Review: Acurus ACT-3 Surround Pre


Category: Preamps

Ok here are the facts. The Acurus ACT-3 has had mixed reviews. Look out on the net and you will hear all kinds of good and bad. I took a chance on this unit used because of the unbelievable deal Modial has right now with their upgrade program. Let me just say, even without the upgrade this unit is great. I love the simplicity of this unit. It is easy to set up, straight forward to use and a real upgrade it sound from my Yamaha rv793 receiver. I have had this unit for a month now and I have no problem with hums or high sound floor. I payed about 400 for this unit, if you factor in the $950 cost to upgrade to a 7 channel configuration it still beats everything else hands down. I mean try to find a 7 channel pre/pro with the upgraded dac and other features offered in the upgrade for only $1350.

if your looking for a good quality pre/pro that can do stereo sound really really good(the upgrade adds a two channel audio pass through that allows you to use the unit as a simple pre amp for audio) this unit is the best deal. If your looking for something with all the bells and wistles that add no real value then I would pass on this unit.

Modial passed on the onscreen display because it effects the video image, they passed on having 500 different DSP modes because, well DSP is crap. The units look is clean, the sound is clean, and the price and upgradability should make this unit a no brainer.

Associated gear
B&k av5000
B&W 6 series 3 speakers
rbh sub

Similar products
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Showing 1 response by pharsyd

I have had this unit for about a year now and i really enjoy it. I am using matching a200x3's and absolutely love the sound. I am truly more into HT than 2 channel, but think the 2 channel holds its own well. Haven't had any problems with the unit and for the price tough to beat. As far as going from recvr to seperates as in this case with the act 3, there is just no way to describe the incredible difference to what a person is missing.

Acurus ACT 3
2 A200x3 Amps
North Creek AV7 5.1 Speakers