Home theater receivers with pre-amp outputs?

Question

I have an old but very expensive home-theater audio system. The Dolby decoder finally died, but the amplifier is still fine.

Are there any receiver-only components (i.e., no amplifier) on the market now?

If not, are there any cheap receivers with 5.1 pre-amp outputs I could send to my existing amplifier?

Decoder component is dead because it will not power on -- it immediately blows a fuse whenever I replace the fuse.

joyousdan: Every commercial receiver I have looked at does NOT have un-amplified line-level outputs. You can only take amplified outputs. However I hadn't thought of looking for DVD players with line-level outputs -- I'll try that.

Robert P: I'm surprised these decoders are still so expensive! But thanks for the links!

Answer 1

This is the cheapest I found:
http://www.accessories4less.com/cgi-bin/item/MARSR4600

A real surround processor is expensive, even used ones:
http://buy0.audiogon.com/cgia/fsb.pl?homeproc&1&ctg&st1

Answer 2

90% of Receiver comes with a line level output for each channel. So you don't really need just a Sound Processor or Pre-Amp processor. Just get a receiver, check the back and see if it has some line-level outputs.

Also since most 5.1 Stuff is DVD based, some DVD players does the decoding and has line-level outputs for each channel. so it's even cheaper!

Answer 3

Hi there . If you can afford a new preamplifier processor to connect to the power amp section of your receiver you will have much better sound quality than any surround sound Receiver on the market.That is the secret to home theater enjoyment-better sound.

The NAD T163 Surround Sound Preamplifier is available on eBay for half price .It is a factory refurbished model which is as good as new .Highly recommended.

http://cgi.ebay.com/nad-T163-7-1-av-preamplifier-buy-now-649-00_W0QQitemZ290136519950QQihZ019QQcategoryZ14981QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem


Here is a photo and specifications of the T163

http://nadelectronics.com/products/home-theatre-amplifiers/T163-Surround-Sound-Preamplifier/



The Rotel RSP-976 Preamplifier Processor is available on VideogoN for $375 (used in good condition) normal price is $1500.Have a look and see what you think.

http://cgi.videogon.com/cgi-bin/cl.pl?prea51ch&1186934064&class&3&4&



BOTH THESE PREAMPS ARE FROM BRITISH MANUFACTURERS SO THEY ARE GOOD QUALITY AND BETTER MADE THAN OTHER NON BRITISH FIRMS.

Either one will give you the beginning of a true hi fi set up.




ADD. INFORMATION
:DAVID YOU ARE PAYING FOR AN AUDIOPHILE PRE-AMPLIFIER FIRST WHICH HAS THE PROCESSING ADDED. THAT IS WHY THEY COST MORE.

Answer 4

It's going to be cheaper and easier to start over with a new receiver, but what makes you think the Dolby decoder is dead?