2. amps-preamps
  3. 1044237263

Acurus ACT3 vs. Others

I'm in the market for a used Music/HT preamp and was wondering if I could get some feedback on the Acurus ACT3. I'm debating picking up a ACT3 or waiting for the B&K ref30 to come down in price. I will be sticking with 5.1 channel HT for a while so I don't need all the features of the new units. My main question is if newer units (B&K Ref30) are sonically that much better or if it's just the added features? What would be better for 2 channel.

My budget is under $800 and my system is below:

Speakers: B&W CDM-1s
Preamp: Yamaha 995
Amp: B&K AV5000
Cables: Signal Cable
warehouse
sc53
720 posts
 
Echoing Foreverhifi, I have owned my Act 3 for about 2 yrs now and LOVE it. Its remote is truly universal and its sound is spectacular. Everything coming through it--satellite receiver, DVD player, tuner, VCR and laser disc player--sounds great. I have never owned such an easy-to-use, great value component. For the prices it goes for used, you can't lose. There's also a big upgrade/total rebuild available now from Mondial for the Act 3 to make it 7.1 but I don't need or want it. It's great just as it is.
tireguy
1,964 posts
 
I will mimic the above two statements, I had an ACT 3 when I was attempting home theatre and after the confusion(on my behalf) ended, the ACT 3 was the only piece that didn't leave me upset and further confused. I have not compared it to a lot, but the dealer I purchased it from also sold B&K and I wanted to get one of those- I figured a little more money maybe a little better- he recommended me getting the ACT 3 and for the price they go for used it is truly a great value on a fantastic product.
warehouse OP
9 posts
 
Thanks for all of your replies. I went on and bought a used ACT3 today and we’ll see how it sounds. Can’t be any worse than the Yamaha receiver I’m currently using.
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