Stereo center channel question

[davemchine]

I’ve had the same experience as KJ in looking for surround processors without amplification. Super speedy and hard to find. It used to be more common. In fact I had one maybe 15 years ago. I couldn’t find any on Amazon but I see several on eBay. After this discussion, I’m not convinced it would help though.

[mrbigstuff]

kj wrote:
[quote=mrbigstuff]
You can buy a processor for the signal, much like a preamp. You can keep your existing amp for the power. It will also give you all the other channels but you don't have to use them. In fact, it will probably give you the option to sum the rear channels to the front. At that point you'll want to add a sub. And then you'll become addicted to high end HT and go the whole nine yards.

Do you mean an A/V preamp? I've looked for something like this without amplification (because I have lots of powered speakers) and the only ones I've ever found are super spendy.
Doesn't have to be a high end unit. In fact, one could use an AVR that can function as a preamp. That way, he can still use his high end amp with modern processing.

[mikebw]

kj wrote:
[quote=mrbigstuff]
You can buy a processor for the signal, much like a preamp. You can keep your existing amp for the power. It will also give you all the other channels but you don't have to use them. In fact, it will probably give you the option to sum the rear channels to the front. At that point you'll want to add a sub. And then you'll become addicted to high end HT and go the whole nine yards.

Do you mean an A/V preamp? I've looked for something like this without amplification (because I have lots of powered speakers) and the only ones I've ever found are super spendy.
I would just look at the typical consumer AVRs (audio video receivers) and find one with pre-AMP outputs. No need to go high end.

EDIT1- https://boomspeaker.com/best-receivers-with-preamp-out/


EDIT2 - Heck it could even be an older 5.1 model, as long as it has the inputs you need to get the center channel signal from your source.

[kj]

It looks like some receivers have pre-amp outs now. When I looked a few years ago, I think most receivers didn't have them. I had an old Teac that did have them, way, way back. I would avoid the Pyles though, at least myself. I'm not a snob, but....

It might be kind of an odd kludge for Dave, but I guess it would work. Maybe I should update, as mine is pretty old and doesn't sound great. My speakers are 6ohm, a little hard to drive, but I do like them. Thanks for the info.