Need Confirmation

[REDWING3139]

I am new to this HT hobby, and I would like some clarifaction I am looking to get the RTi8 for my fronts and CSi3 for center but my questions is could I get the Pioneer VSX-1016 as my Pre-Amp/Reciever and then buy a Power Amp (hopefully 200W/channel) to run just my fronts L/R is this set-up correct am I understanding this correctly. Thank you for your help

[cfrizz]

Hi Redwing. I can't find any info on the receiver you have mentioned. However, if it has preouts for separate amplification, then you can do it.

I will warn you though, once you hear the difference separate amplification can make, you are probably going to want it for all of your speakers!

[REDWING3139]

Thank You cfrizz the VSX-1016 is not out yet but is "supposed" to be out very soon from Pioneer it is the same as the 1015 but they have added HDMI input/output and an Ipod connection. Would you recomend this setup for a HT or is this a waste of money only is only ideal for a 2 channel only system?

[REDWING3139]

One more thing cfrizz how do you know if a reciever has "pre-outs" for instance the Pioneer VSX-1015

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pna/v3/pg/product/details/0,,2076_310069809_209686388_tab=B,00.html?compName =PNA_V3_ProductDetailsComponent

[dorokusai]

They are labeled "Pre-Outs"...and yes, it has pre-outs.

[REDWING3139]

This is what you are referring to "Audio Preamp Output All Channels (7)"

[dorokusai]

Correct.

[REDWING3139]

Any recomendations on amps that aren't expensive?? also if I am running seperate amps ot my two fronts will this not over power the rest of my 5.1 system?

[Mike682]

if I am running seperate amps ot my two fronts will this not over power the rest of my 5.1 system?

Calibration will help you with this. When I added an amp to power my fronts, my fronts were runnning hotter (louder) than the rest of my system. I had to re-calibrate my system to make all channels equal during a surround sound presentation.

You can calibrate your system with a sound meter. If you don't have one already, you can pick one up from radio shack. http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2103667&cp=&origkw=sound+meter&kw=sound+meter&parentPage=search

[REDWING3139]

Thanks Mike682 I am sorry about this but this is my new hobby so I have a few questions what do you mean to calibrate my system and my next question is would I have to do this everytime I switch from 2 channel to surround?

[Paul in Canada]

I have purchased my RTi 8's and my center channel Csi 5 at Future Shop. I just purchased the CSi 5 a couple of months ago and love it. I just kept checking their website waiting for it to go on sale and I got it for $120 off the regular price. I have never compared the CSi 3 and 5 but it seem that a lot of people on here seemed to think that the CSi5 was the way to go if you can afford the difference. I don't think you would be sorry if you do, but I am a rookie so you may want to get some other opinions before you make a choice on the center channel.

I was going to try to answer your question above but I think I'll leave that to some one that can answer it properly. Once you calibrate your system, you owners manual will tell you how, you shouldn't have to calibrate it again unless you change something in your system like moving speakers or adding new ones.

[Mike682]

Thanks Mike682 I am sorry about this but this is my new hobby so I have a few questions what do you mean to calibrate my system and my next question is would I have to do this everytime I switch from 2 channel to surround?

Red, you are in luck: both Pioneer receivers you are considering, the VSX-1015 or the new 1016 (will be available mid July) come with a calibration system called MCAAC. Basically this system will calibrate your system to your specific room using a microphone that came with the reciever. This system is pretty darn good from what I hear, but not totally foolproof. For now, you could just use this MCAAC system instead of buying a level meter from Radio Shack. Once you become more familiar with the technology, you can venture out and grab a sound meter just to make sure things are in check.

You can also download an owner's manual from Pioneer's website. It will explain how to calibrate using MCAAC.

Both are very good receivers and have pre-outs for future upgrades.

[EricBurg]

I am happy with the sound from my pioneer 1015. I run 2 different powered Rotel amps and have no problems, you just have to calibrate all your channels properly. I would imagine that the 1016 is going to sound basically the same. Once you calibrate your system, which takes about 20 mins max with an SPL meter, you should be set fine for both 2 channel and surround. All you have to do with the 1015 is push a button to switch the reciever into stereo mode.

Eric

[ohskigod]

no recalibration will be needed going from 2 channel to surround. Just calibrate once, and if eberything else is the same, you shouldnt have any problems.