Any 5.1 processor with integrated 3 ch amp

Any 5.1, 6.1 or 7.1 channel HT receiver that has pre-outs for (at least) the front L&R or all channels, will work. I've used a similar setup on numerous occassions, letting the HT receiver provide all of the processing and powering the center and surround channels.

You can get a decent HT reciever with pre-outs for as little as about $399 new. I've owned the Pioneer VSX-1015, VSX-1016 and Sony STR-DA4ES and STR-DA5000ES, plus several more expensive ones. I would go with one of the lesser expensive models as long as they had pre-outs and met any of your other needs. I'm currently in the market again and I'm considering the Onkyo 703 or 704.

Enjoy,

TIC

There actually were a couple of units with processor and 3 channels of amplification that were available several years ago. I can't recall the brand names. However, they were DD5.1 and pro-logic and did not support DTS or pro-logic II. So, for me, I would still buy the modern HT receiver w/pre-outs as it will have much better processing than those older units.

TIC

Bd,

I've owned the B&K AVR202 on 3 different occassions (I think I gave it a fair shot!). For the purposes of an add-on HT processor/center channel/surround amp, I'd still recommend one of the more cost effective HT receivers from one of the big companies.

The B&K is a good performer all around, but I did not like the ergonomics. It was difficult to use IMHO. Build quality and 2 channel sound were better than the lesser receivers, but it is an older unit and does not support DPL-II. This is important for playback of VHS or analog TV IMHO.

The Pioneer 1015/1016 are really good at under $350 street price. No, they are no match for the B&K in build quality or overall sonics, but they do have DPL-II and auto calibration. Same for the Onkyo.

I guess it comes down to the posters needs and wallet. For high quality multi-channel music or high-end HT, you will need a good dedicated processor and a good HQ 3-channel amp. If you just want to add HT capabilities for casual movie/tv watching, one of the lesser receivers w/pre-outs will do the trick.

Enjoy,

TIC

I would look for a receiver that has the following:

5.1 channels of amplification (at least)
pre-outs for all channels
Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS, plus DPL-II(great for VHS & TV)

Because of the release date of DPL-II, you may need to look at 6.1 or 7.1 channel receivers as many of the 5.1 channel units won't have DPL-II. You may also want to consider buying a receiver that has auto-calibration. The Pioneer VSX-1015/1016 have it and also have all of your other requirements. The Onkyo 702/703 also have auto-calibration and meet you other needs. Some of the mid-priced Yamahas also have auto-calibration.

I've owned several mid-high end Sonys and liked them, however the setup was difficult and the remotes are kind of quirky and non-intuitive. Of the units I've owned, I would recommend the Pioneer VSX-1015/1016 for best compromise between price, usability and sonics. It's a great deal at under $400 new (street price, $369 at J and R).

BTW, none of the receivers I've owned, that met your criteria, were compact in size. They were are similarly large at about 17" X 19" X9" .

Enjoy,

TIC

I had a couple of older Sony DB and ES receivers and they were fine. The remotes are a bit quirky, but workable. Build quality and sonics were good. Setup was slightly more difficult than some of my other receivers, but once I got the hang of it, no issues.

Are their any that will fit into a 6" tall space and still have enough room for ventilation?

TIC

I have not heard this receiver, but the Harmon Kardon DPR1005 is one of the new, smaller "digital" amplifier based HT receivers and it has pre-outs. It is only 4.5" tall. However, it only has 70 w/channel, so I don't know if it has enough power for your needs.

TIC