|   $4K to spend on HT Preamp......... | 123abc
Feb 23, 2002 6:48 PM | | i have finally sold off the last of my old stuff and have the money to buy a solid HT pre. any suggestions? |
| re: $4K to spend on HT Preamp......... | Adam
Feb 23, 2002 9:09 PM | | a few names come to mind: Tag Mclaren, Linn, Lexicon, and Macintosh. The Lexicon offerings are probably the best of the best. I don't think you need to spend that much though. I would get the Outlaw 950 which will only run you about 1,000 and is a MUCH better use of your funds. But hey it's your cash and if you want to spend 4K on a pre amp by all means go ahead, I would get the Lexicon MC1 with the upgrade or a MC2. |
| re: $4K to spend on HT Preamp......... | 123abc
Feb 24, 2002 4:16 AM | | thanks adam. i don't know the outlaw name too well, but i do know lexicon and really like the sound. let me ask you this. i have listened to the krell home theatre standard quite a bit as my friend has one and like it. i can get into a used one from a dealer(demo with warranty ext) for 3K.........do you think the outlaw or the lexicon is still better in your opinion with respect to quality? |
| re: $4K to spend on HT Preamp......... | Adam
Feb 24, 2002 8:33 AM | | the krell is a nice unit, again in terms of features I think the Outlaw 950 is a MUCH better buy. Even more than the krell I would like at the Sunfire theater Gran processor.
I mean I guess a lot comes down to tastes. Do you want all the bells and whistles: DPL II, Circle 7, 6.1 Capable, etc. or do you want simply a great 5.1 processor?
The Outlaw pre amp does just about anything and everything on the planet, and at 1000 is just freaking amazing. Pair that with a 7 channel amp (they have one) or 7 mono blocks and you are good to go. With 3,000 left you good do it to :)
The Krell sound is something I have always found to be a but raw. Typically in most HT stores the Krell equipment is in the same room as the sunfire stuff. On a A/B comparison I have always preffered the Sunfire. But that is me. Listen to the Krell, try her out, if you like it keep it, but at least look over the Outlaw 950. |
| re: $4K to spend on HT Preamp......... | MarceloSQ
Feb 24, 2002 4:49 AM | | Do not dismiss Classé and Proceed also.
Take a careful listen to them, you´ll be amazed!
Unfortunately my bank account is not large enough, so I had to settle for cheaper (yet great sounding) gear, after listening to those.
Good luck.
Marcelo. |
| re: $4K to spend on HT Preamp......... | Shaun
Feb 24, 2002 7:38 AM | | Go audition the Anthem AVM20 which you could get for just under 3k. Its light years ahead of the older lexicons in SQ
& features. Nothing can touch it under 6k
http://www.sonicfrontiers.com |
| re: $4K to spend on HT Preamp......... | pinetop
Feb 25, 2002 2:02 AM | | Didn't hear it but the outlaw 950 at $899 looks like a winner. i have read some review sounds to good to be true but thats another story. good luck |
| Bought the B&K Reference 30 | 123abc
Feb 26, 2002 4:11 AM | | man oh man, what a sweet piece this is. i have only scratched the surface and it sounds so sweeet already. my adcom gfa-7000 is finally getting some just work. thanks for everybody's input. late. |
| For 3K this one does everything but the dishes | bigwally
Feb 25, 2002 8:06 AM | | See this thread at AVS http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=111033 |
| Yes Sir. It does not..... | nick4433
Feb 25, 2002 8:10 AM | | Do the dishes but does do a mean Laundry. It does look like a neat prep/pro. |
| I would not go with the Outlaw if.... | nick4433
Feb 25, 2002 8:08 AM | | I have not heard the Krell but have definitely heard the Lexicon. Now if you have the money, definitely go with the Lexicon over the Outlaw. I am not too impressed with this whole Outlaw thing. I would also look seriously at some B&K pre/pro stuff but I doubt if at this time B&K has anything with DPL-II or DTS-ES.
It is true the Outlaw 950 gives everything but the kitchen sink for $899 and I would rather wait to hear a professional review or two before I decide to jump on the Outlaw bandwagon.
Just my $2 worth. |
| Skepticism is generally a good thing | bigwally
Feb 25, 2002 9:10 AM | | For the health of one's wallet, but why in this case? I'm just curious, what is it about the 950 that has your BS meter pegged? |
| re: $4K to spend on HT Preamp......... | Greg
Feb 25, 2002 10:29 AM | | You might want to take a look at the B&K Reference 30 or the Integra Research prepro. Both have received great reviews. The B&K is rated as a class 3 and the Integra a borderline class 1/2 which puts it right up there with the big boys. From the reviews I have read on the Integra it is a great pre/pro. I think that it list for 4K.
Anyway you might want to also look at the B&K AVR 305 or AVR 307. Both of these receivers have the same exact Reference 30 pre/pro along with 5 or 7 channels of amplification at 150 watts per. You can also take the AVR 305 and reassign the channels and use the 5 amps for the center, surrounds and two backs if and when you need it for 7.1. I think that the AVR 305 will run you less than 3K. Then you can take the other 1K and purchase another amp for the fronts or use it as is and put the other 1k somewhere else. Some people use this type of setup for just listening to 2 channel sound. The AVR 307 has been rated as the top receiver in a recent HT magazine and all reviews I have read on it give it top marks.
There are all sorts of great pre/pros but the Reference 30 has received great reviews both in 2 channel and HT use. I guess you can spend more but for the money spent I think that you will be well satisified. True B&K is a little slow to get out the different surround modes but this does not seem to bother anyone who has purchased the reference 30. |
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