Audio only pre-pro

Why do you need audio only processors? Do you plan to play SACD or DVD-A? For these you don't need a processor as you get analogue output from them. so what you need for these is a multichannel preamp. There is a model available from NAD - I'm sure there must be more.

Please note that SACDs do NOT give a digital output and in DVD-D the digital output is just a reconversion to PCM format, therefore, a drop in quality.

Hi Sanjay,

Thanks for your inputs, checked the M15 NAD multichannel preamp in the web, it has video also.

I just do not understand why I have to pay for video when I dont use it, guess in future people would have audio and video processors separately.

BTW, does anyone know how is the Sonodyne pre-pro (M605), guess this would be cheaper. Would it be better compared to a receiver used as a pre-pro.

- Debu

Hi !

The "video" thing is just the video switching capability - in case you have multiple video sources e.g. DVD, Set-top Box, etc. There's isn't usually any processing going on in the video in the AVR. Processing is just for the audio.

You have not mentioned your intended use.

You have not mentioned your intended use.

My use is typically Dolby-D for movies, and pcm for music, have the same setup for movies/ music in surround mode. And dont want to spend a lot of money in boxes with moving parts.

- Debu

Hi !

A decent AVR from Marantz or NAD will serve you very well for both movies & music. What ever budget you have just use it for getting good AVR & speakers. Do get into the trap of Pre- & Power- stuff - that makes sense if you are really climbing up the hifi ladder.

Marantz AVR deliver excellent quality of sound for both movies and pure stereo music - that's my personal experience and, I believe, most members of the forum agree with this view. And these can be easily upgraded later by adding a multi-channel pre- or power-amp to them.

I already have a decent AVR (Denon 1705), and searching for the next nirvana 8), with pre-pro and multichannel power amp.

Good VFM choices for this? Unfortunately 1705 does not have pre-out, and I have to buy a new thing!

- Debu

Debu in which city are you placed ?
If you get a audio only pre, then what power amp are you planning to hook up. I gues you would require 5 channels of amplification...what options have you thought for that ?

I am in B'lore and thinking abt a pre-pro + multichannel amp combination to replace my 1705.

Think the possibilities for pre-pro are:
- Denon 1906 used as a pre-pro
- Sonodyne mp605
- Rotel RSP-1068 (this is too costly!)

And for the multichannel amp
- Rotel RMB-1075/1066

- Debu

Hi Debu !

Why don't you audition some high-end AVRs from Marantz? Marantz AVRs perform very well with music.

Debu,
Here is something interesting I have for you...looking at your requirements try http://layaacoustics.com/
This is a Made in India product (if you dont have any reservations against them). Awesome build quality and awesome sound and in affordable range.

You can get 5 channels of "SEPERATE" amplification for around 30k and believe me they sound world class.
Infact these people use the same amplification module even for their stereo application (in which they specialize). So basically you have 5 channels of quality amplification without any compromises. Their website is still getting build but you can get the contact info from their website. The owner is Mr.Arasu.

For pre-pro you can either stick to your denon or go for a Sonodyne.
Go and listen once....

Thanks, Sanjay/ Abhi for your suggestions and would look into them.

- Debu

P.S: Abhi, who are the two guys in your avataar, are you actually two guys like Shankar-Jaikisan

They are Peter Thomson and Gary Morrison (designer of Plinius).

P.S: Abhi, who are the two guys in your avataar, are you actually two guys like Shankar-Jaikisan

No the short one is Abhi Pani and the tall one is me.

Like Laurel and Hardy?!!!