Processor or receiver?

[cackalacky]

Call me late to the party, but I'm just now getting around to putting together a home theater, starting with 3.1 then expanding later. Am I correct in assuming that receiver amps are typically cheap/not so great? Can the receiver amp be bypassed directly to my existing amp. Recommendations for tight budget?

[Hyfi]

Depending on what HT receiver you choose it may not need external amps. Most of them have Pre Outs for each channel so you could use 5 separate amps if you choose.

If you get a unit similar to this, you would be fine with internal amps.
Review: Hands On: Rotel RSX-1560 Surround Sound Receiver, by Arlen Schweiger - Electronic House (http://www.electronichouse.com/article/hands_on_rotel_rsx-1560_surround_sound_receiver/)
http://www.electronichouse.com/images/uploads/rotel_RSX1560_300.jpg

[BadAssJazz]

Call me late to the party, but I'm just now getting around to putting together a home theater, starting with 3.1 then expanding later. Am I correct in assuming that receiver amps are typically cheap/not so great? Can the receiver amp be bypassed directly to my existing amp. Recommendations for tight budget?

There are a number of possibilities:

A. You can go the processor + amp route.

B. You can go the "use receiver as processor" + amp route.

C. You can shell out somewhere between $1500 - $5000 for a receiver that is either the flagship model, second in line to flagship model, or manufactured by a purist audiophile company like Rotel, Arcam, Nad, etc.

Your call. Please your ear. Spend your wallet.

[Mr Peabody]

You did mention you were on a budget so look for the lowest cost receiver with preamp outputs that have the features you want. Look closely because I notice some receivers are now only offering like 2.1 preamp outputs. Used could be an option.

I haven't looked in a while but check the cost of the Emotiva processor which is generally cheaper than a receiver featuring preamp outputs. Processors other than that typically start about $1500.00 for the Marantz 7005. You might alos browse used processors since you have amps.

[blackraven]

I would give serious consideration to this Onkyo TX-nr709. It has preamp outs, plenty of power and many features. It can be had for about $530 at Vanns. I can't think of a better budget HT receiver at that price.

Onkyo TX-NR709 - 7.2-Channel Network A/V Receiver | Model Information | Onkyo USA Home Theater Products (http://www.onkyousa.com/model.cfm?m=TX-NR709&class=Receiver&p=s)

Onkyo TX-NR709 7.2-channel 3D home theater receiver with network capability | Vanns.com (http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/item/features/538758273/onkyo-tx-nr709?v_c=netelixir&ne_ppc_id=705&ne_key_id=12639014&ne_sadid=8693315207)

BARNES & NOBLE | Onkyo TXNR709 High Performance Home Theater A/V Receiver - 7.2 Channel by Onkyo (http://www.barnesandnoble.com/p/onkyo-txnr709-high-performance-home-theater-a-v-receiver-72-channel/1106803681?ean=751398010071&itm=1&usri=0751398010071)