This is probably a dumb question because I am new to all of this. Is it possible to just have an integrated amp and a DVD player to have a 5.1 home theatre experience. Again, pardon me if this is an outrageous question. I listen to mostly stereo about 90-10. I was looking at the Denon 1804 and the NADT752, with the help from some gracious people on this forum, as an AV receiver. As I researched more, their were NAD amps out there for just stereo.{I did no that} I do mostly stereo listening but would like to have the capability of 5.1 multi-channel DVD audio and SACD's. I have the Pioneer model that plays both.
I guess the question is, can I get this with just an amp and DVD player. Sorry and thanks.......

If I understand your question correctly, you would like to use the DVD player to decode 5.1 and then have it amplified through the amp. Personally, I myself would consider a good receiver or preamp. This way you could have more control over the system. Some of the DVD players on the market have very little bass management and decoding capabilities as well as a volume control.

This is just my $.02.

yes, you can do that.. if your dvd player has 5 channel audio out, rca style, you can connect each of the audio out's on the dvd player to a corresponding channel on the amp, and then just run your video cable directly do your tv.. there is nothing wrong with doing this, however, you will miss out on the extra processing that a receiver will provide, and the video switching capabilities of a receiver.., however you don’t need it.. I only use my receiver for audio processing/switching, my receiver does no video processing/switching for me, I have external components that do that for me.. but that’s just the way the situation worked out for me… so you can have no receiver, and be just fine, or have a receiver and end up only using ½ of it like I am…


you might want to look into getting a marantz mm9000, its a very good 5 channel ht amp, thats what i and a few other's on this board have, and we all love out amps...

By the way, what is the reason for opting out of the receiver, your looking at NAD stuff, and that is semi expensive, so I would not think you would be wanting to skip the receiver do to financial restrictions….

Just wondering.

Well, you can't just use a DVD player and the Marantz. You need some sort of preamp.

How is he going to control the volume levels? My DVD player does not offer volume control. I'm curious here.

He wouldn't be able to thats why ya need a preamp.You can't just go from a dvd player to an amp.You need some type of processing before the amp.

That was my thought too. I just wanted to be open minded here.

An integrated amp HAS a pre amp.

FromAudioVideo101.com

Integrated Amplifier

Audio component combining the elements of an amplifier with those of a preamplifier but not containing a tuner (making an integrated amplifier different from a receiver which does contain a tuner). An integrated amplifier provides power to the speakers while also processing incoming signals, attenuating their levels (volume control), and switching between multiple sources. Integrated amplifiers contain all the necessary aspects of amplifiers and preamplifiers in one box making them easier to place in a particular environment since they take up less space than individual amplifiers and preamplifiers. However, integrated amplifiers are less versatile and not as easily upgraded compared to separate components.

But the MM9000 is not an integrated amp.

We've been through this before, haven't we, wid?

Thats what I was talking about too the MM9000.I do believe we have.Power>Power.

I do understand this concept. I've dealt with integrated amps in the past. I was under the impression that he was going to connect the DVD player directly to the amplifier (not integrated).

Oops, did it again. I was referring to the situation/discussion, not you. I think we were pretty much on the same wavelength there. It's Ajax that's off!

NADC320BEE is an integrated amp. I have found it for around 350.00 dollars. It has gotten great reviews. I mostly only listen to two channel stereo, but would like to have the capability of 5.1 SACD or DVD is why I would rather have the integrated amp and not the AV Reciever. Now after reading your posts I am still a bit confused. Is the integrated amp OK to do this as opposed to a regular amp??
Can someone explain that please??

Todd left me a little confused. The following are from his initial post.

"Is it possible to just have an integrated amp and a DVD player to have a 5.1 home theatre experience."

"I guess the question is, can I get this with just an amp and DVD player. Sorry and thanks......."

Not sure which he meant.

I still don't understand the objection to a quality receiver. It's not a power thing. I seriously doubt that the integrated amp is going to have better sound quality than a good 5.1, 6.1, or 7.1 receceiver.

The NAD is 2 channel exclusiveliy, so you'd need 3 more amplifier channels and preamp channels. And you'd have a hell of a time balancing the channels and the sub. And boy, is it going to cost you.

A regular amp does not have a preamplifier component, so there is limited control over volume, no component switching, etc.

Todd, an INTEGRATED amp is a preamplifier (the component that does the signal processing) and an amplifier (the component that only makes the signal louder) in one box. An AMPLIFIER does not have a preamplifier section. A receiver has a preamplifier, amplifier, AND a tuner (radio).

So basically the only difference between a receiver, and an INTEGRATED amplifier is that a receiver can pick up radio stations. So, you can use a DVD by itself with either a receiver or an INTEGRATED amplifier, but NOT just an amplifier.

Ken is right. The NAD you mentioned is only two channel. You need to look for a 5.1 channel or 7.1 channel INTEGRATED amp if you want those configurations. But, as Ken said, a receiver will do pretty much the same thing.

Again, I was looking at the Denon 1804 or the NAD 752. I guess the real question is what you already answered for me. You think that there won't be greater quality sound from a 2 channel amp or pre-amp as opposed to either of the two AV receivers I am down to.....correct?? I am primarly looking for good two channel stereo sound with eventual home theatre capabilites. Again I listen to about 90-10 stereo to movies. Maybe I just wasn't clear. Sorry for the confusion and thanks for the answers.

I do believe Kcarlile is right here the Nad is only 2 channel.It is much more cost effective to go with a decent mutichannel reciever.

Well, if you want home theater capability you have to get a receiver or integrated amplifier that is 5.1 or 7.1 capable. The alternative would be to get a 5.1 or 7.1 PREamlifier, and just a 2 channel amplifier for the your current stereo listening. Then, when you felt you wanted to get into home theater. You would have to buy a couple more 2 channel amplifiers, or a 5.1 or 7.1 capable amplifier. I'd just get a good 5.1 or 7.1 receiver like the Denon or NAD. Neither, however is 7.1. the Denon is 6.1, and the NAD is 5.1.

I see what your saying. I was confused by the original post.

That certainly would be the best choice if in the end he wants HT.Going all seperates for HT could get rather costly.

Ditto, but we're on track now. Gotta keep in mind that Todd is new to all this. I'm not, and it STILL confuses me. Imagine what we're doing to Todd!

Thanks again. This has been my first speaker and stereo purchases in about 15 years. This all has me a bit confused. I have the Onkyo 502 running through M22's upstairs and it is nice. I have the M60's running through an old 100watt Kenwood. That's why I would like to upgrade. Any thoughts on the Denon 1804 or the NAD 752??

I don't have firsthand knowledge of either, but both manufacturers have good reputations.

Todd, as you can see the subject can be confusing. To keep it simple in the long run I recomend you go with a receiver. Whatever differences there may be between a receiver and most other possibilities in the price range you are considering will be minimal or non-existant at best. The receiver will do everything in one simple package. One area that has not been discussed here is digital processing. A dvd player will do digital to analog processing but a receiver will take the digital signal from the dvd player and offer a wider range of processing of the several formats that music and sound tracks can come in. If you are going to get more into home theater you will probably be adding speakers and want to explore multichannel music. With a multi-channel receiver you will be able to do this more simply and economically than via other routes. One feature you may want to consider in a receiver is 5 channel analog input for multi channel music (SACD and DVD-Audio). Having this feature will mean if you decide to upgrade to multichannel you won't be looking for another receiver.

Because a large majority of people are buying receivers as opposed to separate processors and amps, or integrated amps, you will most likely get better bang for the buck bedcause of the economies of scale and competition in this price range.

The T742 and 1804 appear to be priced very similarly. The T743 is the current model replacing the T742 so the 742 may be discounted more to its curent pricing. As to which will suit you needs better is hard to say. Many dispute that there is really much difference in the sound of well made solid state components at this point. You will be told all sorts of things, most of which are probably not true. I think it really will come down to personal preference and specific features you like on one model or brand over another.

Yeah thats what we meant.Well said.

for your well thought out post. Also to the rest of you. I am so glad I stumbled upon this AXIOM site. It has been extremely informative and so have you good people.
Todd

Hiya Todd. If you will be buying new, take a look at the new AVR receivers Denon just announced. Seem to be feature rich in relation to the 1804 ( a fine receiver by the way) and priced relatively close to the 1804. With Denon, you pretty much can't make a mistake. Also, if you intend to add an amp later, the 1804 doesn't have the capability to act as a pre pro.