Processor or receiver?

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?

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
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Originally Posted by 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?

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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.

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.

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

Onkyo TX-NR709 7.2-channel 3D home theater receiver with network capability | Vanns.com

BARNES & NOBLE | Onkyo TXNR709 High Performance Home Theater A/V Receiver - 7.2 Channel by Onkyo