Pre/Pro vs Preamp for stereo setup?

[Sullen778]

Apologize if this is a dumb question, but most of what I can find online applies to multi-channel setups with surround processing and whatnot.

I use my floorstanders in a 2-channel home theater type setup where we watch a lot of movies, stream television, and casually listen to music as well.

Since its just a stereo setup, is there still a benefit (particularly when watching movies) in using an AVP rather than a dedicated preamp? Either way, I plan on using a separate power amplifier.

 

[rwortman]

If you are only using two speakers there is no reason to use an AVR or AVP. If you watch a lot of video programming, a center channel speaker and/or a sub might make for a better experience and then you would need the decoding of an AVP to send the LFE and dialogue channels to the right place.

 

[Sullen778]

If you are only using two speakers there is no reason to use an AVR or AVP. If you watch a lot of video programming, a center channel speaker and/or a sub might make for a better experience and then you would need the decoding of an AVP to send the LFE and dialogue channels to the right place.

Definitely considering this. Thanks!

 

[Tom C]

I would say you’d probably be just fine with a preamp. But if you want to add a subwoofer, and AVP or AVR can be helpful. Some like to set a crossover to limit how low the main speakers are required to play. Some let the floorstanders play as low as they can, but add in some low frequency support from the sub. Some only use the sub to play the LFE channel from a surround soundtrack. As a dedicated effects channel, the LFE is standardized/specified to be 10dB higher in volume level vs. the other channels in the mix, so the effects have a special impact. You’d need an AVR or AVP if you want to play back the LFE.
For me, a sub adds quite a lot that I wouldn’t want to miss. Center channel, on the other hand, can sometimes do more harm than good, when the dialog now comes out of just the one center, instead of both left and right. Especially true when you can’t fit a full size floorstander under the monitor, so you compromise by using a smaller speaker for the center.