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Have 6 channel amp what's next ?

I own a Cinepro 6Ch amp, but I don't know if I now need a HT Processor, Pre-Pro, Processor etc... I'm relatively new to all this HT stuff but the Cinepro runs pretty cool and my experience with Integrated Receivers is they run hot as hell and that won't work in my cabinetry. I'm setting up a family Entertainment Center, so I would like whatever i buy to be multi-zone capable. I will be hooking up DirecTv, Tivo, Blue Ray player, PS3, DVD, etc...to a new 65" Panasonic Plasma. I only need a 5:1 system as everything in the family room is in-wall/ceiling with the exception of the sub. I think i'll need a unit that has HDMI 1.3 for the best picture quality but i'm not sure. I will most likely buy used form Audiogon and my budget is $1K-2500+-

Thank's in advance for your advice.
jeraza

Showing 3 responses by chadnliz

chadnliz
3,736 posts
 
There are some options for you but first things first. You have a 6 channel amp and want 5.1 so assumeing you use a powered sub you will only have 1 extra channel for multi zone use, thats one issue you need to understand.
You could get a another cheap used 2 channel amp so you free up those channels for multi zone on your Pre/Pro, so yes you do want HT Processor, Rotel, Emotiva, Outlaw, and a few others will be in that budget but its gonna be very limited with your desore for HDMI. Emotiva is at some point soon bringing out a Processor that would be perfect for you but its been delayed, you dont need HDMI unless you really want the new HD audio formats that are very limited in release, choosing instead a unit that runs Component (red, green, blue) video may make more sense financially and run seperate digital audio feeding the HDMI direct to monitor for best picture. You dont mention speakers so do you need to buy those and sub or did you just not give that info? If speakers need to be looked into then forget HDMI in you Processor for that amount.
I will PM you if you want to call maybe I can help with some questions. cheers and Happy Thanksgiving
chadnliz
3,736 posts
 
Yes and no, if the Plasma is 1080p and you intend to watch many Bluray movies then HDMI either into a Processor (like Emotiva mentioned) or you can go straight HDMI from disc player, Satelite and Tivo (make sure you have enough inputs) into Plasma direct then you would go Digital Coax or Toslink wire for audio into the Processor if it doesnt have HDMI, the only thing you will loose is the most advanced HD audio on Bluray discs only as Satelite at this point doesnt support these formats. You can also go multi channel RCA inouts from a Bluray player with a built in decoder and get the HD audio with need for HDMI circuits.
The bottom line is budget, if you cant swing a HDMI processor its not the end of the world and you have options to get around that. I did send a private message if you want some more info.
chadnliz
3,736 posts
 
You could use extra channel for 6.1 for more spacious ambient surround or I have used an extra channel for bass shakers installed in seating.
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