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Multichannel Preamp

I had a thread some time ago (see end of post) asking about this subject. At the time many of the good (or only) multichannel preamps available at a bargain were older processors made for home theater that no one wanted because the technology was outdated. Now, you have Bel Canto, McIntosh, McCormack, Audio Refinement (to name the ones Stereophile "Music In the Round" has reviewed) and some others who have made simple multichannel preamps for multichannel DVD-A, SACD, or connection to a DVD player with its own decoding.
Now that this much time has past, can anyone compare these units as well as any new ones? Dare I ask which is the best?
Thanks
http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?home&1076885980&openusid&zzJimmy2615&4&5#Jimmy2615
jimmy2615
jeffreybehr's avatar
jeffreybehr
805 posts
 
Way to go, Jimmy--you're one of the few who knows how to (not) punctuate 'multichannel'. Most of us get it wrong!

I can't compare my Audio Refinements Pre 5 6-channel preamp with anything but its predecessor, a Marantz pre/pro/tuner, the AV9000. Generally, the Pre 5 is less gritty, has a slightly bigger soundstage, and MAY retain more subtle spacial info. But I'm no GEA, so maybe I shouldn't opine.

I've modified mine; see http://community.webshots.com/album/287782641gYWTlA .
lazarus28
339 posts
 
Meitner/Emmlabs Switchman Mk3.

you won't find a better multichannel preamp.
goinbroke
105 posts
 
Like Jeffreybehr, I haven't compared my Audio Refinement Pre 5 to any of the other 6 channel preamps out there, but I have been completely satisfied with it. It is a piece I truly would not hesitate to recommend.
dsremer
210 posts
 
I find my Aragon Stageone to be a fine piece of equipment both for digital movies and analoge music(2 channel and multi) prior pre/pro B&K ref 30 nice but not in the same league.
mjcmt's avatar
mjcmt
710 posts
 
I have the Audio Refinement Pre-5 and it very fine. It is basically a 2 channel preamp that has 5.1 anologue follow thru using the volume control as a master volume. When I swithed frome a tube pre to it I noticed a loss in air but gained bass extension, pace and timing, as well as detail.

Your source will have to have 5.1 anologue outputs because you will not be using the digital out but your sources processing. It will also have to have bass management to adjust the gain to your speakers to balance the surround sound.

Stereophile claimed that the Macintosh anologue 5.1 preamp was awesome and would be my choice if budget allowed, but the AR pre-5 is good. Definitely better than a pre/pro.
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