I need 5 channels of temporary amplication

jermmd · « **on:** 19 May 2005, 12:54 am »

I've sold my amplifiers as part of my plan to uprade my 2 channel system and simplify my home theater. I need 5 channels of cheap amplification to run my system until I decide how I want to proceed. I can buy one of the cheap digital processors like the JVC or panasonic and run it in bypass mode, I can buy a cheap multi channel amp and turn it over on Agon when my system iis complete (or use it for rear channels later), or I can buy a decent receiver like the Denon 3805 and use it as a processor and to power the rear channels of my system later.

The decision would be easier if I could decide what I want my system to ultimately end up as. What I want is a home theater that gives a real theater experience for my family and guests integrated with a nice 2-channel system that will be enjoyable for me. My present thoughts are as follows:

1. George (Zybar) thinks I should buy the Denon receiver for DVD processing and rear channel amplification and buy high quality amp, pre, DAC, transport as in his system.

2. I could buy a high end receiver like the new Denon 4806 and simply add 2 high quality amps for the front speakers.

3. I can keep my very good present processor (Parasound pre/pro) with either a 7-channel amp or a cheap 5 channel solution such as one of those digital receivers above plus 2 channels of high quality amplification.

Is there anyone here who has successfully integrated there 2 channel setup with an easy to operate high quality home theater?

What would you suggest for a temporary amplification solution while I sort all this out?

Thanks,

Marbles · « **Reply #1 on:** 19 May 2005, 01:02 am »

I like #1 best....or at least the idea. The Pioneer Elite receiver would be another option to the Denon.

You could use the receiver for the 2 channel pre/dac/amps as you figure out the rest of your system.

I have a two channel/HT system. They are pretty easy to integrate except for the big ass TV between the speakers so you will need to bring your speakers out into the room and in front of the TV a bit.

Bingenito · « **Reply #2 on:** 19 May 2005, 01:19 am »

I second option #1. In fact that is exactly how my system is setup. I use a DVD Player to a Denon 3805 then preamp outputs to the processor loop of my 2 channel preamp.

When I listen to music the Denon is out of the loop. With the flip of a switch I can use the Denon as a tuner, watch movies, etc.

The Denon also drives my rear channels.

jermmd · « **Reply #3 on:** 19 May 2005, 01:58 am »

Well, that's three votes for #1 (including Zybar). If I buy a Denon 3805 now I should have no problem selling it later if I change my mind. I suppose that's the way to go. It will cost 800-900 dollars. The new 4806 receiver has more power and some great features but it will cost close to three grand. And I will still need the 2 channel components. Part of the reason I got rid of my multi channel amps was that they were really too good for surround channels and I had 3 channels that weren't being used at all.

Joe M.

TIC · « **Reply #4 on:** 19 May 2005, 02:05 am »

Joe,

Option one works just fine. I have had integrated 2-channel with add-on HT during a couple fo different system iterations. It is especially easy and straight forward if your 2-channel pre-amp has an HT bypass/processor loop and even easier still if it is switchable via remote because you can set up a macro to do everything for you.

If you are truely interested in an inexpensive temporary solution, go immediately to the link below and order a Pioneer VSX-1014TK.

http://store.yahoo.com/pricesrite/vsx1014txk.html

At $350 including shipping, it is probably the best value I've ever seen in a fully functional HT receiver. Unlike most of the inexpensive digital receiver, it has pre-outs for all channels. It also has more digital inputs, plus video switching with component video upconversion. Some folks have said that it is the same as one of the Elite receivers, but just doesn't have gold plated RCAs on the back. Oh yeah, it also has an automatic calibration feature called MCACC, so you just hook up the supplied mic, sit it in your primary listening spot, select MCACC via the remote and the receiver automatically calibrates itself. Way cool!!!!!

Heck, for $350 brand new, you might like it enough to keep it for the HT portion of your combo system. But if you don't keep it, you could sell it on AudiogoN and likely lose less than $100. I bet you can't say that about a big buck receiver!

I've owned lots of separates and lots of HT receivers, including the $2800 B&K AVR-202. The Pioneer VSX-1014TK is good enough to satisfy my HT needs and it is cool enough to satisfy my geek factor. It also looks surprisingly similar to many $1000+ receivers.

Anyway, Yes, you can have an easy to use combo music/HT system. My preference is to always keep the 2-channel rig independant of the HT. So, building a great 2-channel music system first,then adding an HT receiver to it to perform digital processing, radio tuning, LFE bass management and power for center and surrounds has always been my choice.

Enjoy,

TIC

jermmd · « **Reply #5 on:** 19 May 2005, 02:42 am »

Tic,

Is the VSX 1015TXK the same thing?

bubba966 · « **Reply #6 on:** 19 May 2005, 04:35 am »

The 1015TX is the replacement for the 1014TX. Don't recall exactly what's been updated/added.

The 1014/1015 is the non-Elite version of the VSX-52TX.

TIC · « **Reply #7 on:** 19 May 2005, 12:33 pm »

Yes, the 1015 is the replacement for the 1014. However, I don't know what was updated, other than the price!

Enjoy,

TIC

jermmd · « **Reply #8 on:** 19 May 2005, 04:43 pm »

For $350 delivered, the Pioneer is a no brainer. I can use it as a 7x110W amp with my present setup while I decide on my next step. I'll have no problem unloading this on Agon/ebay or even with my own family and friends. Thanks Tic. Now I can spend some time thinking about what I want to do in the future. My amps will be gone this weekend so I needed something right away.

Joe M

TIC · « **Reply #9 on:** 19 May 2005, 04:55 pm »

Joe,

The Pioneer is a pretty good HT receiver. It is not the be-all-end-all, but it is probably good enough to get you by for a while until you decide what to do. It is better than several more expensive units that I have owned, but it is not sonically as good as a couple of the high-end units.

That said, It's what I'm using and enjoying right now.

When you get your 2-channel rig sorted out, try the Pio as the digital processor/ht channel amp. It may be good enough for you for HT. It is for me.

Enjoy,

TIC

Kevin P · « **Reply #10 on:** 19 May 2005, 04:59 pm »

I bought one on clearance with a scuff on the rear for $279 shipped.

And I agree.... it's more than sufficient for HT use. I'm not as picky about the SQ of the HT rig as I am of the 2-channel so the Pioneer does the trick.

jermmd · « **Reply #11 on:** 19 May 2005, 05:13 pm »

I am really only using the Pioneer as a temporizing measure for amplification. I think it highly unlikely that it will be part of my system 6 months from now. If the digital amps are really decent, I might keep the Pioneer to power my rear/side channels. I think that's the most I could hope for with a $350 receiver.

Joe M.