Multi channel preamps for Movies


I was thinking of getting a Multi channel preamp for my Oppo 83SE DVD player. I currently have a Krell HTS 5.1 and a Krell 5 channel amp. What would be a move up? I do not play music only movies. I have 2 channel system in different room for stereo.
coxhaus
If you plan to buy the Bel Canto PRE6, thats a good choice if you want to use multichannel. I have used it for music and it has a high level of fidelity.
I think it is a move in the wrong direction. For movies only, a HT processor is more suitable than an analog preamp, even one as good as the Pre6.

Kal
ok Kal. What is a move in the right right direction? What is your short list? I am interested and looking for better quality sound for movies. Why do I need a processor, if all the DVD, BlueRays players are going to containt processors more up to date than the HT processor. I would rather only have to change one processor than two. This is the spot I am in now. That is why I was thinking of changing to a multi channel amp once and just change my BlueRay player as required for newer stuff. What does the future hold for us in home theather?
I'd suggest that you audition a good pre-pro that is equipped with Audyssey room correction. The top of the line Integra 80.1 - which is a very good (though maybe not great by 'phile standards) sounding unit - will allow you to compare "corrected" sound with a "pure" signal path that bypasses all processing. Some contributors here object to this type of DRC, but I believe that the improvements yielded (especially in the bass) easily outweigh any negative effects. Just MHO, but I do think you'd be cheating yourself if you decide not to do the audition and make an educated decision.
Hi Coxhaus
I got the Krell HTS 7.1 for that exact reason,7.1 analog for audio and let your player do the video.Donnot let some of these guys fool you into thinking you need a D2v,ssp800,etc because they are the ones going to loose $3-$6000 overnite when another format change comes into play.I find the HTS 7.1 does sound great,and that was side by side with a Classe SSP 600,and a Anthem D2.The D2/D1(if you want to save some money)are great for HT for sure but the 2ch is no where near the Krell.And lets face it,you can pick up a used 7.1 for less than $2000.But run the serial# with Walt at Krell and find a later built one around 2007.I was looking at one and it was built in 2003 and for $300 more got one that was purcased new and only used in a bedroom for 1yr and built in late 2007.
No analog MCH preamp can do bass management, distance/delay adjustments or roomEQ. Modern players can do 2 out of 3 but rarely ever as well as a decent processor.

So, then, tell us what is wrong with your Krell HTS and what do you need to achieve with a new device?

Kal
The Integra 9.8 and 9.9 processors are terrific and sell used for less than $1K.They are very good for music(not great)and do an outstanding job with movie soundtracks!!!
I just bought the Oppo-83 SE NUFORCE EDITION to pair up with my Classe SSP-60 via 7.1 channels analog. Sacd and Blu-ray Dts-hd sound very good. It feels like listen to LP in muti-channel.
I HTS is a great processor for the money but it is still digital. I was thinking moving to analog would give me a smoother more liquid less digital presentation. I am accustomed to listening to tubes on my big stereo. I have 5 to 10 times more money in my stereo than my HT. I guess I am bored waiting for my new stereo speakers. I read March's Stereophile and noticed you were listening to Parasound's Halo P7 multi channel preamp.
Coxhaus wrote: I HTS is a great processor for the money but it is still digital.
So? If the source is digital and the amp/speakers are analog, what is at issue is who is doing the processing and the D/A conversion. The model is the same.

I was thinking moving to analog would give me a smoother more liquid less digital presentation.
Why? See above.

I read March's Stereophile and noticed you were listening to Parasound's Halo P7 multi channel preamp.
Because I needed an analog preamp in order to compare the analog outputs of the players. After that, I user the player's digital outputs to a processor.

Kal
Hey Kal,

I would still like to try one. Maybe I would learn to like surround sound music. You want to sell me your Parasound Halo P7 so I can play around?
It ain't mine as it is on loan from Parasound. I am thinking about buying it just to have an analog preamp around for situations when my all-digital Meridian won't do. If the P7 had a 5.1/7.1 balanced analog INPUT, I would already have done it.

Kal
I missed the Parasound Halo P7 on Audigon last night so I ordered one from my local rep. It will be here next week. I will let you know how it goes and what I think.
Turns out Parasound does not have any Halo P7 until May, so I bought a Bel Canto Pre6 off Audiogon this weekend. It was not advertised as a gen II so I guess it is not. What is the difference in a gen II? I wonder if Bel Canto would mod it? I called but could not get anybody so I emailed them.