I'm putting this here, rather than in the MC/Digital forum, because I think it is a more general post, rather than just digital or multi-channel.My new toy arrived yesterday and I hooked it up last night. Installation and operation could not be simpler, and I mean that literally. The rear panel connector layout is clean, simple and clearly marked. Spacing between the connectors is good, I had no trouble fitting my Outlaw PCA ICs, which have locking barrels. Inputs are
Tuner/CD/AUX1/AUX2/DVD and outputs are
Tape/Main/DVD. The
Tape output is for the tape loop. The
DVD I/Os are 6 channel and the
Main output parallels the
DVD FL/FR outputs, so you can drive a separate 2 channel amp or a head-phone amp, as well as a multi-channel amp. All connectors are gold plated RCA, mounted to the rigid back panel, rather than a circuit board. The main power switch is also on the back and the unit has a standard IEC fused 3 prong power socket and removable 3 wire power cord.
There are only 4 front panel controls,
Power (Standby),
Monitor,
Input and
Volume.
Monitor is for the tape loop and the rest are (I hope!) self-explanatory. There are 5 LEDs which show which input has been selected, along with a power indicator. There is also another LED which comes on when
Monitor has selected, a nice feature for anyone who has spent time trying to figure out why there's no sound.
There are no balance, tone or shape controls, no trim level or delay adjustments, just a 6 deck volume control. Input switching is via electro-mechanical switches, rather than solid-state circuit routing. The unit is small, but moderately heavy for its size, and has the 3 adjustable ceramic feet typical of AR/YBA equipment. All channel level, bass management and time alignment for MC music and HT is handled by my Sherwood-Newcastle SD-860 universal player.
Now for the good stuff.
Quick overview: The Pre-5 is replacing a Rotel RC-1070 (for 2 ch. sources) and a Yamaha 5.1 receiver (for MC, HT & tuner) being used as a pre-pro. Amp is a Sherbourn 5/1500A, speakers are Vandy 2Cs, a VCC-1, Paradigm ADP-370s and an Adire Rava sub.
Not surprisingly, the sound quality with MC music is excellent, much, much better than thru the Yamaha. There is more depth to the music, resolution and clarity increased tremendously. It is particularly noticeable in the mid-range and high end, which sound much more extended and open, without the harshness of the Yamaha. It was definitely not a subtle change, it was more like a slap in the face "YO! This is what it's supposed to sound like!"
Somewhat surprisingly, I think it my CD player also sounds better through the Pre-5 than it did through the Rotel. The difference in this case is smaller and more subtle. It may just be a case of being different, rather than better, but there is a difference and it's one that so far I like. There seems to be just a little more depth and openness to the music. I really wasn't expecting that, it was actually something of a concern that I wouldn't be satisfied with the Pre-5 for CD playback. I am very happy and relieved to say that concern has been completely put to rest.
The Pre-5 does not have a phono input and I don't have a phono preamp right now, so no vinyl for a while. But I have no doubt that with a decent phono stage my vinyl playback will be at least as good as it was thru the Rotel and possibly better. Suggestions for an good, inexpensive phono stage, new or used, are welcome.
