2. amps-preamps
  3. 1238356982

Better idea for the money 2 or multi ch pre-amp?

I would like to start a second system in one of my bedrooms or office. I only have the speakers which are NHT T6 evolutions. I only plan on havinng two channels so would a HT processor be a better bargain now days or should I stick with a 2-channel pre-amp? I ask this because the prices for used pre processors are at real bargains now days. For example: I can get a Anthem AVM-20 pre/pro for under $700 or can I get a 2 channel pre-amp that would sound better for the price? I currently have a Aragon Soundstream pre/pro, so I could replace it and use that in my other system. I'm not as familiar with the 2 channel gear so any advice would be much appreciated. Also, any advice on a 2 channel amp for the NHT's would be greatly appreciated. Thank you
Doug
hyadstroya
elevick
2,636 posts
 
Hyadstoya, Anthem TLP will sound just as good as the avm20 but with less crap and much simpler to operate, all for several hundred less. That's the closest comparison you can get.
hyadstroya OP
5 posts
 
F.Y.I. I meant Soundstage not soundstream in my intial thread.
Post removed 
johnnyb53
3,510 posts
 
You have hit on one of the unknown bargains in used audio today: pre/pros with yesterday's surround decoding schemes. You can pick up an Outlaw 950 for peanuts. They're two generations old and can be picked up for around $250 now.

I own one, and it has a really good line level preamp. In fact, I think its analog line level is of higher quality than its digital surround decoding. It also has a subwoofer output and available bass management in the analog domain. And an AM/FM tuner, and remote control. I've listened to it extensively side-by-side and sequentially against a VSP Labs Straightwire II preamp, and I can't really hear or otherwise sense any drop in speed, detail, or musicality compared to the Straightwire.

As you said, there are Anthems and other surround pre/pros built to a very high standard, and their wonderful line stages are languishing on the used gear shelves because they don't have 7.1 channels and/or Dolby Digital ES, TrueHD, or DTS HD Master Audio.

Also, since they were built for decoding DVDs, they usually have 24/96 DACs and (many) can upconvert CD digital input to 24/48 or 24/96. That castoff pre/pro may come with a better DAC than the one in your CD player.

I know of only one downside to this approach: the 5- and 7-channel pre/pros are much larger physically than a modern 2-channel line stage--maybe 2-3" higher and 6" deeper. They'll usually still fit on a standard rack; you just won't have as much room to reach around in the back when changing connections.
More to discover