Using Onkyo 797 as Processor/Preamp-Upgrade Help?

[2x6spds]

Hello

I'm using an Onkyo TXDS 797 THX receiver as a processor for home theater/music system. Anthem PVA-5 5 channel amp and a Kenwood KA9100 for channels 6+7.

I dunno why, but I've been thinking about getting a dedicated processor/preamp instead of using the Onkyo - don't want to go too crazy.

Any suggestions?

 

[michael w]

A good move !
I've always considered using an AVR as a pre to be a short-sighted prospect.

What in your opinion is "...not too crazy. " ?

Are you using this for music and HT ?

Do you need all the latest surround modes like DTS 96/24 etc etc ?

Bear in mind that while you will almost certainly get betetr sound from a separate AV controller , you may not get the same level of features as your average AVR.

In the bargain sub $2k basement we have good pre/pros from Outlaw/Sherbourne, Rotel, Sony.

Moving up good things have been said about Classe, Marantz, Anthem, Parasound, Primare, Integra Research.

Meridian, Lexicon, Krell, Mark Levinson would be the crazy stuff.


cheers

 

[2x6spds]

Originally posted by michael w
A good move !
I've always considered using an AVR as a pre to be a short-sighted prospect.

What in your opinion is "...not too crazy. " ?

Are you using this for music and HT ?

Do you need all the latest surround modes like DTS 96/24 etc etc ?

Bear in mind that while you will almost certainly get betetr sound from a separate AV controller , you may not get the same level of features as your average AVR.

In the bargain sub $2k basement we have good pre/pros from Outlaw/Sherbourne, Rotel, Sony.

Moving up good things have been said about Classe, Marantz, Anthem, Parasound, Primare, Integra Research.

Meridian, Lexicon, Krell, Mark Levinson would be the crazy stuff.


cheers

Hello Michael

I have HD TV so I need something with high video bandwidth, although I'm waiting for my cable provider to come through with HD cable. I've never seen an HD picture on my set.

I use the system for both HT and music.

I use DVD Audio, SACD and cable for music sources, so I need high bandwidth DACS for music as well.

I heard the Outlaw 950 is a relabeled undistinguished generic unit from Korea, dunno if that's true or not. I have an Outlaw ICBM-1 which I like.

$2K would be my max price point and I'd hate myself if I had to pay that much. Here's hoping there's a 'giant killer' out there for me.

Don't know much about processor/controllers. I'd like THX or a reasonable facsimile.

 

[THOR]

I found that when using my AVR for music I did not like the sound compared to having my amps just hooked up to a stereo pre amp, something to do with how it integrates the LFE channel into music. So I have my system hooked up so that I use the AVR for HT and my vintage Luxman pre amp for music.

 

[geespot]

My suggestion is going the receiver route because of the features it has over a comparable priced pre/pro. Take a look at the Marantz 7300, Denon 2803 or 3803, or Pioneer Elite. I have never had good luck with the Sony ES line.

I had the Outlaw 950/7100 combo and found it way to bright in my HT plus no phono input to spin the vinyl. Needless to say, I sent it back under the Money back guarantee. Sherbourn and Atlantic Tech repackage the 950 at a higher price point.

A friend of mine had a Rotel pre/pro which he dumped, not enough inputs. He bought a brand new Pioneer VSX-850 off Ebay and uses that for his pre/pro. Sounds a lot better than the Rotel because of the newer generation DACs plus component inputs and more digital inputs. BTW the Rotel cost him $500, the Pioneer $185.

g

 

[THOR]

I got my Denon AVR 2802 off ebay for $325 + shipping and couldn't be happier with it. This is my first experience with Denon but I really think it's nice. Except for the remote uke:

 

[michael w]

Hi 2x6speeds,

As you already have separate amps, I'd stick it out with a separate AV controller.

Sure you get all the geewhiz features with an AVR but the price is so-so sound.

Been there with an Onkyo, big Marantz, Denon, Yamaha AVRs ...all were sonically less than inspiring.

The only AVR I've heard that I would buy was the Pioneer VSX-AX10 (TX-49 in the USA) but that blows out the budget big time.

I ended up with a simple Sony TA-E9000ES for HT only; great digital sound but limited video features (no component video) and no analog bypass (all inputs are digitised for your listening displeasure) ...so rule that out unless you spring for a separate HD video switcher and the TAP analog preamp which works very well with the TAE. Though quite old for an AVC, the TAE is still rated by TPV as a sub-$2k best buy.


The Outlaw is made in Malaysia to Outlaw's specs and is a fine unit for only $799 direct from Outlaw. The first examples had problems (well documented on various HT forums) but by early 2003 all of these had been sorted out.

Review:
http://www.guidetohometheater.com/showarchives.cgi?147


The Rotel RSP-1066 is another fine sub-$2k AVC.
Better made and classier looking than the Outlaw, it has all the features in your list except for THX, there is a Cinema EQ circuit to tame hot soundtracks.

If I was in a position to start again the Rotel would be my pick.

Review;
http://www.guidetohometheater.com/showarchives.cgi?85


Of course, the above are only new AVCs to consider, if you expand to look at used gear there are many more opportunities.


cheers

 

[2x6spds]

Thanks Michael!

If used, what would you consider? Thanks in advance.

2x6

 

[michael w]

Hello again 2x6,

Used with a $2k budget, I would look at;

Lexicon MC-1 (<$1500).
Great for HT but sucks with music and no 5.1 bypass or component video switching.

Sony TA-E9000ES+TAP-E9000ES (~$600+$600).
Great sound, no comp video, no true 6.1.

EAD Theatermaster Encore/Ovation(<$1500).
Superb build (like a Jeff Rowland), excellent sound with real High End DACs (lots of people are buying these just for the DAC) but no 5.1 bypass or comp vid.

Meridian 565 (<$2K).
Excellent sound, limited video switching, cranky remote, no 5.1 bypass.

Parasound AVC-2500u (~$1600).
No EX/ES or DPL2 but THX , full video facilities incl. comp switching.
Great sound, look for "U" model which has 5.1 analog input.

I'd be happy with any of the above but the EAD and Parasound are my favorites.

The Parasound comes closest to meeting your requirements and are quite easy to find as people upgrade to the new Parasound Halo controllers.


cheers

PS ...just found out the Parasound video switcher is not rated for HDTV, they charge extra for an upgrade video board

Can you run HDTV straight into your display device ?

 

[THOR]

I would think you'd be foolish not to buy something that supports the newest formats, Dolby Digital 5.1, Dolby Digital EX 6.1, DTS 5.1, DTS ES Matrix 6.1 and DTS Discrete 6.1. You should also buy something that supports 7.1 There are no 7.1 titles I'm aware of, aren't a whole lot of DTS ES Discrete 6.1 DVD's out there (but more are coming everyday) but there are a whole hell of a lot of DTS DVD's that support DTS ES Matrix. Dolby Digital and DTS are the present, 6.1 is growing and 7.1 is the future some are saying. Buy buying anything that doesn't have these features now is just shooting yourself in the foot for an upgrade later. If $2000 is your budget I would think there would be plenty of choices that you could buy and not have to replace it for a lonnnnnnnngggg time.

Don't let people tell you 6.1 ain't great either I prefer even DTS ES Matrix to Dolby Digital 5.1 or DTS 5.1 anyday, that 6th speaker does make a difference and increases the overall feeling of being surrounded by sound and hence increases the HT experience