HELP - I need a cheap pro logic amp & I'm lost -


I've been a 2 channel guy for 30 years so I know very little about this 5 channel stuff. I'd prefer to run my main amp/preamp separately for 2 channel but I'd like to set a 5 channel system for movies and TV playback.

What I (think) I want is a Prologic (Dolby or otherwise) with a built-in amp for the rear and center channels and selectable time delay. I'm on a budget so I'm looking for ideas on used equipment that will fill the bill without sounding like 2 tomatoe cans and a string. I'd like you're recommendations and the benefit of your experience.

Thanks for the help in advance.
morbius2130aol
I have a pro-logic Onkyo (paid $140 used is 135 wpc) now that I am going to sell, I was going to use it in this fashion but my 43" tv broke so I have to sell it. I am going to replace the onkyo with one of the following. Outlaw Audio 1050 6.1 (60X6 but seems more than that) (zoran DSP) for $499 from outlawaudio.com, AMC R9 (100X5) in like new condition from half.com $315, or one of the refurbished harman kardon units from ubid (avr 310 $290-310 2 year warranty from harman kardon) or they also have adcom 7300's (60 X 5 amp only $300 in conjuction with a Onkyo 494/Denon 1801 or $600 total). I have looked at the adcom GSP 600, 650, and 700 but I heard a lot of bad things about them. I intended to buy another amp with the Onkyo that I have, but ended up spending more on cables for my cd player than the Onkyo. I will sell it to utilize a digital pcm connection to the cd player and dvd. Depending on your choice of cables ( i bought MIT Terminator 2 and 330 series II to get warmer sound) this is not unrealistic to do. I find the sound of my Denon 2801's($525 from moreaudiovideo.com) DAC to be comparable to that of my Denon DCM-560 with the $175 mit interconnects. The difference between dolby and dolby pro-logic when reproduced from a dvd or digital out of a satellite combined with cable costs more than makes up for the difference in price between the 2 technologies.
Thanks for the input, guys. I know this home theatre concept can be an expensive proposition, and in the grand scheme of things TV and DVDs take a back seat to 2 channel stereo with me. It's fair to say that I know about stereo but I must confess to little familiarity with 5, 6 and 7(!) channel. I'd like to have a bit of the "Theatre Experience" when I watch a movie and some of the live concerts I pick up on sattelight broadcast. I just haven't spent that much time researching the subject; which is why I have deferred to your input. I would prefer to accept the evaluations of those more experienced than I in these matters rather than reinventing the wheel. But in answer to your question regarding my budget...

As this will be my first shot at 5+ channel, I'd like to buy a used prologic processer/amp and stay at or under $150. But if digital is really worth it, I guess I'd look at $500 for a used system or so if it would really make a difference.

Your opinions please...
Thanks for the input, guys. I know this home theatre concept can be an expensive proposition, and in the grand scheme of things TV and DVDs take a back seat to 2 channel stereo with me. It's fair to say that I know about stereo but I must confess to little familiarity with 5, 6 and 7(!) channel. I'd like to have a bit of the "Theatre Experience" when I watch a movie and some of the live concerts I pick up on sattelight broadcast. I just haven't spent that much time researching the subject; which is why I have deferred to your input. I would prefer to accept the evaluations of those more experienced than I in these matters rather than reinventing the wheel. But in answer to your question regarding my budget...

As this will be my first shot at 5+ channel, I'd like to buy a used prologic processer/amp systemprocessor amp and stay at or under $150. But if digital is really worth it, I guess I'd look at $500 for a used system or so if it would really make a difference.

Your opinions please...
I would not recommend a Pro-Logic unit. Dolby Digital is the only way to go. You probably want DTS also. If you are on a tight budget, you can skip 6.1, 7.1, Pro-Logic2, etc for now. Please tell us more about your current system and budget if you would like specific recommendations.
The Adcom GSP-560 will do what you are looking for. I know that Yamaha and several other companies made processors with amplification for the center and surrounds built in. The Adcom can typically be had for about $150 give or take.

Quite honestly, the difference between Dolby Pro Logic and Dolby Digital AC-3 is pretty staggering. I would REALLY recommend checking into at least that aspect. Obviously, it would cost measurably more money, which might not be in your plans right away. The next step up to DTS is also worthwhile if the rest of your system is up to it. Sean
>
I'm useing a Luxman F-114 processor, it has 50 watts per channel (3 channel) and is pro-logic. I run it through one of the tape loops in my pre-amp. It works out pretty good as the wife and kid are happy when we watch a movie, and I switch it out when I listen to the stereo, so it has no effect on my main amp . Almost like haveing two systems. Sounds pretty good too! TG
What is your budget? I have done quite a bit of searching lately for an inexpensive solution to that, and no where some of the bargains are.
Fosgate DSL2 is also such the animal you're looking for.It has a built in rear ch amp. Quite the animal of its day/10 years ago.
You might take a lood at the parasound avc 1800,
if you consider $650-800 used to be cheap.
It has been reviewed as bang for the buck.
If my memory is correct, 3-4 years ago Adcom made several smaller power amps with a Pro-Logic feature built in. I can't remember the model numbers, but a little research ought to surface the info. You could probably get one of these units pretty cheap today.