[LadyDog]

Ok, been out of the home theater loop for a while.

So is one better off spending say $500 for an old pre-pro(maybe an old Proceed AVP or something), or is a newer receiver(again $500 range) better route to go?

The pre-pro would be paired with something like active Quad's, where the receiver with something like mbow1's or the like.

This is strictly for home theater and movie enjoyment.  Do not care about 2 channel, yada, yada.

Know it is not as simple as this, but do the newer receivers with all the "bells" sound better, or is still quality vs. quantity?

Thanks for the time.

Jeff

[John Casler]

Hi Jeff,

If you don't need Video Switching, and you plan on using 5.1 or 7.1 direct (like out of an OPPO) then you have alot to chose from.

Lexicon, Bryston, Proceed, to name a few.  Just check to make sure it has the right amount of "ins and outs" (as in 5.1, or 7.1)

But if you want HDMI, and Audyseey or some such, then you'll likely want a more recent ONKYO, Denon, or mainstream brand that has a richer feature set.

[Phil A]

Owned the AVP many moons ago.  Nice piece for HT and decent on 2-channel too.  I bought a used Integra (DTC 9.8 for $600 - good deal) pre/pro for the main system (have a 2-channel preamp too) and was impressed for HT that I bought a refurb Onkyo 1000 for the secondary basement system.

[TomW16]

One thing to consider if you're going to play Blu Ray movies is that the signal needs to be sent via an HDMI connection.  I just sold my pre/pro because it didn't have HDMI connections.  An older pre/pro can still receive audio from Blu Ray discs through a coaxial digital out connection but it won't be in the latest DTS-HD Master Audio or Dolby True HD formats.

Having said that, I didn't notice a significant difference in audio quality between the older DTS or Dolby Digital and the latest HD formats.  I don't use any of the "bells and whistles" other than I used the parametric equalizer that came with the new receiver, a B-stock Yamaha RX-V667.  I use the pre-outs and feed the signal to separate amps so I can't comment on the quality of the amps within the receiver.

My personal goal was to maximize my 2 channel rig and simply enjoy movies.  My family certainly has no complaints about the quality of the movie experience.

Kind regards,
Tom

[golfugh]

One thing to consider if you're going to play Blu Ray movies is that the signal needs to be sent via an HDMI connection.  I just sold my pre/pro because it didn't have HDMI connections.  An older pre/pro can still receive audio from Blu Ray discs through a coaxial digital out connection but it won't be in the latest DTS-HD Master Audio or Dolby True HD formats.

If the pre/pro does not have HDMI in and decoding of the HD codecs internal to it, you can still get the HD codecs if the BR player decodes and sends via 5.1/7.1 analog outs.  You are then "normally" going to have to use the players bass management.

There is no need to use coax/optical out, which only have lossy.

[Mag]

DAC technology has improved quite a bit since 2006. So anything older than that may not sound as good. Like I have a Yamaha RX-V3200 and my RX-V1700 has significantly better sound.  

[chrisby]

A vote for the cost effectiveness of entry to mid level HT receiver, but keep in mind that few will have pre-outs for any but LFE and extra rear or front height channels, so compatibility with actively powered speakers could be an issue. 
 
Good luck finding a processor with HDMI or soon to be essential 3D switching for less than a couple of times the $500 price range.

I recently acquired a Denon AVR1610 at a fairly discounted price, and sure it's not the same quality as a nice 2 channel tube audio rig, it's more than adequate for a modest HT system in 320sq ft room.  It's always been my contention that even with a small screen ( 46") the audio is secondary to the visual, and provided the speakers have reasonable spectral balance, it's quite easy to accept less than "realistic theatre" SP levels. 

of course, individual expectations, budget and room requirements will vary 

The Audyssey mic and software built into the Denon sure makes the initial channel level /EQ set-up pretty simple.

[rklein]

I have also been looking at a modest HT system.  The receivers I have been looking/reading/hearing have been the Marantz SR6005(can be had for $599 for a refurb or $650 for a new unit here

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/MARSR6005A/MARANTZ/SR6005-110w-X-7ch-3-D-Home-Theater-Surround-Receiver/1.html

Another option would be the NAD T747 here:

http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=NAT747

I am also seriously considering an Anthem MRX300 which like the NAD has "honest" specs when it comes to their power ratings and the Anthem had ARC room correction.  However, the MRX300 sells for $999.  It can be found here:

http://www.anthemav.com/products/anthem/a-v-receiver/mrx-300

Randy