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 6 responses by timjclark

timjclark OP
35 posts
 
Hi Lodi/Dave,

I'm just starting my research project and I'm not familiar with the Anthem products at all. I'll take a look. Thank you for the feedback.

Tim
timjclark OP
35 posts
 
Hi Dave,

That Onkyo Pro model looks to have all the bells and whistles like the 9.8 and 9.9. I'll check out some reviews on it. I like the fact that it has balanced out. Although I wonder about that - does it make it better to just have balanced or do you need internal design to be able to make them superior.

I briefly looked into the Anthem 20 and 30. I wasn't a fan of the way it looks. I know that should be really low on the list, but I have an open rack just left of the left floor speaker and it would drive me nuts if I didn't like the way it looks.

I have been thinking about the Rotel RSP-1069 some more as well. The nice thing about this unit is that it does have HDMI 1.1. That would allow me to utilize the PS3 to decode the latest codecs. That is something that I would not be able to do with the Rotel 1098 or the Outlaw 990.

And the more I think about it, the more I'm settled on the idea that I'll be keeping my Proceed preamp in the mix for 2-channel listening. By deciding this, it takes pressure off trying to find an ultimate performance pre/pro and now I can concentrate on improving upon the what the HK is giving me now.

Thanks Dave,

Tim
timjclark OP
35 posts
 
Dave - no worries - you are not hijacking the thread, I enjoy hearing different opinions/options. I totally missed the Onkyo gear on accessories4less - thanks for the tip. An 885 for $799 with a one-year warranty (refurb), I do not know how I can pass this up! Plus they have the 30-day return policy.

Are you like me - a bit consumed by trying to find the right thing for me to buy that you are doing a bit too much review and forums reading at work? And thanks for the additional reviews.

Jeff - Hi! Thanks for info. I never though of running both a 2-channel and HT into the amp and throw that switch to change between systems - very crafty!

And that is an excellent point on XLR vs Balanced! I'll be digging into that regarding the 885.

As you can probably tell, I'm really leaning toward the 885 at this point due to the refurbs available on-line. Did you have any particular reservations about the 885 other than the fact that you found the O-8 better sounding?

It's not my goal to get rid of the Proceed Pre, I'm totally happy keeping it as I like it very much. IF the HT ssp exceeds the performance of the Proceed, then I'll sell it and gain the $$ and rack space. But at the $1000 threshold, I'm not expecting that.

Thanks guys!
timjclark OP
35 posts
 
Dave,

I hear you with regard to getting something current and then enjoying it. I don't need the latest and greatest each year - heck my main speakers turned 18 years old this year!

My only beef right now with the 885 is the logo-fest on the face of it! Thankfully the Onkyo Pro has that door to hide a bunch of the buttons as opposed to the Integra 9.8 - that face is soooo busy.

I'm tempted to order ASAP as well, but I'm going out of town for 6 days so it will need to wait. My first day back at work my Proceed AMP-3 will be arriving so I'll probably want to get that into the mix first anyway. You know, just change one thing at a time.

If you do purchase one, I look forward to hearing your experience with it and how good the refurbished unit is.

Cheers!
Tim
timjclark OP
35 posts
 
Jeff,

That is great feedback. I like the comment about burning in/training your ears - ain't that the truth! I'm glad to hear your positive experience with the refurb from Acc4less - that puts me at ease. I believe that the Proceed only has rca inputs for the SSP, so that settles that.

db,

Take a look at the review links that Dave (lodi) posted earlier in this thread. I know at least one of them explains the different bypass modes in detail. There are three modes on the 885. Actually, that is one of the few items where the 9.8 and 885 differ. I believe the 885 has one additional bypass mode.

I've never seen either of these units in action, I'm just going to buy and try. The nice thing about going with the 885 refurb, is that you have a 30 day return policy with no restocking fee.

Tim
timjclark OP
35 posts
 
After more thinking about this, I think I am going to go the route of the Rotel RSP-1069. This will meet all my needs and my dealer will sell me new A-stock of this for $899. I read a few reviews were for my equipment Proceed AMPs and B&W, the Rotel is better match. I am going to sleep on this and order in the morning.

Thank you everyone for your input!

Tim
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