Experience with Multi Channel Processer Pre's?

ABEX · « **on:** 16 Jan 2006, 03:55 am »

I have been using a Panny SA-45,but I am going back to seperates and I am going to be looking for a SS Pro\Pre. My main concern is to get the best Redbook playback using one.

I am going to be using an Argon 2004 for my mains and a B&K 5ch. Amp for my Surrounds and CC Speaker and am looking for a Pre that will be capable of having Software Upgrades.

My speakers are Metal Driver Tech mainly and will probably add a Magnepan CC seeing that it is noted for being very transparent where Vocal Info is concerned.

Anyhow what would people suggest in the $1-$3K range that does well for 2ch. Redbook as that is what I use mostly and I do not wish to have that area suffer.

Bel Canto is alittle pricey and was wondering what others have had luck using that is less expensive.

I have used Rotel,NAD,B&K pre's plus Passives in the past with B&K and the Passive giving me the best experience. I have read that since Aragon has been taken over by Klipsch I believe they have suffered where quality and sonic integrety is concerned so I might not take a chance on using them.

Then there is Outlaw,B&K,Rotel,Emotiva,Anthem look like the affordable choices and I wonder what mmight be the best at not getting in the way of 2ch. playback.

I might be missing other choices also with Arcam,Parasound,Classe and Bel Canto being alittle more expensive.

I would probably wait to see which one that I am looking for that list for less than $3K to show up on the used market.

Which have people found good success with for 2ch. Playback is what I am asking and might be synergistic with my system having 2ch. being my main concern? I do have a vinyl collection,but can get by with just a MM section.

Any ideas welcomed!

TIA

mca · « **Reply #1 on:** 16 Jan 2006, 04:01 am »

I've had good luck with my Anthem AVM20. Great sound in 2ch and some great deals if you don't mind buying used.

ABEX · « **Reply #2 on:** 16 Jan 2006, 06:48 am »

MCA-Nope! That is what I do now is buy used as buying new unless it's an inexpensive item I will wait to buy used. To many good deals in used equipment these days.

I picked up a Aragon 2004 amp for $300. I bought a TCC TC-754 - line-level preamp + MM phono stage just to have around instead of building something myself to tryout for hooking up equipment for $80.

Anyway I'll look at the Anthem stuff and see what they are going used for.

Thanx!

arthurs · « **Reply #3 on:** 16 Jan 2006, 12:20 pm »

The Krell Showcase is an exteremely nice processor that does 2-channel very well. You can find them on AudiogoN in your price range. Worth serious consideration.

jermmd · « **Reply #4 on:** 16 Jan 2006, 03:42 pm »

I hve the new Parasound Classic pre/pro and it is exceptional for 2-channel playback. Unfortunately, it's wasted because I use my Tact for music. I would recommend the new Outlaw pre-pro and try it out. If 2 channel is weak, buy a seperate preamp for 2 channel. You should easily be able to stay under $2K and still have a state of the art system.

Marbles · « **Reply #5 on:** 16 Jan 2006, 03:52 pm »

Screw 'em all....

Get a receiver for HT with pre-outs and get yourself a decent 2 channel pre. with HT bypass.

You can sell your 5 channel amp to help pay...

mcgsxr · « **Reply #6 on:** 16 Jan 2006, 04:12 pm »

I am with Marbles on that one - when I was trying to blend a 2 channel and HT system together, that was my approach. Works great, for both...

jeffreybehr · « **Reply #7 on:** 16 Jan 2006, 04:27 pm »

ABEX, unless you need digital decoding for something more than you've mentioned, you'll be better off sonically by spending your money on a 6-channel preamp and NOT another pre/pro. Let the player do the D-A decoding and buy, say, an Audio Refinements Pre 5 as I did. It sounds VERY good, especially after a few parts improvements, and I suspect better than ANY preamp/processor. It's LOTS less expensive, too--I got mine used for c. $600; they retail for something like $1100 including remote.

There are many other 6-channel preamps around, most more expensive. When I win the lottery, I'm buying conrad-johnson's new $7500 MET1, a tubed 6-ch. preamp with 2 sets of 6-ch. inputs.

ABEX · « **Reply #8 on:** 17 Jan 2006, 05:03 am »

Marbles?
Are you using a Passive with a By-Pass with the B&K being the HT Processor?B&K always has been a favorite of mine.

That is what I did before in in similar setup using a Leicon Procesor and an FT Audio Passive. It sounded good,but the Processor was out of date.

Now I am thinking the only thing I need in a HT Processor is AC-3 and all the other junk they put in I really never use.

The Krell Showcase is not a bad idea either. Have not checked the Classe Processors out yet. The Rotels are diffrerent ,but I'd want the $3K model because of the better DACs.

The review I read in S-Philes HT edition had high marks for the Aragon Model for 2ch.,which it surprises me.

I am in no rush and will keep an open mind before deciding.

If I was to go the Passive Route again I would definately need to get one that has a remote this time. I would need to get another outboard DAC with high gain for Rebook. I have no SACD's so that is one reason I feel I really do not need all the other add-ons that most processors have so a used model with good Surround Processing might be all I need.

Thanks for the suggestions!