HT Pre-Amps (bang for buck)

[KenR]

I have older KLF series of speakers in a 5.1 setting. I'm seeing some very nice 5 channel amps on CL, like Parasound, Rotel, etc. just nice equipment for low price. However...I need HDMI, need DTS-HD, basic audio support for new Blu Ray movies, etc. I could get a new Denon, Onkyo, Harman/Kardon, receiver and be done with it...but for some reason I'm tempted to pick up a nice slightly used Amp which would put me in a position of trying to find a nice sounding pre-amp that meets my HT needs for not much $. Seems more and more of the $300-$500 receivers don't have pre-amps anymore. Any suggestions?

thanks,

-ken

[wuzzzer]

Emotiva UMC-1.

[willland]

KenR,

It is slim pickins finding low cost HDMI pre/pros new or even on the used market. The Onkyo PR-SC885/886 and the Integra DHC 9.8/9.9 are a couple of exceptions but they still run $700 to $1200 on the used market. A mid priced receiver with preouts and a good preamp section might be your best option.

Here are some good choices for low cost/high performance factor. HDMI, DTS-HD, Dolby TrueHD, and preouts for adding an amp.

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/MARSR5003/Marantz/Sr5003-Dolby-Truehd-/-Dts-hd-Master-Audio-Av-Receiver/1.html

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/MARSR5004/Marantz/SR5004-Dolby-TrueHD-PLIIz-/-dts-HD-MA-AV-Receiver/1.html

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/MARSR6003/Marantz/Sr6003-Dolby-Truehd-/-Dts-hd-Master-Audio-Av-Receiver/1.html

Accessories4less has a good reputation as an online merchant and is an authorized Marantz dealer.

Bill

[smokarz]

For $300-$500, look at the Yamaha RX-V665/765 to serve as pre/pro. They have pre-outs, HDMI, and the HD codecs.