[bogiedr]

Hi all. I am looking to move away from AVR's as pre / pro's and to a straight preamp - processor, any reccomendations? Willing to go as high as 750 pre loved. Thanks!

[Mr Peabody]

You might look at Emotiva where you could buy new for your budget.

 I saw this on SpearitSound website: T175 tuner preamplifier (List $1,999) $999 Refurbished

Looks like used prices on Marantz 8003 is still over $1k even though the new 7005 retails at $1500.00.

You might also look into receivers with preamp outputs and just use it as a processor.  I think either the Emotiva or NAD is your best bet.  You can check for better NAD used prices on Audiogon as well.

[bogiedr]

Thanks Mr. Peabody. I am reconsidering this whole thing here. With Uncle Sam distributing money out  must be time to upgrade. So I am thinking of moving the NAD as a back up, selling the Yamaha Aventage 700 and ordering an Emotiva XPA-5 amp and an UMC-1 pre / pro. If the UMC-1 is not available, then I may go with a Marantz AVR as a pre pro or a Pioneer Elite ... I think a VSX 50?? as a pre / pro. Thoughts?? 

[Mr Peabody]

Just curious what was wrong with your Yamaha?  That new Aventage series was supposed to be pretty good.  If you don't get the Emo gear, maybe just add an amp to the 700 if it has preamp outs.  I'm just not sure the Marantz or Pioneer would make enough difference to warrant buying a new receiver.

[bogiedr]

I am using the Yammy as a pre / pro with the NAD. Just got the upgrade bug.

[drjjpdc]

bogiedr,

I have one of their pre-pro's. It works very well.

http://www.sherbourn.com/

[ddafoe]

I just purchased a used UMC-1 and a used T955 this week so hopefully they will make a very nice pair!
With the Emotiva site no longer showing UMC-1s available there has be a surge in used ones on both Audiogon and Ebay over the last week or two. 

[Mr Peabody]

You'll have to let us know how it works out.

[bogiedr]

ddafoe, did you get the emmo to match the NAD? I just got my NAD back from the shop, under warranty, replaced left power amp, repaired solder to center channel and replaced the main board ... can you say new amplifier? Anyway, the Aventage 700 will be gone the the first offer of $325.00!! It has one year of factory warranty left. Looking to replace it.
Can anyone tell me about Marantz vs Marantz? Only using as pre/pro. What are the processing differences between a Marantz 6006 and a Marantz 7005? I am giving the NAD 955 one last chance to behave. Any differences in processing with the Marantz's?
Thanks.

[bogiedr]

Made an executive decision, (with help from my wife who suggested I blow up the whole thing and start again ... man I love my wife!!) Anyway, the NAD works perfect and the Yamaha came back with a clean bill of health, both are for sale as a combo or separate. Bought a Marantz SR 6006 to use as a preamplifier / processor and an Emotiva XPA-5 power amp ... my vintage Thiels are so happy. This system is a monster. Clean, powerful, articulate reproduction. Music recorded in 5.1 is fascinating and blue ray sounds incredible. I highly reccomand the Emotiva / Marantz combo for anyone trying to go with separate components. As power hungry as my Thiels are, (CS3 fronts, CS2 surrounds), they are purring like a happy kitten  So far I am very happy with the latest version of my "Frankenstein" surround sound system. 

[Mr Peabody]

Glad you found a combo you like.