I think this post belongs in the "Home Theater" section, not the "Speakers" section.
Anyway, if I were shopping for a pre-pro that supports HDMI 1.3 and the new lossless surround formats, I would take a good listen to the new Outlaw 997:
http://www.outlawaudio.com/products/997.html |
Go for a 2 channel integrated that can be used in HT bypass mode. |
If your B&K has a pass through I'd recommend buying a dedicated 2-channel pre for music. I've tried some very high end processors (Meridian 861 was my last) and none of them compare to a quality dedicated pre. |
Hey there, I would strongly recommend the Krell Showcase. I have demoed many, and found the Krell to do a phenomenal job in 2ch. stereo. Not to mention it has a built-in digital EQ for room correction if needed. For what you can get one used for it is a no brainer. Goodluck! |
Doesn't the B&K have a direct mode? Anthem & Sunfire have one and its great. Personally, I'd try different amps first? |
Does the Mcintosh MX132 trump them all? |
If you are really particular about your analog sources, you will want to use an analog preamp with an HT passthrough with any of the pre/pros so far suggested. That is the only way to retain analog purity while having access to the latest, necessary doo-dads for HT and for MCH audio.
Kal |
Hey Y'all,
I agree with Elevick. I would keep the HPA-3 for the center and rears and get a nice two channel amp for the mains. I'm not sure if the B&K has an analog pass through, but if it does, I would connect the CDP to take advantage. There are a few very affordable two channel amps on the 'gon. I would recommend something from BAT. I own the VK-6200 and it is the best amp I've had in my system, and I used five tube monos before I went with the BAT. You could get a VK-200 or a VK-220, the newer model, for anywhere from $1200 to $1795. Either of these amps will give you considerably better two channel performance then the Proceed amps you currently use. I hope this helps.......John |
Get a good transparent pre-amp to put between your processor and front L+R channel amplifiers.
Connect your CD system to one of the inputs, and your processor to another set of the inputs. Then connect the outputs to your front L+R channel amplifiers.
You now have your processor for multichannel sources and a pure two channel system in one.
Only hassle is setting the volume to zero gain when you select the processor input. |
"Only hassle is setting the volume to zero gain when you select the processor input."
Not a hassle since most modern preamps have an HT bypass setting or input.
Kal |
Thanks everybody, Special thanks to Elevick for the direct mode suggestion. Made quite a difference, so after this change Ive determined that its not the processor but he cd player or cables that are an issue. I cant buy a new amp guys. I like the Proceed HPA 3, and need the power to drive the Aerial LR5's, they are power hungry. I like the combo. My current cdp is Arcam 92T, and I am using MIT shotgun s3 cables from cdp to Pre/Pro and Shotgun s2 from amp to Pre/Pro and Shotgun s3 speaker cables. There is some continuity.
I am looking for a warmer smoother sound. I am considering McIntosh MCD 201, Meridian G06 or G08, I sure could use some other recommendations. Do I upgrade the cd player or the cables to the MIT shotgun s1. I am at a crossroads on where my money will be best spent.
Thanks all my fellow audiophiles!! |
A 2 channel (tube) preamp with a HT bypass switch (although not necessary to have the switch/just use the volume control) is sage advice.
I run an Outlaw 950 for HT and a Rouge 99 Mag with HT bypass for stereo and works like a charm........
you married? The HT bypass is a mandatory thing for me as it is so easy for the wife and kids to use for movies etc. The vol control is a little more involved. |
I went from a krell hts to a marantz av 8003, I was never really satisfied with either, I am now using a classe ssp 600 witch imo took everything to a higher level, the japeneese pre pro's just don't compare to the sound quality of the classe, good luck |
If your budget allows it I would strongly suggest you Denon AVP-A1HDCI.
It replaced my beloved B&K red 50 and never regreted it for a moment. The avp does lots of things and it does them extremely well, including analog, and it is future proof.
Did I mentioned audyssey calibration?
Cheers |
