9+ Channel Pre/Pro (or Amp/Receiver)

[admin_exported]

Hi,

I've got my 9.1 ATC system all together now: ATC SCM19 fronts, C3C centre, SCM11 sides, SCM11, rears, SCM7 front heights & C1 Sub.

I'm looking into a few different options for amplification, but, where I'm quite stuck, is with the Processor. The Onkyo PR-SC5507 looks like it could be a great fit for me but I'm not sure. At one place it sells for AU$3580. The Onkyo TX-NR5007 is going for AU$3750 at the same place--is this maybe an option: it's basically Power Amps for an extra AU$170 vs XLRs (I don't believe there are any other differences), yeah? (Even though I don't need the power amps that are in the TX-NR, they could be handy at some point, particularly if one of the amps/channels in my power amplification that I'll get go bust.)

Are there any other alternatives to the PR-SC55007/TX-NR5007 (other than the comparable Integras)? I'm also open to Receiver suggestions if they aren't too much more expensive.

Note: I am in Australia so prices are wacky here; or are they wacky in the UK and normal here...

Thanks

 

[Frank Harvey]

The ATC's like a lot of grunt, and something like Onkyo's 5507/5500 would be ideal in providing exactly what they need. Generally a pre/power is going to get more from your system as far as music is concerned, more so than many integrated amplifiers. The main alternative to it as far as I'm concerned is the Yamaha DSPZ11.

 

[Anonymous]

FrankHarveyHiFi:
The ATC's like a lot of grunt, and something like Onkyo's 5507/5500 would be ideal in providing exactly what they need. Generally a pre/power is going to get more from your system as far as music is concerned, more so than many integrated amplifiers. The main alternative to it as far as I'm concerned is the Yamaha DSPZ11.

Alrighty. The Z11 has been and is my main (actually, probably my only) integrated competitor, although it uses it's own Presence system--I'm not so keen on it, preferring PL IIz or DSX. Also, the Audyssey EQ has far greater resolution than the Yammy's (not to say that it's isn't good).

So are there any alternatives to those Onkyo's that I should be looking at?

 

[Anonymous]

Further, does anyone actually know, for sure, what the differences between Integra and Onkyo are? Integra commands quite a price premium in Oz.

 

[Anonymous]

Is the XLR of the SC5507 worth not having the power amps of the NR5007 for only a little bit more $?

 

[Anonymous]

Any thoughts other than from (the temporarily absent) David?

 

[Anonymous]

Bumpity-bump.

 

[Anonymous]

Hi Beta Im Chewie live on the Gold Coast.

Integra is an upmarket onkyo definelty better quality. Most installers go for Integra over most other products if using power amp(s)

Look up clef Hi Fi in Melbourne and look at their packages - might see some interesting things.

At the moment I run an Onk 875 into the Aussie elecktra theatron power amp 185 watts into 8 ohm. Huge difference when I added the pwr amp - the sound became 3 demensional. I am looking at other options too at the moment. The reason I am hanging off is

1. I use the extra amps of the 875 to drive outtside speakers.

2. Waiting for the new technology to surface re 3D.

I have been looking at Primare processors (Clef Hi fi) as I have the Pioneer 8 chanel output BDP 72

Cheers Chewie

 

[Anonymous]

I will look into Clef Hi-Fi. They look pretty good from their website--thanks!

So you suggest also looking into the Theaatron Power Amps & Primare Pre/Pros?

Other thoughts?

 

[Anonymous]

Beta

I have been intending to ring clef about why they do the Integra Pre with the Theatron. I wonder if the UK get the Integra gear I cant see any mention of it over there. I bought the Theatron on special about 5 months ago at $2600 (4500 now) it was a steal and is compared favourably with the NAD M25 power amp. Many aussies use the Theatron with a variety of processors and it is home made.

Im assuming the primare is of higher quality and would work well with their own amps but don't do HD sound processing and I think only 2 HDMI ins and are more pricy.

Keep an eye on clefs specials page (they are doing the Marantz 9600 at $4000 off RRP)

Next time Im in Melbourne I will pop in and see the shop.

Chewie

 

[Anonymous]

Chewbacker:

I have been intending to ring clef about why they do the Integra Pre with the Theatron. I wonder if the UK get the Integra gear I cant see any mention of it over there. I bought the Theatron on special about 5 months ago at $2600 (4500 now) it was a steal and is compared favourably with the NAD M25 power amp. Many aussies use the Theatron with a variety of processors and it is home made.

Im assuming the primare is of higher quality and would work well with their own amps but don't do HD sound processing and I think only 2 HDMI ins and are more pricy.

I will look into the Theatron. Looks to be an interesting proposition.

I think I will probably end up going for the Onkyo TX-NR5007 (or comparable Integra) and then get some external poweramps down the track. It will mean that I can at least get going with the speakers I have (and it's only about $250-$300 more than the Processor-only version) and upgrade later.

Nevertheless, I will likely audition some power amps, now, anyway.

Thanks for your help and for putting me onto Clef

Any other good Melbourne stores you'd like to share?!?

 

[Anonymous]

Hi Beta

I look all up and down the east coast when ordering as delivery from interstate is usually about $50 per 30 kg box.

Also look at Len Wallis Audio (Lane Cove) and Sydney Hi Fi (Castle Hill) both are on the interent - where are u based ?

Yeah I have considered the 5007 as well as I am sure it would be a step up from the 875. I still want to use the unit for outside speakers without buying a seperate amp.

Chewie

 

[Anonymous]

Chewbacker:

I look all up and down the east coast when ordering as delivery from interstate is usually about $50 per 30 kg box.

Also look at Len Wallis Audio (Lane Cove) and Sydney Hi Fi (Castle Hill) both are on the interent - where are u based ?

I'm based in Melbourne. At those prices I'll definitely look interstate as well--although I would prefer to be able to buy from a local bricks & mortar store that I can walk into.

Thanks for the other two places