate power amps are usually high-current-drawing brutes.)

Separates are the way to go if you want to spend the money, but they're not for everybody. Rock on.

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ashokn225

Discussion Starter · #5 · May 13, 2006

nice, thanks for all the quick replies---but what about video connects then? The preamp doesnt do that does it?

and what about using something like the HK635 since it has preamp outs, and then use an amp for the back two and have the harmon power the front 3----would that be enough for the 5 maggies? and is that even viable?---would cut costs i think

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Mr. Brownstone

· #6 · May 13, 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by ashokn225
nice, thanks for all the quick replies---but what about video connects then? The preamp doesnt do that does it?

A contemporary A/V preamp does, sure. I have one.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ashokn225
and what about using something like the HK635 since it has preamp outs, and then use an amp for the back two and have the harmon power the front 3----would that be enough for the 5 maggies? and is that even viable?---would cut costs i think

It's perfectly viable, although most people probably would use the external amp for the front mains (which covers two-channel music) and the receiver's amp for the center and surrounds. Or you could use a three-channel amp for the front three channels and the HK for the rears. Or you could use a five-channel amp and not use the receiver's amp at all.

A good A/V receiver makes for a pretty-good preamp, so you have lots of options.

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ClarkeBar

· #7 · May 13, 2006

Count me as one who uses the HK635 as a preamp or pre/pro...and have been using HKs in this way for several years. And as described by Mr. Brownstone it is usually preferable to externally amp the frontstage (2-3) channels with greater power than that delivered by the receiver alone as these are the channels which present the greatest demands. I have used a 5 channel amp for all channels in the past (100W/channel) but now use a 3 channel one for the FL-C-FR with greater power (210W/channel) and use the receiver to power the rears.

A few of the major reasons behind external amping:

1) provide greater raw power than normally found in all but the most expensive AV receivers

2) provide better quality power than normally found in most any receiver

3) provide greater dynamics for the preamp signals in terms of Music and HT

4) provide better control of all frequencies especially the demanding lower range

There are more reasons of course but these will suffice in the main. While the W series appear less demanding than some other models it would benefit you greatly to use something like the Rotel 1095 to power it all. I know at first it may seem silly to buy two units with power amping capabilities and only use one and none of the other. Which is why a separate preamp may be best for you. But as has been posted already, certain receivers (especially when pricing drops dramatically) are extremely good alternatives. The same of course applies to preamps which is why the Boston Acoustics AVP7 right now would also be an excellent choice. The Sherwood Newcastle version would be a better choice due to long term support and upgradability but would cost more.

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ashokn225

Discussion Starter · #8 · May 13, 2006

WOW i just checked onecall for the BA setup.....WOW

it looks too good to be true for 1500, I dont know how I could pass that up and the 7.1 two zone is perfect since I will be running 5.1 but need an additional two channels for my speakers with my laptop

thanks for all the help guys, guess ive made my choice!

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