What is the function of Pre-Out port in an AV Receiver?

In this video, we will be explaining what is the function of the pre out port on AV receivers and how to use it effectively for your home theatre setup.

A pre-out or preamplifier output on AV receivers allows you to connect an external amplifier to power your speakers. This can help provide more power and improve the overall sound quality. Please watch till the end as we cover this topic in detail. And don't forget to subscribe and click the bell icon to stay updated.

Now, most modern mid-range and high-end AV receivers come equipped with pre-outs. This is an analogue audio output that sends unamplified line-level signals from the AV receiver to external amplifiers.

The key benefit of using pre out is that it allows you to use a more powerful external amplifier to drive your speakers. The built-in amplifiers in AV receivers, often don't provide enough juice to properly drive high-end or power-hungry speakers.

Connecting an external power amp to the pre-outs gives you more amplification power for better sound across all frequency ranges - improved bass impact, clearer midrange, and crisp highs.

For instance, you can connect a 2-channel amplifier to the front left and right pre-outs to bi-amp your front speakers. Or you can use a multi-channel external amp to power your entire surround sound speaker system.

Another common use of preamplifier outputs on AV receivers is for powering a subwoofer. Nearly all home theatre receivers have a dedicated subwoofer pre out port.

This allows you to connect a powered subwoofer directly to the AV receiver and amplify the low frequency LFE channel independently. Having a separate amplification just for the subwoofer ensures you get that tight, authoritative bass.

Now coming to the connections - most AV receivers will have pre-outs for front left and right channels at the minimum. Many mid-range and high-end models will also add pre-outs for other channels - centre, surround left/right, and even height channels for Dolby Atmos.

The type of connector may vary - RCA, XLR, etc. - based on the quality of the AV receiver. The audio output from all the pre-out ports will be unamplified line-level signals.

You simply need to connect these pre-out ports from the AV receiver to the analogue audio input ports on your external power amplifier using appropriate cables.

That said, there are a few things to keep in mind when using pre outs to avoid any issues:

- Turn off the speaker assignments for the channels you are connecting external amps to. The AV receiver should be configured to send pre-out signals only.

- Match the impedance of your speakers and external amp to avoid damage.

- Use good quality connecting cables to prevent signal loss.

- Set the volume on the power amp accordingly to avoid distortion.

- You may need to re-run room correction after adding external amps.

So in summary, pre-out connections in AV receivers allow you to deliver more power to your speakers by adding external amplifiers in your setup. This helps improve sound quality and volume across various channels including subs.

If you have high-impedance speakers or simply want louder, distortion-free sound, then an AV receiver with pre outs is a great choice.

At Ooberpad, we recommend choosing receivers that have pre-outs for at least the front L/R and subwoofer channel if you have mid to high end speakers. Popular options are Marantz SR5015, and Yamaha RX-A2A.

I hope this video gives you an insight understanding of what pre-out ports are, their functionality, and how you can use them effectively in your home theatre. If you need help choosing an AV receiver or amplifiers for your setup, please reach out to us.

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[oliivioljy]

Here in the Nordic countries, in Finland, we use a lot of active loudspeakers in AV devices. That pre out connector also works super brilliantly as a multi-channel. The most popular is the genelec ones 83xx series, and of course even the older collections work well.

[jmcprotech]

Thank you at last i have found the Out put for a Subwoofer. was not sure what a preout was now i do

[joyism]

Pre out and phono input are must in every integrated amplifier

[arnulfocorpuzjr]

I have subwoofer pre out in my DVD component. Do I need to buy amplified subwoofer or regular subwoofer only? to connect into sub woofer pre out thank you

[vhariharasudhan]

Could we connect avr preouts to the pre amplifier and to power amplifier and this action make the sound better.please explain

[alisalehpour]

Can pre-out on a AV processor be used to biamp the center speaker ?

Most AVRs have biamp capability for front right and left.

If it’s possible to biamp the center speaker in this way is there any disadvantage vs the avr biamping of the front left and right speakers from the avr its self?

[maze]

I have the Onkyo NR7100, it does not have a Pre out but does have zone 2 and zone 3 capabilities. I have a tube headphone amp (little dot MKIII) can I connect the RCA outs of the little dot to the onkyo RCA in to drive the stereo speakers? My thinking is the tubes will sound warmer or maybe just an interesting difference?

[shantanuchoudhuri]

That's a great video, I have a question: Can we use the same pre out to connect powered speakers rather than woofer.

[PrinceMichaels]

Thanks for your very detailed video! Perhaps you can guide me to connect my system? I have a Yamaha Rx a2040 and I've been trying to hook up a Dbx 4bx expander to it to give it more bass, mids, and highs. For some reason I'm not getting any results! Can you please advise me on how to go about doing this? Much appreciated!

[zzzemailid]

I am struggling. I am using Harman Kardon AVR 500. I am connecting five wired speakers, and subwoofer through pre-out port. Sub-woofer is not working. Any idea why? I am sure about it that this receiver has 0 defect. I need some input from some expertise person.

[beckyhamilos]

What do you know about the Marantz vintage 2250B Main Pre section on the back of the receiver? I have had this for 40+ years and have not used jumpers to this. Second, I have been told I can connect the Schiit Lokius equalizer to the Main Pre . Is this correct? Thanks

[sirbirdhakoo]

Thanks good explanation can you explain something for me please my integrated amplifier says its designed to be used with speakers with nominal impedance between 4 to 8ohm s my speakers spec is the same 4 to 8ohm the amplifier output is 65 Watts into 8ohm and 100 Watts into 4 ohm will the amplifier be driving speakers at 4ohm 6ohm or 8ohm???? Thanks

[ChudGippity]

So I have 2 av receivers but on one of them here is dsp or DAC chip dead so can I use this pre out thing to connect them together but also to have that DSP DAC thing from the AV R that is fine and not burned out???

[tathagatanath]

How to connect a sub woofer to an integrated amp via this preout port?

[therealbronxbull_]

I have pre outs on my INTERGRATED but they also say "effect loop" can these RCA connections be used in the same manner as pre outs?

[tonytiongson]

I have a yamaha dsp a1 receiver. I noticed it offers 2ways to power up my speakers via external amplifier. One option is through "external decoder input " and the 2nd option is through "pre out". Which option do you think should I go. I am leaning towards pre out. Please advise.

[vivekmaliyakkal]

Dr.i have blue ray DVD BDV N990W.which is damaged.i want to use it's speaker with a receiver..which one I can order.have 5 speaker and one woofer.pls advise

[millikenway]

I am an electrical engineer by trade, was very confused as a beginner to home theater setup. I exhausted for a few days and you are the first one who made a few videos explaining like what I wanted to know. Like this one, Pre-Out, now I understand very well, thanks. I just bought a Denon X-1700H, a 7.1 receiver and a Klipsch 7.1 system. There is NO HEIGHT channel output on the receiver. I am very confuse again, can I config the last two surround rear Right and Left to be Height channel output to get a 5.1.2 for Dolby Atmos?? That is, I shall put a new label on the connector as Height(L) and Height(R)? Whoever knows the answer please help.

[deezsquuezeorg]

If using 2 HT recievers (pioneer elite) both have pre outs I want to use the sc75 for the main receiver and to power my 4 rear speakers and my other receiver. Pioneer elite SC-07 to power my 3 front mains. Do I go from pre out on the main receiver to pre out on my 2nd receiver or go from pre out to multi channel input where there is a LCR on them? Also can I use one "red" rca for the front and split it for both LR? Essentially leaving one RCA open on the pre out of the main receiver? Basically 3 questions here

[ThaiPham-qfde]

hello OOBERPAD
Do i need a powered sub woofer or just a passive sub woofer to plug in a pre out port