Do I need a Surround Sound Preamp or Processor

Hi, Calvin: You can use your current preamp as part of a home theater system, but you are correct that you will need an outboard surround processor. There are not many of these available today, due to the prevalence of multi-channel preamp/processors. If you are looking for an inexpensive but reasonably good 5.1 channel processor, you might try the Technics SH-AC500 surround processor. My son has been using this unit in combination with an Adcom GFP-565 preamp, and I must admit that I was surprised by the good quality of the surround sound. The unit has a "line in" connection which allows you to run your main preamp through the processor for HT surround -- when the "line in" button is not engaged, the main preamp signal is bypassed through the Technics unit. You can buy the SH-AC500 discounted for around $250-275. Other A-gon members may also have some other suggestions.

Another alternative route would be to find a DVD player that has a processor built into it. You could then directly hook the outputs of the DVD directly into an amp and go from there. The DVD player will have complete settings for independent output levels for each channel, etc... While possibly not as versatile as other methods, it could save you some money and another slot on the rack. Sean
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