Thread: Separates Are Not Equal—They're Better

Even though the very best receivers today offer performance that's hard to fault, that doesn't mean that receivers are the answer for everyone. High-end audio/video separates can offer performance and features that aren't necessarily available from receivers.
One obvious advantage of separates is that you can precisely match your amplifiers to your loudspeakers. Relatively few A/V receivers can supply 500W per channel, but many monoblock (single channel), 2-channel, and even 3-channel power amplifiers can.
From the standpoint of pure performance, placing power amp(s) in close proximity to the speakers is optimal—and that's impossible with a receiver, although it's easy when you have a separate monoblock amp for each channel.
Of course, the more specialized your requirements, the less likely they'll be accommodated by a receiver, which by its very nature is an attempt to create a one-size-fits-all solution. There is probably no application so specialized that there isn't a specialty separate component manufactured to implement it.
And there's always that indefinable but extremely important element called "pride of ownership." Some people get it from owning only the best, rarest, and/or most expensive components; others get it from combining price and performance without sacrificing satisfaction. Where you fall along that line will probably dictate whether you end up with separates or an AV receiver. The good news is that, whichever option you choose, you can build a very serious high-performance AV system that will repay your investment with years of home theater pleasure.

No the preamp does have tone controls and/or an equalizer which is usually more detailed then with a receiver. Separates give you much more flexibility and power, at a steep cost. For audio purists, it can't be beat.

That's very difficult to say. It depends on just how good of a preamp you want and how many amps and what power. $5000 to start (for something like the Marantz AV8003 Processor and MM8003 Amplifier) and upwards in price from there. You could spend a little less but would probably be sacrificing quality, features, flexibility or power.

I'm extremely happy with my Onkyo 886 a/v pre-pro. I understand you guys in the US get more selection in the low to mid priced range of pre/pro's than us here in Europe. But if anyone is interested in a good pre/pro, i can definitely recommend the Onkyo.

It's not 'high-end', but it's a very solid product with nice neutral sound that goes very well with my surround setup of active studio monitors. Also the balanced XLR outputs are a nice no-bullshit feature with some real value, if your power amp (or active speakers) has balanced inputs.

I had seperates for my audio gear since 1992. My first 'serious' stereo setup was a Rotel seperates combo, that i am still using to this very day in one of the rooms. Talk about longlivety.... :D

I'm all for the Onkyo separates and the Integra line as well. Although the stuff I currently use is a bit more esoteric. In fact I just ordered 6 new Conrad Johnson vacuum tube 275 WPC mono amps to be matched with my Anthem Statement D-2.

Since stuff L2W, will sound awesome no doubt about it. I used to love the high end gear as well, my last analog setup had Gryphon seperates and a Forsell Air Reference turntable.

As i've said on the other forum, my taste in music as forced me to stick with cd and i'm very happy with my current setup, that ain't highend but sounds just the way i like it. :D

As long as it sounds they way YOU like it, nothing more is needed. I just like to play with and test all of the fancy equipment. Friends are amazed with the much less expensive surround sound and stereo systems I have setup. You really don't have to spend thousands and thousands of dollars to have a exquisite sounding system.

Originally Posted by Stew4HD

Great info L2W. I have tossed around the idea of going pre/pro and amp. I am guessing here that the pre/pro would also do the video processing in an HT setup? I have, for example, researched Outlaw Audio's website and looked at their pre/pro/amp setups. Would I also need a video processor/scaler to complete the package?

Look, my first post here

Many pre/pro's will have video processors in them. Integra makes some exceptional ones.

See here - http://www.hometheatermag.com/preamp...gra/index.html

Originally Posted by Stew4HD

Great info L2W. I have tossed around the idea of going pre/pro and amp. I am guessing here that the pre/pro would also do the video processing in an HT setup? I have, for example, researched Outlaw Audio's website and looked at their pre/pro/amp setups. Would I also need a video processor/scaler to complete the package?

Look, my first post here

ZOMG! It's Stew!

Welcome to the addicts...

Welcome Stew!

Originally Posted by Loves2Watch

Many pre/pro's will have video processors in them. Integra makes some exceptional ones.

See here - http://www.hometheatermag.com/preamp...gra/index.html

Have that one in the Onkyo incarnation, they are (almost?) exactly the same inside. I absolutely love it.

Originally Posted by Stew4HD

Thanks for the welcome guys ! I like seeing my friends in a nice and friendlier environment... *looks around, sees no Jim_Bob and smiles*

Yeah, hardly any arguments on that kind of level here (yet). Also: no red vs. blu bashing, though guys "from both sides" are here. Living together in peaceful harmony.... LOL

Originally Posted by Stew4HD

I am guessing that my Denon 4806 could be a pre-pro as well?

Yes, welcome Stew!!!

Originally Posted by Niko

Have that one in the Onkyo incarnation, they are (almost?) exactly the same inside. I absolutely love it.

No doubt.