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What A/V Electronics Do You Use?

By Scott Wilkinson • Posted: Mar 25, 2011
sorcadmin's picture

In my continuing quest to learn about the audio/video systems our readers have in their homes, I now turn my attention to the A/V electronics—specifically, the components that perform the preamp, source-switching, and power-amp duties. An A/V receiver or integrated amp combines all these functions in one unit, while many systems include a dedicated preamp/processor (pre/pro) and one or more separate power amps.

Last November, I asked if you prefer an A/V receiver or separate components, but now I'm asking which you actually use in your main system. Select the item below that most closely reflects your system, and then please leave a comment with the make(s) and model(s) of your A/V electronics and why you chose them.

Vote to see the results and leave a comment about your choice.

What A/V Electronics Do You Use?
A/V receiver
51% (537 votes)
Integrated amp
4% (41 votes)
A/V receiver with one or more external power amps
12% (121 votes)
Pre/pro and one multichannel power amp
15% (156 votes)
Pre/pro and multiple 2- and/or 3-channel power amps
12% (126 votes)
Pre/pro and multiple monoblock power amps
5% (53 votes)
Pre/pro and self-powered speakers
2% (17 votes)
Total votes: 1051
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Comments
Pogodaddy's picture
Submitted by Pogodaddy on March 30, 2011 - 6:41am.

Currently using an Onkyo TX-SR607. Got a good deal on it from ebay. Great introductory receiver. Hoping to swtich to an Onkyo PR-SC5508 Pre/Pro and get either a single multichannel amp or multiple 2/3 channel amps. Balanced inputs are so much better, that is the main reason I want to swtich. Too often have I run into ground loops and other interference that is just a pain with unbalanced inputs.

gregsgoatfarm's picture
Submitted by gregsgoatfarm on March 25, 2011 - 3:44pm.

I use an Onkyo A/V receiver with a 2-channel power amp (350wpc) run off the pre-outs driving the fronts. This is something I believe is commonly done, but it wasn't an option.

Scott Wilkinson's picture
Submitted by Scott Wilkinson on March 25, 2011 - 5:08pm.
I added a new poll option that reflects your type of system. You can cancel your vote and re-enter it on the vote page. Thanks for pointing that out!
hendrikj's picture
Submitted by hendrikj on March 25, 2011 - 10:45pm.

I use a Denon AV receiver in combination with an analog stereo preamplifier and 3 monoblocks( for L + R and center ). The preamp has a 'home theater bypass". So I can use my two front speakers for multichannel AND for stereo.

uavK.Reid's picture
Submitted by uavK.Reid on March 25, 2011 - 10:44pm.

Sony STR-DA5300ES in living room - Tweeter Etc. was going out of business a few years back and I picked it up cheap. Good sound, convenience of 6 HDMI inputs, and X-Cross Media Bar. I also like the elegant appearance.

My new toy I received as a Christmas present for my bedroom - a Yaqin MC-100B integrated tube amp. Build quality is awesome and it drives my new Dynaudio Excite X16. I am hooked. The warm sound is addictive.

Jarod's picture
Submitted by Jarod on March 27, 2011 - 9:47am.

I use a multi-channel A/V Reciever as an HDMI switcher and to power my 5.1 surround. The AVR is a Pioneer Elite VSX-32 HDMI 1.4 receiver, rated at 120w X 7. In the future I am purchasing an Emotiva XPA-5 200w X 5 power amp and using my VSX-32 as a pre/pro. Can't wait!

javanp's picture
Submitted by javanp on March 28, 2011 - 7:49am.

Right now I have an Onkyo TXSR-806 but I hope to get an external hope here in the future. Either a 3 or a 4 channel. Probably an Emotiva to start out with, but I would like to get my hands on one of those old-school Citation 7.1 amps.

HDMan72's picture
Submitted by HDMan72 on March 28, 2011 - 3:09pm.

Currently using a Denon AVR-3808CI w/ Audyssey Multi-EQ XT

Audio_Geek_00's picture
Submitted by Audio_Geek_00 on March 31, 2011 - 3:57pm.

Classe SSP-800 and CA-5200. Monoblocks would be nice but price and space preclude their use in my room. I'm very happy that I was able to get a pre/pro and seprate amplification because I do buy into the philosophy that seperates do perform better. I have yet to buy into 7.1 but if I decide to go that route then I would be looking at another 2 channel amp and two more speakers of the same caliber and I can't justify that at the moment, or maybe ever.

jengleking's picture
Submitted by jengleking on April 4, 2011 - 9:04pm.

Parasound 7100 pre
Pass Labs X5 5-Channel Power Amp

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