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WanMan
Joined: 19 Mar 2006
Posts: 10270
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| Posted: Thu Jul 08, 2010 10:06 am Post subject: Strange Situation (AVR/Prepro vs. HTPC) |
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So, I'm sitting here looking at new AVR (Audio-Video Receivers) and Prepro processors to mate with the two multichannel amps I just bought. I've decided I do not need the internal AVR amplification and sought to be budget-conscious. Then I start noticing that Pioneer wants $800 for their cheapest solution for an AVR without preouts. WTF? Is this a penalty for considering amplification that is not internal to their products? And Pioneer isn't the only penalty-issuing manufacturer, either.
Then someone suggested I consider not using an AVR and consider a Prepro, but that usually has a rather high entry point, no? I'm talking new equipment, not used. And finally one friend said he stopped looking at Prepro's and AVR's and now is focused on computers. Hmm.
Considering I just built the wife a new PC this past Spring whereby the default install of W7 and Cyberlink PowerDVD had allowed me to play Blu-ray disks just fine, I am wondering about the costs and challenges of getting a media server out of a PC for the price of an AVR according to the above level of penalty.
Recommended audio sound cards for handling preout needs?
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Bucketfoot
Joined: 17 Mar 2006
Posts: 698
Location: Centennial, CO
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| Posted: Thu Jul 08, 2010 1:56 pm Post subject: |
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I'm seeing the same thing. I've gotten to the point where I am looking to upgrade my current AVR to either a better AVR with pre-outs or a prepro. You would think you could find a prepro in the range of some of the low-mid range AVRs, but finding anything (other than the buggy Emotiva) under $1K seems to be impossible.
I guess it just reflects how little of the cost of these devices (short of the much higher end models) actually goes into amplification.
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emdawgz1
Joined: 14 Mar 2006
Posts: 7949
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wireburn
Joined: 02 May 2006
Posts: 76
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| Posted: Fri Jul 23, 2010 2:26 am Post subject: |
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Does anyone know if the Auzentech X-FI has the turn-on "thump"?
Thanks,
-Mike
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MikeEby
Joined: 24 Jun 2007
Posts: 5237
Location: Osceola, Indiana
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WanMan
Joined: 19 Mar 2006
Posts: 10270
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| Posted: Fri Jul 23, 2010 3:24 pm Post subject: |
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Mike, looking at the physical connectivity how are they getting 7 channels with less than seven physical ports?
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MikeEby
Joined: 24 Jun 2007
Posts: 5237
Location: Osceola, Indiana
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| Posted: Fri Jul 23, 2010 6:29 pm Post subject: |
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| WanMan wrote: | | Mike, looking at the physical connectivity how are they getting 7 channels with less than seven physical ports? |
It's 8 channels actually or 7.1. The mains (Left and Right) are on the sound card itself. Center, Sub, and 4 surrounds are on the expansion card.
Mike
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