[BobC]

Folks,

I currently run Arcam DV78 > Rotel RSP1066 > Odyssey Audio Extreme Mono's > Martin Logan Ascent i's.  Realistically I use my system for movies more than music, but I gotta say that I care about musical fidelity more.  So I'm considering buying a dedicated 2ch pre-amp with HT bypass and possbily a stand alone CDP.

Here's my itch....with Blu-Ray and HD-DVD (and their audio only software TBD) just around the corner, I'd hate to invest lots of $$$ in a 2ch analog pre....only to learn that my $$$ would be better spent on a better pre-pro.

Should I assume that these machines and software will always output their righ-rez audio signals to a pair of RCA's?  Should I assume that they'll output 2ch at all...or will they focus on multi channel?  

I know I'll be able to listen to and enjoy 2ch for many many years to come....but I'm on a beer budget and have champagne tastes, so don't want to make a bad decision.  Also, any audio purchase takes a significane amount of negotiation with my better half (upgrades needs to be spaced far apart!)  I suppose the prudent thing would be to wait a year...but I'm impatient!  

Can anyone give me some advice and aleviate my anxiety?

Thanks!

[woodsyi]

Bob,

The only way I can taste good Champagne -- not necessarilly a 1990 vintage blanc de blanc but at least a decent California methode champenoise -- with beer budget is by getting used or DIY gear.  That means I have to wait another year after all the dust has settled to get a high res pre/pro.  That could be a while.  Why  not get a 2 channel pre that will hold it's value in the used market and enjoy it while you wait for the dust to settle.

[elcaptain88]

For 2-channel my advice is 2 Words: Van Alstine.

Its as good as any dealer-based brand I have tried, for a lot less money because its sold direct, and I'm a hard sell. The only other brand of equipment I like as much is Ayre - but their entry level stuff is at least 3 times as expensive new through a dealer. You can get a top-notch VA pre & dac for under 3k that will survive many future format wars.

[Al Garay]

Bob,

You should look at the SlimDevices Squeezebox 3. Even in its standard form, it makes a good pre-amp using the analog outputs. The internal DAC is good enough to please many of my audiophile friends. And you get a music server to boot.  And your wife won't think you are crazy.

Check the mods available from Bolder Cable and RedWine Audio. There are many discussions about using the Squeezebox to replace a DAC and preamp.

[BobC]

After reading some Blu-Ray and HD DVD threads over at avsforum I've convinced myself that my concerns are unfounded....it'll be a long long time before 2ch analog audio goes away  

Thanks for the good tips.  I'm no stranger to the used market and will keep my eyes open.  Perhaps a used Modwright.  Perhaps I'll save some coin and go with the new Odyssey Candela (to mate with my extreme monos) when they're available.

Happy listening!  

[kfr01]

After reading some Blu-Ray and HD DVD threads over at avsforum I've convinced myself that my concerns are unfounded....it'll be a long long time before 2ch analog audio goes away  

I think your conclusion is correct.  The majority of the population has no idea blu-ray and hd-dvd are even on the horizon.