2. home-theater
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Need advice on pre/pro - Rotel1098/Outlaw990/???

Hello, I need some input on selecting a preamp/processor for my home theater system. I have a merged 2-channel/home theater setup right now. Here is my current gear:
- HK AVR430
- PS3 80GB, Comcast HD Cable, Yamaha DVD player
- Proceed PRE, PDP and CDD, AMP2
- B&W 640's, LCR3 center and JBL rears.
- Sony 42" 1080i LCD

I'm adding a Proceed AMP3 to the mix which will allow me to move up from the HK into a Pre/Pro. My budget for the processor is $1000.

Since my only hi-res input device right now is the PS/3, the capability for the processor to decode TrueHD and Master Audio are not necessary. I have no problem being a bit behind the curve. In fact, I would rather have a higher end/higher performance unit with lesser capabilities.

Audio performance of first and foremost with me. If a processor had outstanding 2-channel audio performance that met or exceeded my Proceed PRE, then I'd consider selling the PRE. I have read in many forums of people suggesting for the best 2-channel performance, to keep your stereo pre-amp in the picture, and I'm very happy with my Proceed preamp.

Right now, the HK is doing component switching between DVD and HD cable. The PS3 runs HDMI into the TV for video and Toslink to the HK for audio. If I got a better picture from cable over HDMI and did all video switching in the receiver, I'd consider this, but this not a priority.

Models I'm considering (in no particular order):
Outlaw 990
- Likes: balanced outputs, 30-day in home no-risk trial, new equipment warranty, price
- dislikes: DVI instead of HDMI, but I probably won't use these.

Rotel 1098
- My B&W dealer is also a Rotel dealer and he says this is an excellent match for my equipment. He has a 1098 demo unit 1098 available with the full Rotel warranty, but this is way out of my budget.
- There appears to be a good supply of 1098's in the used market place ~$1000 price point. I'm concerned about the fact that the warranty is non-transferrable and I have read in some forums of people voicing concerns with failures.

Integra 9.8
- likes: balanced, latest codecs, lot's of favorable comments in online forums on this model
- dislikes: over budget

I appreciate your input and recommendations.
timjclark

Showing 4 responses by lodi

lodi
15 posts
 
Tim, Have you considered the Anthem AVM-20/30? I'm in almost the exact same position. I posted a very similar thread and believe that it falls in the same category/price range as your other selections and seems to get very favorable feedback. If you have considered it and it didn't make your list I would be interested in knowing why.

Dave
lodi
15 posts
 
Hey Tim, if you're interested in the Integras, check out the Onkyo PR-SC885P. Apparently it's part of Onkyo's Pro Line and is identical to the Integra 9.8, sans the three year warranty. Ths unit is a few features light of the 9.9, but supports all of the latest formats and has HDMI 1.3 switching. And, most importantly, it gets rave reviews. Like you, I'm not overly interested in the HDMI switching just yet, but its nice to have it for future equipment and resale.

Anyone else have thoughts here?

Dave
lodi
15 posts
 
Tim,

I feel like I'm pirating your thread...i've been checking out some reviews on the 9.8/885 (thanks bob_reynolds). Every review I have seen is glowing! As I mentioned before, I really like the fact that the unit is current in both architecture and the formats it is able to decode. The consensus seems to be that its the best 'bang for the buck' processor in the $2K range, and possibly higher. Maybe the unit is slightly biased towards HT/video, but certainly not without pretty good musical abilities too.

Most reviewers tend to do an A-B comparison with gear that is far more expensive, so I'm guessing my ears will be very happy. With the 885 available at www.accessories4less.com for $799, I'm really leaning in this direction.

Here are a couple of reviews if interested:

www.stereophile.com/musicintheround/108mitr/index2.html

www.ultimateavmag.com/surroundsoundpreampprocessors/308onkpro/index4.html

www.hometheaterhifi.com/surround-sound-processors/214-a-secrets-surround-sound-processor-review.html

www.hometheatermag.com/preampprocessors/508integra/index1.html

Best,

Dave
lodi
15 posts
 
Tim,

Yeah, I tend to completely over analyze! At the end of the day, I need to replace a ailing Sony ES that's about 10 years old. I could probably get a brick and be sufficiently pleased, but I like the hunt. ;-)

My speakers are Nautilus 805s and DM6s. Sub is an ASW-3000 and my amp is a Rotel-985. So, despite age, the rest of my core gear is decent. Once I get a good pre/pro I will add a Blue Ray and sit tight until I see fit to upgrade the amp.

While I like the idea of the higher end gear, I'm swayed by the fact that the 885 is somewhat current and receives such positive reviews. I don't pay attention to this stuff everyday like some of the gurus, but it seems like pre/pros are in a bit of a transition with the onset of HDMI and newer formats. So, a relatively good performing and inexpensive pre/pro that will serve me well for a couple of years is looking like a no brainer. Might order one tonight, but I would also like to hear Jeff's thoughts regarding your questions.

Dave
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