[Maritan]

My HT setup has a Panasonic Blu-ray player which has 7.1 analog audio out. I have an old hand-me-down integrated receiver (Integra DTR 6.5) that is fed only 5.1 analog out from the Panny. The Integra then drives the speakers (Magnepan MMGs L & R, MMGW (2 speaker center), and DCM TF-400 surrounds) and does a decent job of it.

I'm happy with the Panny and its decoding abilities. However, I'm thinking about upgrading the old receiver to a separate amp with more cojones.  But then I lose my volume control.

My possible solutions are - a passive volume control or get a pre-pro (Emotiva/ Outlaw or some such) with volume control. The Emotiva costs $599 (sale) and Outlaw costs $549. Both received good reviews.

I would prefer to go with a passive volume control for one reason - the Panasonic already decodes my audio. I don't need a receiver to do that job.

Are there any passive volume control solutions (DIY or turnkey) that costs less than the Emotiva or the Outlaw?

Thanks!

[jarcher]

I looked into this myself and Parasound and Mcormack had multi channel analog preamps, but both above your budget.  One of the reasons I didn't go for these is in the end I found that I'd lose too many valuable things going the "passive" route.  E.g. room correction software for home theater, crossover management, the  convenience of HDMI switching, etc, etc. Usually I'm not for the "bells & whistles", but for home theater, they are necessary.

So I ended up using Marantz receivers or processors.  These have "pure direct" modes that allow you to bypass a lot of the circuitry for music listening and are fairly transparent.  Two Stereophile reviewers use higher end Marantz processors in this mode for music (+ HT) - in this case AV8801 + AV7005 - both above your budget.  But the good news is thatowning both an Marantz SR5005 receiver and an Marantz AV7005 processor, I can tell you that the receiver is not that far behind the stand along processor.

So - my suggestion - get a refurbed Marantz receiver.  Possibly the power may be enough - but if not it has pre-amp outs to feed external amp(s) if you find it insufficient.  At your budget I'd consider the SR5007:

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/MARSR5007/MARANTZ-SR5007-100w-x7-NetworkingTheater-Receiver-w/AirPlay-3D-4K/1.html

There's just been too many bugs to sort out w/ Emotiva's processors in the past.  My dealer once said : "processors / receivers are just too complicated - no boutique company has any business trying to make / sell one" - and this coming from a guy who sells megabuck boutique audio gear.  I'm inclined to agree : receivers / processors are doing tremendous amount of AV processing through their chips / processors, and while it's commendable that Emotiva / Outlaw is trying to compete, I just don't think they can reliably keep up w/ the tech wars with the large established mainstream AV co's (Marantz / Denon group, etc).  At least they are not charging megabucks for outdated tech like the other boutique audio outfits.

Hope that helps - I've been there!  Best of luck.

P.s. I run a 7 channel magnepan based HT system. You are wise to run the MMGW as dual centers - the MMG-C has not impressed me that much.

[MaxCast]

do you want 5.1 or 7.1?

[Russtafarian]

Another option is to get the $500 Oppo BDP-103 which has remote volume control for 7.1 analog out.  With 2 HDMI inputs you can run other sources with 5.1/7.1 sound through it like a cable box or AppleTV.  It also has a new Ipad control app.  And it probably sounds better than the Panasonic BDP.

Russ

[Maritan]

Jarcher - That's good info. I completely forgot about room eq. and you're right - especially for HT, that is supposed to help. That Marantz receiver looks very tempting. If I am to spend money though, I'd rather get a separate amp that has specs rated at 4 ohms right off the bat. My receiver right now does an adequate job of driving the speakers, but I know it can be better. I would prefer not to spend $500 on a receiver that doesn't quite do what I was hoping for - because I'd then be right back where I am now, just $500 poorer.

Point noted regarding the boutique pre-pros though.

Those MMGW center(s) are magic. Makes dialogue so easy to follow.

MaxCast - I would prefer to go with 7.1 if I ever decide to add the two extra speakers. Don't want to go with a 5.1 and then be caught with my pants down when I can buy two more speakers.

Russ - The BDP-103 was an option. I actually tried the Oppo 105 in the system and as a media center it's not quite there yet. It was a few months back that I tried it and I can't remember exactly what it was that bothered me, but the implementation was a bit too clunky for my tastes. You are probably right that the Oppo sounds better than the Panasonic. But, the Panasonic is relatively new and it won't be going anywhere anytime soon.

Thanks for the suggestions so far folks. I'm tempted by the Marantz/ Denon idea so far.

Keep them coming if you have any more.

Have a great weekend everybody! Mine starts in a few hours.

[ted_b]

For 5.1 I use a Sony TA-P9000ES as my analog multichannel preamp (for my stacked Mytek threesome, etc); I've been thinking, though, of going this route:
http://www.sound4sale.com/products/MVC.php

$399 and an interesting alternative.

[JohnR]

Are there any passive volume control solutions (DIY or turnkey) that costs less than the Emotiva or the Outlaw?

If you're OK with staying with 5.1, you can get a 6-channel ALPS pot on EBay for $20 (plus postage):

  http://www.ebay.com/itm/ALPS-6-gang-motorized-Potentiometer-RK16816MG-10K-Pot-Volume-Audio-rotary-Japan-/261190762664

Then you'd need a chassis, connectors etc.

The other option I was thinking when I read your post is the one ted_b posted, which would do your 7.1 and be compatible with any future player upgrades... It's not passive but the few reports I've read say it's very transparent.

[dwk]

For 5.1 I use a Sony TA-P9000ES as my analog multichannel preamp (for my stacked Mytek threesome, etc); I've been thinking, though, of going this route:
http://www.sound4sale.com/products/MVC.php

$399 and an interesting alternative.

I hope it's not completely out of line, but I have an MSB MVC that is currently unused that I've been meaning to list in the classifieds.

It's a very nice unit, and technically rather clever. I can't say I've compared it to ultra-transparent gear, but it sounded very good in my application.

[ted_b]

PM sent to DWK

[jarcher]

Jarcher - That's good info. I completely forgot about room eq. and you're right - especially for HT, that is supposed to help. That Marantz receiver looks very tempting. If I am to spend money though, I'd rather get a separate amp that has specs rated at 4 ohms right off the bat. My receiver right now does an adequate job of driving the speakers, but I know it can be better. I would prefer not to spend $500 on a receiver that doesn't quite do what I was hoping for - because I'd then be right back where I am now, just $500 poorer.

Point noted regarding the boutique pre-pros though.

Those MMGW center(s) are magic. Makes dialogue so easy to follow.

MaxCast - I would prefer to go with 7.1 if I ever decide to add the two extra speakers. Don't want to go with a 5.1 and then be caught with my pants down when I can buy two more speakers.

Russ - The BDP-103 was an option. I actually tried the Oppo 105 in the system and as a media center it's not quite there yet. It was a few months back that I tried it and I can't remember exactly what it was that bothered me, but the implementation was a bit too clunky for my tastes. You are probably right that the Oppo sounds better than the Panasonic. But, the Panasonic is relatively new and it won't be going anywhere anytime soon.

Thanks for the suggestions so far folks. I'm tempted by the Marantz/ Denon idea so far.

Keep them coming if you have any more.

Have a great weekend everybody! Mine starts in a few hours.

Definitely don't think the Marantz SR5007 is a lateral move to your current Integra: you gain Audessy room correction, DD TruHD + DTS Master Audio decoding (though I guess your Panny blu-ray can do that), HDMI switching, and networking capabilities.

I've used my older SR5005 w/ 4 ohm speakers (Totems) and they had plenty of oomph, though of course using a separate Acurus multichannel amp gave it a lot more.

I'd use the SR5007 & see if the power is adequate, and if not pair it with a cheap but powerful 2/3 channel amp.  The sides + rears can be more than adequately handled by the receiver amp.  I'm thinking something from Parasound : the HCA 2003 is a very powerful + warm 3 channel amp that probably goes for $500.  The Halo A23 is somewhat less powerful two channel, but probably sounds better, and can be had for under $500 as well.  There are often bargains to be had on older 5 channel amps as well.

And lastly, I'm sure you could recover some $ if you sold the integra : say $85 - $100.  You'd be surprised : I just sold an older marantz & there are plenty of people looking for good but bargain receivers.

Best of luck!

[Dan Driscoll]

If you decide 5.1 is sufficient, I have an Audio Refinement Pre-5 for sale. It's a great analog linestage that also has a 6 channel input and output. It has no digital circuitry, it is strictly for volume control and source selection.

For Sale Link