[jb.cool]

Hello guys!

I have a bit of a dilemma. I am in the process of designing and building my own speakers and power amps for my home theatre. This I can do myself with no issues.

However I still need something to do the A/V switching and Dolby Digital and DTS decoding, which means I need a preamp/surround sound processor. My issue is that I am having trouble finding a surround sound processor/preamp for less than $1000. All the companies seem to think that if you want separate components that you have lots of money to spend.

Does anyone have any thoughts? Please help!!

Thanks in advance!

[SethH]

This one is from a solid company and is $699: http://outlawaudio.com/products/970.html

They have a higher-end model for $999.

Your next best bet is probably to go with something used -- check ebay and audiogon.

[Alon Goldberg]

I'll second Seth, your best bet for a new pre-pro within your budget is the Outlaw 970 or Outlaw 990.

[Steve^S]

I'm in a similar situation and have decided to wait a bit. May buy a less expensive receiver that has HDMI inputs to hold me over till the pre amps start coming out with hdmi. Probably wait till they begin to hit the used market. Outlaw has a great following and apparently produces some very good equiptment but at this time they have no hdmi. With all that is happening hdmi seems to be the path. Am currently looking for a Denon, Onkyo, or possibly Yamaha with hdmi and preouts.
If I were to go with a pre at this time I'd be looking used. Lots of high end stuff selling at very resonable prices.
Good Luck.
Steve

[hodedofome]

This is another option http://emotiva.com/lmc1.html I would say if you buy new either Emotiva or Outlaw will be your best bet for a pre-amp (sound-wise). If you want features then go with Denon.

[LanceJ]

This "preamp" from Pioneer could be an option and it even comes with a power amp section if you ever want to use it in a smaller room. Brilliant!

VSX-816 receiver with 7.1 preamp outputs

Only $300.

FYI: this model's successor, the 817, that is already listed on Pioneer's site does not have preamp outputs. So any eight sixteens one sees out there are on the endangered list!

[Jack Gilvey]

Along those lines, the Yamaha RX-V661 also has a handy 7-channel power amp section. Full 7.1 HDMI 1.2a support for HD LPCM lossless audio formats, along with Burr-Brown 24/192 DACs (if you're into that stuff). Got mine for ~$400.

http://yamaha.com/yec/products/produ...l?CNTID=547398

[jb.cool]

Thanks for the input guys. I am looking at getting a Denon AVR. I can get a AVR-2106 for AUS$450 which I believe is nearly the same as the current generation 1907. It has the features that I would want and isn't very expensive. At least this way I can still use the integrated amps on the receiver if any of the ones I make die!

Any thoughts on what I propose?

[Michael Osadciw]

yes, any receiver with PRE-OUTs will serve as a preamp. just turn the amplifier off if you can and enjoy.

[4VTHOKIES]

For that price point I would definately look into a nice AVR with preamp outs and use the receiver as a pre/pro. If your amps die you will still have power and can enjoy your system until you fix any problems.