2. home-theater
  3. 979784653

Pre/Pro for $2K

...new to the site, first time posting. I'm upgrading from a Yamaha pro logic receiver and am having trouble deciding among the B&K Ref 20, Acurus ACT-3, or the Marantz AV-9000. (I'm leaning toward the Acurus as I've heard they've corrected the "hum" problem). I'd like to keep it under $2K but could sacrifice and add a few hundred for great value. (B&K Ref 30?). I'm primarily a music (jazz, reggae, & R&B) listner, but enjoy high impact movies. My system consists of the Adcom GFA6000 5-channel amp, B&W DM604 3-way floor standing mains, Boston center channel and remotes, and a Paradigm PS-1200 sub. Any advice would be appreciated. Also, any suggestions on good but inexpensive ($50 - $60) interconnects would be a tremendous help. THANKS!!!
herbl4
jsbail
368 posts
 
You are better off buying a Sonic Frontiers Line 1 with processor with pass feature-$1500 and a HT reciever; I got a Denon 3300 from an internet seller for $565. Your two channel sound will be far better than any prepro.
emily
28 posts
 
I agree with Jsbail, The two channel performance from a pre/pro in this price range will not measure up. My husband and I use the Adcom 750/5802 combo with a Yamaha HT rec. with far better results when compared to sending our Sonic Frontiers digital front end through the reciever.
lross
15 posts
 
I wouldnt buy any of those suggestions if i had 1500.00 for a preamp/pro i would most likley buy the sunfire theater grand I ... $1500.00 used. and as soon as you can afford it replace your gfa-6000 with a better amp. I replaced my gfa-7500 with a used proceed amp-3 ($1500.00) best decesion i ever made .. took a bright fatiuging grainy system and showed it how to make music.... hey jmo Thanks Lee
p_mmk
70 posts
 
Here are some other options. For around $1,500-$2,000 used, you should look into the Classe SSP-25 or EAD TheaterMaster Encore. Both are realtively bare-bone units but have excellent reputation for 2 channel stereo. The TheaterMaster Encore is upgradable to their top of the line pre/pro the Signature which retails for $6,500 or so. Another option is the Aragon Soundstage (the higher-end line of the manufacturers of the Acurus.) One of the best things about the Soundstage is that it is as upgradeable as currently possible for both software and hardware. That's the main reason I purchased it. As far as two channel sound,it's very good. However, I prefer to connect my CD player directly into the amp. The Soundstage can be had for $2,500 used. These units do not show up for sale very often on Audiogon and when they do they seem to sell quickly. I think they are all two-channel wise a step above the pre/pro's you mentioned. Hope that helps.
jcbtubes
400 posts
 
I support Coltrane's suggestion about the B&K Ref units. For the money, they are quite good, even with audio only applications. Then if you have some money left over, you could consider upgrading the amplifier. Just my .02
More to discover