Using a Receiver as a Preamp?

[bradchatellier]

Hello All,

I'm setting up a ML home theater system to be powered by a Sunfire 5400 amp. I'm going Denon for the processing but I'm wondering if I can save myself $4.5K by going with the AVR-4308 receiver vs. the AVP-A1HDCI preamp?

Are there serious downsides to this that I don't know about cuz I'm a newb?

Thanks ye gurus ye...

 

[Burke]

There are no downsides I know of. I used by Pioneer 74 for about a year as a preamp. before moving on to the Integra DTC-9.8. The 4308 should do you fine if you do not need the extras in the AVP

--burke

 

[bradchatellier]

Just got back from my local audio dealership. One downside is only the more expensive preamp has XLR outs. How much of an effect is this on my music?

 

[sleepysurf]

At this level of audiophilia, unless you're running super-long interconnects, you shouldn't notice ANY difference. Put the $$ you are saving towards eventually getting a higher-end two channel pre (either SS or tubes), ideally one that includes home-theater bypass, so you can still use the Denon receiver for 5.1 playback.