Advice - Need a new surround amp

[admin_exported]

Hi Guys,

I need a new surround amp as my Yamaha Processor is starting to show it's age.

I'm looking to spend up to £400 (bloody credit crunch!). However, the amp must have front left and right pre-outs as I want to use my existing stereo system to power my left and right speakers. Why? Basically I am very happy wiith my hi-fi as it's an old Meridian CD/Pre amp linked through to a Meridian stereo power amp.It sounds great!

Currently I use a Yamaha processor to deal with the centre/rear/subwoofer and then use the pre-out to send the front left and right signal out to the Meridian. This works brilliantly as I love my hifi and I get surround sound too. But when I went into Richer Sounds I was told that there isn't really many processors on the market and that I would really need to get a surround sound amp with pre-outs. However, I was also told that these are rare too!

I don't want to mess up the purity of my hifi so does anyone have any ideas or suggestions so I can get surround and keep my stereo?

Cheers fir the help!

 

[fr0g]

Denon 1908 £300 at Superfi, bargain.
All the preouts you need, and will handle PCM HD signals (from a PS3 say)

btw, I still use an E-800

Was going to upgrade recently myself, then spent the money on a new DAC instead...

 

[Anonymous]

The e-800 is brilliant - I read that it was even Russ (out of Russ Andrews) processor of choice for many years!

I was reading some of the other posts and came across a recommendations for the SONY STRDA1200ES. There was even a mention for the new Sony STR-DA2400ES as it has the ability to decode HD audio.

 

[Anonymous]

I have exactly the same dilema and so far the best option I have come up with is the Onkyo TX-SR705, the only downside is the cheapest I have found it is £470, and thats a gold coloured one, the next best price I have found is £500.

Sorry I cant advise in your budget but please let me know if you find anything else suitable.

 

[Anonymous]

I am surprised if you went into richer sounds and they didnt point you in the direction of their very own cambridge audio 540r £249 or 640r £399. Both very good and great value. The 540r is probably the cheapest av receiver with pre-outs.