JoeDirt Posted September 28, 2015 Share Posted September 28, 2015 I have a 2 year old Sony Str-D840 in my living room, it is going to get put out to pasture - kinda like the "PC Load Letter" Laser Printer from the Office Space movie. <Deep Breaths> So I'm going to be looking for her replacement. I am considering moving away from the receiver setup since I am starting over. My question is: What pre-amp / amp setup should I be looking for? It will be used for 75% home theater and 25% music. It needs to have a remote control and hdmi ports. Oh yea, and be under $500. Simple, yes? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Youthman Posted September 28, 2015 Moderators Share Posted September 28, 2015 When you say preamp / amp, are you wanting separates or are you looking for another receiver? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoeDirt Posted September 28, 2015 Author Share Posted September 28, 2015 Either, just not had real good luck with receivers. From what I've read, it seems the amp installed in the receiver is the weak link musically. So I am looking to venture out of my comfort zone and consider other options. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The History Kid Posted September 28, 2015 Share Posted September 28, 2015 Yamaha Aventage, Pioneer Elite and Marantz are awesome receivers that would sound good. The Elites are awesome. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
K5SS Posted September 28, 2015 Share Posted September 28, 2015 (edited) You will have a really hard time trying to locate a processor and 5 + channel amplifier for $500, especially modern processors. You would be much better off buying a couple year old, refurbished Marantz, Yamaha or Denon receiver off accessories4less.com Edited September 28, 2015 by K5SS 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derrickdj1 Posted September 28, 2015 Share Posted September 28, 2015 AVR's don't have to be a weak link when it comes to music. Pioneer, Yamaha, Denon and others all make some good avr's. Just stay away from the entry level avr and refurbished or 1 year old can be found sold like a new item with a warranty. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teaman Posted September 28, 2015 Share Posted September 28, 2015 I see the UPA-500 and UPA-700 amps come up for sale quite often from Emotiva and they go for a fair price. Many times they are offered on Ebay under their shop name jadedesign. You can pick up some steals there as many are factory refreshed with warranties. Lots of affordable pre/pros too. The UMC-1 or USP-1 may work for you. The Emotiva forums have quite a few items listed for sale too. I personally lean towards separates any time I can or if I have enough rack room. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Youthman Posted September 28, 2015 Moderators Share Posted September 28, 2015 You will have a really hard time trying to locate a processor and 5 + channel amplifier for $500 That was my point. The original post seemed like you were looking for a dedicated pre / pro. A 200 x 5 amp will often run you more than $500 alone, even when buying used. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Youthman Posted September 28, 2015 Moderators Share Posted September 28, 2015 From what I've read, it seems the amp installed in the receiver is the weak link musically. Keep in mind, the amp itself typically doesn't effect the sound. I've owned four different 200wpc amps and I was not able to hear a difference between them. IMO, the preamp makes much more of a difference in how it sounds musically. Definitely nothing wrong with a quality receiver, even for music. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derrickdj1 Posted September 28, 2015 Share Posted September 28, 2015 IMO, the preamp makes much more of a difference in how it sounds musically. So true Youthman! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
willland Posted September 29, 2015 Share Posted September 29, 2015 IMO, the preamp makes much more of a difference in how it sounds musically. So true Youthman! Yes and maybe yes. While the preamp does contribute more to the sound "signature", a good quality amp sure helps with transients, dynamics, and soundstage, which adds to the overall sound presentation. Bill 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rowan611 Posted September 29, 2015 Share Posted September 29, 2015 You stated that this would be 75% HT, yet your looking for something that will make the other 25% sound better?? That seems bassackwards to me. I think either Marantz, Denon or Pioneer would certainly be a substantial upgrade from your Sony. I've never liked Sony receivers, but like so many things in life, that's a personal preference. Honestly I've run separates and receivers, and unless your using really power hungry speakers, external amps are overkill. Now, a separate preamp, can make a difference; however, if this is mostly for HT, I don't think it matters. I would look for either a used receiver from Marantz, Denon or Pioneer, or wait till you can spend a few grand on a nice 7 channel amp and modern processor. Good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Youthman Posted September 29, 2015 Moderators Share Posted September 29, 2015 While the preamp does contribute more to the sound "signature", a good quality amp sure helps with transients, dynamics, and soundstage, which adds to the overall sound presentation. That is true. I was thinking of sound between various amps. I do recall when I added a power amp that I did get more bottom end, slightly better separation but it was not night and day difference for sure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teaman Posted September 29, 2015 Share Posted September 29, 2015 (edited) If you are looking for a power packed receiver see if you can find a Sherbourn SR-120. Another forum member is in talks to acquire one now and from my signature you an see how much I like them. True power and great on board decoder. I have yet to find a receiver that parallels this one. By the way, they sell used for $400-$500 which is a steal. Most are still under the 5 or 10 yr warranty that was offered depending on when it was purchased too! Edited September 29, 2015 by teaman 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rebuy Posted September 30, 2015 Share Posted September 30, 2015 I have a Yamaha RX V571 that I've been using--Lot's of Bells and Whistles and it a very nice unit- 7 channel and that stuff. So a Month ago I swapped out my older Harman Kardon 1565 Only 5 Channel--- not so many Bells and Whistles as the Yamaha. The Harman Kardon sounds soooo much better than the Yamaha, at least in our set-up. Made the speakers sound more Dynamic and lively. With the Yamaha--all the sounds are there--but to me not as dynamic. So I chose-Less Bells and Whistles and went for the sound. My unit is older and not the new digital units they sell. It actually has a transformer in it-go figure. I got a new one on Amazon--so I have a Spare--for 275. Good Luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CECAA850 Posted September 30, 2015 Share Posted September 30, 2015 and unless your using really power hungry speakers, external amps are overkill I prefer the term headroom. Before you poo poo external amps, there's a lot that needs to be considered. Size of the room, efficiency of the speakers, listening levels, seated distance from speakers, crossover point and what your transient peaks will be (to name a few). 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teaman Posted September 30, 2015 Share Posted September 30, 2015 Good choice rebuy. I got rid of my Yamaha receivers for the same reasons. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
busht4169 Posted September 30, 2015 Share Posted September 30, 2015 Yamaha Aventage, Pioneer Elite and Marantz are awesome receivers that would sound good. The Elites are awesome. Heck Yeah Ibiza! I have a new Pioneer Elite SC-91, and it is Wi-fi, has a Class D-3 Amp for stable power, and ATMOS/DTS:X. What more do ya need?! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CECAA850 Posted September 30, 2015 Share Posted September 30, 2015 My unit is older and not the new digital units they sell. Makes perfect sense. Most of the older units have better capacitance and deliver more current on demand than the newer receivers. A 60wpc integrated amp from the 70's will blow a new 100wpc receiver out of the water in sound quality and dynamics. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
busht4169 Posted September 30, 2015 Share Posted September 30, 2015 AVR's don't have to be a weak link when it comes to music. Pioneer, Yamaha, Denon and others all make some good avr's. Just stay away from the entry level avr and refurbished or 1 year old can be found sold like a new item with a warranty. I agree. My Pioneer Elite has Sabre 32 DAC's. That is top of the line stuff. My music on vinyl and any other source is amazing...in my opinion. That..and I have Klipsch speakers, sooooo BOOM! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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