Kain Posted April 5, 2002 Share Posted April 5, 2002 I know an amplifier is the one that actually drives the speakers, but what exactly is a pre-amplifier? Does to just the decoding such as Dolby Digital and DTS or some other thing? Secondly, if I do choose to go with separates, all I will need is an amplifier and a pre-amplifier, right? Will I need anything else? Thirdly, can I use the Denon AVR-4802 just as a pre-amplifier and use a separate amplifier to drive the speakers? Fourthly, if I do use the Denon AVR-4802 as a pre-amplifier, will I gain any sound quality by using, lets say, the Denon AVR-5803 as a pre-amplifier or will it sound the same? Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kain Posted April 5, 2002 Author Share Posted April 5, 2002 Anyone? ------------------ Coming soon... Home Theater: Projector: (Still deciding) A/V Receiver: Denon AVC-A11SR (European version of Denon AVR-4802) DVD Player: Denon DVD-3800 Center: Klipsch RC-7 Mains: Klipsch RF-7s Surrounds: Klipsch RS-7s Subwoofer: SVS CS-Ultra w/Samson S1000 amplifier Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Malcolm Posted April 5, 2002 Share Posted April 5, 2002 General definitions...perhaps more than you asked for... A power amplifier is a device which simply amplifies a signal. Output is proportional to input. A preamplifier is a device that accepts inputs from various sources (like turntable, CD player, tape, etc.), allows you to switch between inputs, provides some minimal amplification and equalization for low level inputs like phono cartridge and tape head to bring it up to the level of the other inputs, provides volume and tone controls, and feeds a power amplifier. An integrated amplifier combines the preamplifier and power amplifier in a single unit. A receiver is an integrated amplifier with AM and/or FM tuner built in. An A/V receiver is a receiver with Dolby and/or DTS decoding built into it, and the ability to switch video signals as well as audio. There are also high end processors that provide all the features of an A/V receiver except the power amplifier. If you go with the appropriate high end components, all you will need are the processor and the power amplifier, plus whatever signal sources you want. You might want to look at the offerings at www.mcintoshlabs.com for an example of high end separates. Any receiver with preouts, like the 4802 and 5803, can be used with external power amplifiers. I doubt you will hear a difference between the 4802 and the 5803 preamp sections. Why would you not want to use the power amplifiers built into the 4802 or 5803? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anarchist Posted April 5, 2002 Share Posted April 5, 2002 The amp stage in Denons or any other receiver are their weakest link. Their power ratings are very misleading and are not usually up to the task. You also have less damping control and more crosstalk between channels. Many people are entering the world of separates by utilizing their receiver with real amplication and proclaiming the incredible improvement. The general consensus is a 80 watt power amp beats the built-in 100 or 120 watt amplifiers in receivers. You can pick up a Parasound HCA855 for a few hundred on Ebay and it is a great way to start. Or for a grand you can easily pick up the HCA1205. Then all you need is to add a pre/pro at your leisure. Anthem and Outlaw being great values. ------------------ Fronts - KSP 400's Center - C6 Surrounds - S6's Two channel - KG4's Sub - KSW200 Powered by - YAM995 The move to separates is coming, I can feel it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Youngklip Posted April 10, 2002 Share Posted April 10, 2002 If he looked at Lexcion MC-12 balanced he would go seperate. ------------------ Bose Suck..Period Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jalen01 Posted April 11, 2002 Share Posted April 11, 2002 Heck for that kinda money It will probably be better Just to Get a good A/v Preamp and a Good Multi-channel Amp. Don't the Denon Models Mentioned run in the $2000.00 - $3000.00 Ranges. Yeah, you could easily get the B&K Ref 30 or the Rotel RSP 1066 or the Soon to be released Outlaw 950 and Good amps from these Companies. You'll Have the best of both Music and Home theater For many years to come. That is until THX Ultra *Nuts* and DD\DTS 12.1 comes out Lol. Wish I Had That Money!!!! ------------------ Pioneer 906s A\V Rec. Rotel RB 976 Amp 3x150 watts for front 3 speakers. Awia XD-DV370 (MP3) dvd Klipsch RF-3II Fronts Klipsch RC-3II Center JBL N-26 Rears Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boa12 Posted April 11, 2002 Share Posted April 11, 2002 yea, & another plus for the pre/pro route is that they make 'em easily upgradable (modular) & the good companies actually offer them regularly. though if it gets to 11.1 or something it might overcome the room availabel for all those outputs (& inputs) on the back of box. ------------------ My Home Systems Page Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
m00n Posted April 11, 2002 Share Posted April 11, 2002 quote: Originally posted by crash827: Many people are entering the world of separates by utilizing their receiver with real amplication and proclaiming the incredible improvement. The general consensus is a 80 watt power amp beats the built-in 100 or 120 watt amplifiers in receivers. Even if you got something like the Harman Kardon AVR 520 ? ------------------ m00n Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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