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Preamplifier multichannel (more than 7 channels) with remote and headphone amp

Ongii

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Hello!
Do you have any suggestions for a gear having the requirements in the thread title?
I'd obviously consider also used stuff. Please consider I live in Germany (because of availability).

Although I don't need at all video capabilities, I suspect that there will be not so many equipments (audio only) out there. I'd also consider an A/V pre, if necessary. I simply don't want to pay for video capabilities I wouldn't make use of.

Thank you!

Cheers,
Ongii
 

Koeitje

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Do you want Dolby Digital, DTS, Atmos or DTS:X? Then you are going to need a surround processor.
 
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Ongii

Ongii

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No, not all. I do all my processing on a PC.
The preamplifier would need to manage only analog audio. (I have a multichannel DAC)
 

Kal Rubinson

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From the past, there is the Bel Canto Pre6 and the Parasound P7 that will do 7. I do not know of any that will do more unless it is from the pro/studio world.
 

Kal Rubinson

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gene_stl

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Although it is still "vapor" Involve Audio of Australia who build the Surround Master II have been threatening a multichannel preamp which I am watching for. They price their products reasonably.

I had a Marantz AV 7005 (as mentioned above) fall into my lap when I returned to the audio hobby after a pretty long absence.

In my peculiar use case I have been searching for multi channel selectors, as has Kal.

There are some solutions available from China and I believe I am going to pull the trigger soon on a stack of three of these.

https://www.aliexpress.com/wholesal...210425130740&origin=y&SearchText=8x1+selector

Three buttons will have to be pushed to control a 5.1 system. There are some electronic boards with relays also that could be installed into a chasis but I don't want to do all that drilling.
The selectors will go between program sources and active crossover networks.
 
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bloodshoteyed

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There are (or there were) many AVRs and prepros with one 7.1channel analog input. None, afaik, with more than one.

i know, OP didn't really specify what kind of inputs he needed though and that is probably the cheapest he'll be able to find at least comming near to his requirements IMO
 

Kal Rubinson

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I think the switch device of choice is the Zektor MAS7.1 (and related models) if you don't need balanced (as I do_.
 

Chrispy

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The Outlaw 976 was perhaps a consideration but it's showing discontinued now....
 
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Ongii

Ongii

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Dear All,
thanks for your answers. Just to clarify...
I don't need switching features. I receive 7 channels (5.2 configuration) from a Focusrite 18i20, acting as a multichannel DAC.
I need volume control (IR controlled) on the path of this signal (the seven channels) to the power amplifiers.
Yes, I can plug my headphones to the Focusrite, but this lacks remote control.

I hope now it's clearer :)
 
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Ongii

Ongii

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Yes, I thought about the Oktoresearch, but it's too pricey for me. Maybe in some years I'll get a used one.
I'd avoid the PC to be accountable for volume regulation. What happens at blue screens? It's windows ... not perfect by definition. I fear for my loudspeakers (and ears)
 
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Ongii

Ongii

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Why don't you just control the volume on the PC side? There are IR remotes available, see http://winlirc.sourceforge.net/ or you could use your phone to remote control volume.

...but... you have given me a good idea! I could use the Focusrite DAC as a kind of security gate, for the volume.
Windows volume at maximum, and the Focusrite set at a level at which I would never go upper, when listening.
Then I will remotely control the Windows volume.
But I suspect this is OT... sorry...

PS
@digitalfrost , are you from Germany, too? :)
 

digitalfrost

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@digitalfrost , are you from Germany, too? :)



jofrlyav4f4i.jpg
 

Tim Link

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This may sound funny but I once used two preamps. Pointed the remote right between them and it controlled both volumes in sync. I needed 10 channels at the time and there just wasn't anything.
 

Frank Dernie

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Dear All,
thanks for your answers. Just to clarify...
I don't need switching features. I receive 7 channels (5.2 configuration) from a Focusrite 18i20, acting as a multichannel DAC.
I need volume control (IR controlled) on the path of this signal (the seven channels) to the power amplifiers.
Yes, I can plug my headphones to the Focusrite, but this lacks remote control.

I hope now it's clearer :)
I have used the Parasound P7 Kal mentioned. If you need 7 channels it is a nice choice IMO. I am not aware of any with more.
 

Kal Rubinson

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This may sound funny but I once used two preamps. Pointed the remote right between them and it controlled both volumes in sync. I needed 10 channels at the time and there just wasn't anything.
I've done up to four stereo preamps with one RC using a IR splitter. Here's a picture of a 3-preamp setup:
LA4x3small.JPG
 
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