I've been lurking here for awhile and looking at some of the very nice setups, but just have some general questions I couldn't get the answer to just by inferring.
I understand sources, and amps, but I don't quite understand the difference between decoders, and preamps, or if there is a difference.
For example, I want a 5.1/7.1 decoder for my 360 and PS3/PC. Would that be part of the pre-amp, or a seperate entity altogether?
I've been inspired by some of the set ups I've seen and decided to go with a seperates system. I don't need all the inputs of a standalone HT receiver, and the lack of power would bother me as well. And joe, if you don't mind my asking, what would a center, and nice floor standing speakers from B&W's 600 series run me? There's a dealer not 20 minutes away, but I don't want to walk in and immediately turn around. I'll be happy with a good center/left and right for now, and some nice amps/decoder. Rear speakers tend to only have bullets or engine noises, crowd noises in most videogames.
