HTPC as a preamp and replace RSP1068??

[sajaga]

Hey all,

I am not sure as to whether I should part with my Rotel RSP1068 and go it alone with my HTPC directly feeding my RB1080 (200x2) and the RB1075 (120x5).

The only thing that I seem to use on the rotel pre is the multichannel input (analog in) from my Meridian 7.1 card on the htpc and video is direct from 8600gts to Pioneer PRO-FHD1 equivalent (I am in AUS and it is called the PDP 5000EX) via HDMI.

Therefore I am not sure as to whether I am wasting time with the Rotel by only using it as an expensive volume controller??

many thanks in advance

sajaga

[calmac]

The problem with not having a pre amp between htpc and poweramps is that in my epxperience you stand a fair chance of having the htpc put out a full volume signal to the power amps because of all the possible combinations of level controls in the various bits of software used.In addition some htpc make various clicks and pops when starting up or shutting down at levels that can be speaker destroying.Another thing to consider would be impedance matching of the htpc and poweramps, if not correctly matched this could lead to a reduction in sound quality.
I recently finished building a new htpc and while this works with no problems via spidf into my 1066 using an analouge connection results in a loud bang on close down.
In short I would stick with the 1068.
Gordon