To Pre or not to Pre

[KCF]

New guy Question; if I wish to have an HT set up AND 2 channel, using the same speaker system, I've seen it advised here to go with an HT receiver with pre-outs and add an amplifier for the 2 channel. I'm pretty well resigned to the fact that I'm going have to palm off my receiver (without pre-outs) and spend for another one to combine my systems. At the same time, I've gotten intrigued with the many possibilities afforded by preamp / amplifier combinations, and this would limit one to the preamp capabilities of the HT receiver. Is this the "economical" way to get HT and 2ch?

In order to play with preamp set ups, would one need to go with separate 2ch and HT set ups, or else spring for one of the newer (and pricier) 5 and 7 channel amps? Other possibilities?

[steveinaz]

What you do will really depend on how picky you are about your 2-channel music. If you're picky, go with a dedicated 2-channel rig that is completely independant of your HT. You don't necessarily need a ton of power or $1000 speakers to put together a great sounding 2-channel. In fact, with some research, you could do it under a grand and have a respectable setup. Heres a budget (meaning inexpensive, not cheap) setup I might throw together if I were you:

-Parasound HCA1000 amp
-Parasound PHP-850 preamp
-Cambridge Audio, NAD, Rotel, Sony ES CD Player (used)
-Polk Rti6
or
-Paradigm Monitor 3
or
-Athena AS-B2/B1
or
-Axiom, Ascend...the list goes on and on....

[steveinaz]

A quick search of ebay netted the following info:

Parasound HCA1000....$225
Parasound PHP-850...none available, but typically $175 used
CDP (take your pick, used)...$250 or less (a D500SE sold for $187 yesterday)
Athena AS-B2....$139.00/pr (can be found NIB at this price)

you got 36 bucks left.

[Willow]

that is the question.....:rolleyes:

If I was to do it all over again or had spare cash to buy more gear I would go the pre-out way for sure no questions asked.

[KCF]

Thanks Steve, many good suggestions, and yes, I've seen good things about the Parasound gear, here and elsewhere and it's on my list of options. As a musician (woodwinds), listening is a big priority for me, and I'm willing to make a reasonable investiment within my range, and what you suggest seems very affordable. I've never purchased equipment on e-bay, lots of choices and good values to be sure, though there're always risks involved dealing with unknown sellers at long distance (other than those on this board of course!). Since you are in Az. also -Phx?- maybe you know of some good sources here as well....

Willow, I'd be curious to know what led to your position re. gear. Did you go the separate HT / 2ch system route? Always willing to gain insight from others' experience....

Thx,

K.

[steveinaz]

I'm down in no-mans land , Sierra Vista. I do go to "Wilsons" audio in Tucson from time to time. They carry Rotel, Paradigm, NHT, B&W, Marantz, and some other high-end stuff.

I buy exclusively on-line because there are no audio dealers in town.

I'm 2-channel, though I run my DVD thru my system for movie watching. Take a look at my showcase.

[KCF]

Slick gear, and I suppose in SV you've gotta make your own intertainment!
What's your experience been like with e-bay, asssuming you've acquired some used equipment (all yours looks pretty sparkly..)?

[F1nut]

A MUCH better place to shop for used and new audio gear is www.audiogon.com. Used power gear on ePay is a crap shoot, you'll find better gear and better sellers on Audiogon.

If you are interested in Parasound, stay away from the HCA1000, go with the HCA1500.

[Willow]

I went the HT route not 2ch. don't have room for 2 ch in this house. When I do go 2 ch in our new house I will go pre-route and I wish I had gone pre for my HT.

[steveinaz]

Luckily I haven't had any problems with Ebay--but I always read sellers feedback, and if there are negatives, I see what the circumstances are and how the person handled it.

My preamp is the only "used" piece because that pup retails for $1595 and I'm a cheap bastard; I got it for $625 delivered.