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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available at a bargain were older processors made for home theater that no one wanted because the technology was outdated.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
maril555
619 posts
 
I have McIntosh C-45, that replaced Bryston SP-1.7. It is a much better preamp. I understand it's the same preamp, as highly regarded 2-channel C-46, with extra 4 channels.
After I having it for a while in my system, I can't really understand an argument,that way too many people here are ready to make, in favor of "purist" 2-channel preamp (and everything else 2-channel) vs. " oh, blasphemy" multichannel.
The only other multichannel "preamp" I have compared it with, was Linn Unidisk SC player, that does have a preamp section. McIntosh is a better preamp (in my system).
jes45
293 posts
 
You will want to add the Tube Research Labs Multi-channel preamp to the short list (very) of the "best" multi channel preamps out there.

http://www.tuberesearchlabs.com/products/gtmrp.htm

Best wishes,
Jack
mjcmt's avatar
mjcmt
710 posts
 
I wish some manufacturers would make more affordable multichannel anologue preamps. With the high calibre universal sources (having processing, bass management, and anologue output) it seems like tube multichannel would be the perfect senerio for a multichannel audio/video system. Tubes would add that extra dimension and largeness.

What do you guys think of NOT using the center channel. If your system images well and has a good soundstage you could tell your souces' menu not to use the center channel. It will then send the center channel info to your R&L channels. I never had a problem positioning voices and sound panning effects in my 2 channel HT. The rear speakers will handle your effects for anologue HT.
jeffreybehr's avatar
jeffreybehr
805 posts
 
Mjcmt's wish for more-affordable multichannel preamps certainly won't be met with Jack's recommendation of the Golden Triode Multichannel--$25K!!!!!!!!!!! I imagine they'll sell 2 or 3 this year. :-)

And, Jack, it's 'multichannel', not multi channel or multi-channel. :-)

Mjcmt: "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." Absolutely wrong in spite of the 'information' published in a couple reviews. The Pre 5 is a 6-channel preamp conceived and built as such. There's no 'pass thru'; the 6 channels are actively amplified. If anything's added on, it's the 2-channel stuff.
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kr4's avatar
kr4
3,654 posts
 
Jeffreybehr wrote: "Absolutely wrong in spite of the 'information' published in a couple reviews. The Pre 5 is a 6-channel preamp conceived and built as such."

That may be but it's hard to believe if you use it.

Kal
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