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used pre-pro surround processor suggestions - Page 2

post #31 of 64
1/20/07 at 5:13am
An EAD Ovation will be right up your alley, very nice on the ears, and of course the killer looks.
An EAD Encore is cheaper, but the Ovation sounds noticably better IIRC.
Look for one that has the updated black VFD display ( not the flourescent blue ) and the latest SRC-2000 remote.
They also have balanced outputs with "dual-DACs" for the left & right outputs.

Though EAD is defunct, service is readily available from:
http://nobleelectronics.net/

- Andy
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post #32 of 64
1/20/07 at 6:10am
Quote:


I'm leaning towards an old Marantz 9000 now.

Before I bought my ACT-3, I test drove that and the Marantz AV9000 at home with my then Paradigm Studio 60 v.1. I think we're talking about the same marantz...it was circa 2000. In 5.1, I couldn't tell between the two maybe too much going on. In 2ch, I liked the Acurus for warmer, less forward-sizzle of mainstream entry-level high-end stuff.
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post #33 of 64
1/20/07 at 10:19am
Quote:
Originally Posted by John Tremor View Post

I'm looking for a used pre-pro that has just dolby digital and DTS surround processing. (Not DTS-ES or DD EX)

The absolute top priority is sound quality while listening to 2 channel first, and movies second. Both are important but I'm more 2 channel audiophile and wanting a theater too.

What models and brands would you suggest looking into?

I picked up a Sunfire Theater Grand I about 2 years ago, for the very same reason. I was only concerned with DD/DTS 5.1 minus the other formats. About 4 months ago, I purchased an HD-A1, so I Ebayed my TG1 and picked up a used TG2 for the 5.1 analog inputs. The TG1 pops up on Ebay from time to time.
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post #34 of 64
1/20/07 at 11:13am
I have the legendary Lexicon MC-1 in your price range.
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post #35 of 64
1/20/07 at 1:42pm
I recently saw a Proceed AVP selling for $795/obo on A-gon. Along with the EAD Encores and Ovations that show up, you may be able to land an original Aragon Soundstage, which is much more transparent piece than the Acurus Act3.

Heck, a couple used Nuforce 16s have shown up around your pice range...and they have a lot of current features. Even if you don't need them, it should give you peace of mind knowing you have them available for expansion; i.e, 7.1 processing.

I've still got an old H/K Signature 2.0 laying around, which while not as good as many of the ones above, isn't a bad little pre/pro for around $300...and even has a multichannel bypass. I also agree that some of ADA's older stuff is a good grab...especially since you can usually get them at a significant discount.
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post #36 of 64
1/20/07 at 4:18pm
I am using an ACT 3 right now. It introduced me to the joys of two channel listening, and I bought another one, this time with bass managment, after I used an Audio Refinement pre for a while. The Audio Refinement has the best sound on 2 channel. It was just too hard for my family to use when I was gone, and I got tired of walking everybody through it when I was on the road. I use a Cary AES DJH signature pre for two channel now, with the Acurus as a prepro. Nice. But for your budget, and assuming you would like something simple, I'd go with the ACT 3. Bass managment upgrade only..Play Mark Knopfler and EmmyLou Harris' recording All the Road Running....then Pay Metheny and Charlie Mingus' Beyond the Missouri Sky...for $450 on agon, it can't be beat......
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post #37 of 64
1/26/07 at 6:01pm
Used Pre-Pros are probably one of the best deals in hi-fi right now. I have an old EAD Theatermaster classic and it is truelly an awesome piece of equipement. Considering it cost $500cdn I consider it a real steal.

Buy a Proceed, EAD or Audio Refinement and you just can't go wrong.
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post #38 of 64
1/26/07 at 7:26pm
Thread Starter 
wow guys thanks, lots stuff to look into here now.

just couple notes though; I read in a review the Acurus was noisy

also heard the same about the Sunfire on audioholics for noise, and shotty build quaility too
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post #39 of 64
1/26/07 at 9:36pm
Anthem AVM 20 may be beyond your desired $ range, but it's a very quiet pre/pro and quite neutral too, IMO.
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post #40 of 64
1/27/07 at 7:25am
Except for some reasn, the AVM20 sellers on A-gon think it's worth the same as teh AVM30.
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post #41 of 64
2/1/07 at 7:13pm
Thread Starter 
do you have the 990? Would love to ask you questions about it....
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post #42 of 64
2/1/07 at 7:19pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by whoaru99 View Post

Anthem AVM 20 may be beyond your desired $ range, but it's a very quiet pre/pro and quite neutral too, IMO.

yea its way outta my range

cant touch one for under $1,500 used
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post #43 of 64
2/1/07 at 9:51pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by John Tremor View Post

yea its way outta my range

cant touch one for under $1,500 used

Please let me know if you see one for $1,500. They seem to sell for just a little less than what the AVM30 sells for, around $1,800-1,900.
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post #44 of 64
2/11/07 at 7:02am
Thread Starter 
well, I picked up a Marantz 9000, lacking bass, So I'm still in the hunt....
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post #45 of 64
2/22/07 at 7:25am
Quote:
Originally Posted by John Tremor View Post

If you want the best, it won't be made in a 3rd world country, those are just the facts.
Believe what you want, if you want something second rate that's your business.

This statement is so f'ing ridiculous I'm surprised no one lost their mind. First of all, Taiwan is a modern, industrialized nation. I don't think there's anything 3rd world about them. Someone better call Usher and tell them their loudspeakers are substandard because they're made in Taiwan. I'm guessing that even most people who frequent these forums will NEVER own a speaker as nice as Usher's 6 or Dancer series.

Here's some more substandard product for you to avoid:

Wharfedale loudspeakers (PRC)
Quad loudspeakers and electronics (PRC)
Von Schweikert VR-4 Jr, VR-2, and VR-1 loudspeakers (PRC)
Audio Refinement electronics (PRC)
Parasound electronics (Taiwan)
Sherwood Newcastle electronics (South Korea)
Revel Concerta series loudspeakers (Mexico)
Marantz electronics (all but the Reference line and Flagship avrs are made in PRC)
JAS loudspeakers (PRC)
Aurum Cantus loudspeakers (PRC)
Musical Fidelity electronics (PRC)
Prima Luna electronics (PRC)
Cayin electronics (PRC)
Opera-Consonance loudspeakers and electronics (PRC)
Shanling electronics (PRC)
Onix loudspeakers (PRC)
Swan loudspeakers (PRC)
Emotiva electronics (PRC/South America)

I'm sure I'm missing many more.
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post #46 of 64
2/22/07 at 7:58am
Surprised no one has mentioned (or maybe I missed it) the Aragon Soundstage, which can be had for as little as $800 on occasion at Audiogon. The upgraded version that added DPLII and component video is even better, but usually sells for a few hundred more. The Citation 7.0 is peerless IMO as a 2 channel preamp, but does not do DD/DTS. I use mine for 2 ch listening and passing through the L/R channels of a DD AVR for HT. 7.0s usually sell for about $500 at Audiogon. The 5.0 sells for more and adds DD/DTS but all say it is not as good as the 7.0 on 2 ch, but it may be good enough - only you can decide.
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post #47 of 64
2/22/07 at 9:03am
Quote:
Originally Posted by mlankton View Post

This statement is so f'ing ridiculous I'm surprised no one lost their mind. First of all, Taiwan is a modern, industrialized nation. I don't think there's anything 3rd world about them. Someone better call Usher and tell them their loudspeakers are substandard because they're made in Taiwan. I'm guessing that even most people who frequent these forums will NEVER own a speaker as nice as Usher's 6 or Dancer series.

Here's some more substandard product for you to avoid:

Wharfedale loudspeakers (PRC)
Quad loudspeakers and electronics (PRC)
Von Schweikert VR-4 Jr, VR-2, and VR-1 loudspeakers (PRC)
Audio Refinement electronics (PRC)
Parasound electronics (Taiwan)
Sherwood Newcastle electronics (South Korea)
Revel Concerta series loudspeakers (Mexico)
Marantz electronics (all but the Reference line and Flagship avrs are made in PRC)
JAS loudspeakers (PRC)
Aurum Cantus loudspeakers (PRC)
Musical Fidelity electronics (PRC)
Prima Luna electronics (PRC)
Cayin electronics (PRC)
Opera-Consonance loudspeakers and electronics (PRC)
Shanling electronics (PRC)
Onix loudspeakers (PRC)
Swan loudspeakers (PRC)
Emotiva electronics (PRC/South America)

I'm sure I'm missing many more.


My Sherbourn amplifier (5/1500) was built in Taiwan. Had it for 6 years, no problems.

BTW if anyone is not willing to drop a couple grand on a piece of equipment because it's built in a "3rd world country" then I would avoid airtravel too...

from the Boeing website:

"China has an increasingly sophisticated and expanding part to play in the commercial aviation industry, and has a role on all of Boeing commercial airplane models -- 737, 747, 767, 777 and 787. It builds horizontal stabilizers, vertical fins, portions of the aft tail section, doors, wing-panels and other parts on the 737; all the trailing edge wing ribs for every 747. China also has an important role on the new 787 Dreamliner airplane, building the rudder, wing-to-body fairing panels and leading edge of the vertical fin. China is the first conversion location for the new 747-400 Boeing Converted Freighter. Many parts and assemblies are built in China. Conversion, test and certification are performed in China and airplanes are delivered from China."
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post #48 of 64
2/22/07 at 9:36am
I have a Lexicon DC-1 for sale. It's fully loaded with THX, DTS, Dolby Digital and all Surround EX flavors that came in the ver. 4.0 software I have on it. It's in MINT condition with the original manuals & double box from the factory. $500 plus shipping. PM me if interested.
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post #49 of 64
2/26/07 at 9:28pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by mlankton View Post

This statement is so f'ing ridiculous I'm surprised no one lost their mind. First of all, Taiwan is a modern, industrialized nation. I don't think there's anything 3rd world about them. Someone better call Usher and tell them their loudspeakers are substandard because they're made in Taiwan. I'm guessing that even most people who frequent these forums will NEVER own a speaker as nice as Usher's 6 or Dancer series.

Here's some more substandard product for you to avoid:

Wharfedale loudspeakers (PRC)
Quad loudspeakers and electronics (PRC)
Von Schweikert VR-4 Jr, VR-2, and VR-1 loudspeakers (PRC)
Audio Refinement electronics (PRC)
Parasound electronics (Taiwan)
Sherwood Newcastle electronics (South Korea)
Revel Concerta series loudspeakers (Mexico)
Marantz electronics (all but the Reference line and Flagship avrs are made in PRC)
JAS loudspeakers (PRC)
Aurum Cantus loudspeakers (PRC)
Musical Fidelity electronics (PRC)
Prima Luna electronics (PRC)
Cayin electronics (PRC)
Opera-Consonance loudspeakers and electronics (PRC)
Shanling electronics (PRC)
Onix loudspeakers (PRC)
Swan loudspeakers (PRC)
Emotiva electronics (PRC/South America)

I'm sure I'm missing many more.

Ha, ha, For every 1 you just named I can name several Mfg's that are superior in quality made in Europe, U.S. , Japan.

Krell,
Crown
Legacy audio
Eggleston
Scanspeak
Focal
B&K
Genesis
Wilson audio
Nakamichi
Mark Levinson....... Ok I'm getting bored now...you get the point yet?

and another thing you just said that really makes me laugh is you stating;

"Marantz electronics (all but the Reference line and Flagship avrs are made in PRC)"
Ok so why do you think Marantz only makes the ref line and flagship items in Japan anyway?! Cause that's the best Equip they make! talk about putting your foot right in your mouth


Like I said, if you want something done to the highest level of quality, cost no object its not the way to go....think about it this way, what Mfg would say, hmmmm, I'll bet if I moved our production overseas and got dirt cheap labor I could be #1 in quality! ...NOT!

also, I'm not saying everything is bad either, just that if you want the best it will NOT be from China, Korea, Taiwan, ect...

oh yea, sled! thanks for the tip about Boeing too, I'll call my travel agent & cancel all my flights at once

Lets get back to talking about pre-pros
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post #50 of 64
2/26/07 at 9:58pm
Thread Starter 
After listening to some high end 2 channel pre-pros last weekend at a local audio salon, I'm thinking of going with a separate 2 channel pre pro now and just using my current receiver for surround sound with different speakers for each setup.

Anyone doing that?
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post #51 of 64
2/27/07 at 11:29am
I prefer the solution of integrating 2-ch and HT systems, with the HT system sending preout signals for FR/FL to the 2-ch preamp, preferably to a bypass input on the preamp that passes the volume control and such, and so using the same amp/speaker solution for the FL/FR. But that's because I don't have two different rooms for a 2-ch and a HT system, nor space in my one room for two independent sets of FL/FR speakers. But unless you can go with a really nice pre/pro, a stereo preamp+receiver should give much better music playback than a so-so pre/pro.

You say 2-ch pre/pro. I assume you just mean stereo preamp? No digital inputs, right?
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post #52 of 64
2/27/07 at 12:51pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by John Tremor View Post

After listening to some high end 2 channel pre-pros last weekend at a local audio salon, I'm thinking of going with a separate 2 channel pre pro now and just using my current receiver for surround sound with different speakers for each setup.

Anyone doing that?

Yep. Totally different HT and 2-channel systems. Easier to me than trying to find that utopian pre/pro that excels at both, and cheaper too, really. It helps that my theater / listening room is in another building separate from my house, and WAF does not apply. I couldn't see my ADS L1530s in our living room.
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post #53 of 64
2/27/07 at 12:54pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by John Tremor View Post

After listening to some high end 2 channel pre-pros last weekend at a local audio salon, I'm thinking of going with a separate 2 channel pre pro now and just using my current receiver for surround sound with different speakers for each setup.

Anyone doing that?

Been there done that I used to have to discrete systems in my room - one 2 ch (Sonic Frontiers SFL-1 sig preamp, Kingertics KBA-75 pure class A power amp and Scientific Fidelity Tesla speakers) and a MC setup (Rotel 976 pre pro then an Acurus ACT5. Acurus five 200 power amp and PMC TB2 speakers all around). Both systems share some common components like the Magnum tuner. The room was pretty cluttered so I went on a quest to find a pre pro that would do excellent 2 ch as well as multi channel. I was and am extremely happy with the Bryston SP 1.7 and sold off my 2 ch amplification and speakers. The Bryston SP1 / SP 1.7 / SP 2 has a real true analog preamp inside even with its own power supplies for the analog stage. It really is a no comprimise solution. Haven't been happier. The two sets of speakers in terms of placement will affect the sound as you can only have one really true sweet spot.
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post #54 of 64
2/27/07 at 2:39pm
I think that the Acurus is an excellent recommendation. Also look for a used B&K or rotel. There is a store near me that has lots of used stuff. Right now they have 2 used HT Pre-amps. A rotel and a EAD. Check them out if you have the time.

www.tsto.com
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post #55 of 64
2/27/07 at 3:24pm
John Tremor

PM'd you
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post #56 of 64
2/27/07 at 4:05pm
I bought my Acurus Act 3 in 1998, and had it upgraded to 7.1 and analog bypass when the offer was made - I wisely skipped the bass management upgrade, which was included in the later one.

I have always had a low noise floor, and have loved the unit.

I am using Martin Logan Quests with an OCM 500 amp for my 3 channel listening, and have an Aragon 8008x3 for the other 3 channels drive some Definitive Technology speakers.

After I got the unit back after the upgrade, I took it over to a friends house who has an Act 3 wsand we compared them - a bit quieter, the Dolby Pro Logic II was GREAT!

The test was done on his KEF speakers.

If you find a good deal on anything Aragon or Acurus, your search should be over...
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post #57 of 64
2/27/07 at 7:42pm
You really should read the above referenced thread. It talks about pre-pros in ALL price ranges that are EXACTLY what you are after.

As for the made in Taiwain argument this is all I have to ask. If a pre-pro popped up that was EXACTLY what you wanted in terms of feature set, performance, and price, are you telling us that you would not buy it simply because of where it was made?
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post #58 of 64
3/1/07 at 8:23pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by dynfan View Post

You really should read the above referenced thread. It talks about pre-pros in ALL price ranges that are EXACTLY what you are after.

As for the made in Taiwain argument this is all I have to ask. If a pre-pro popped up that was EXACTLY what you wanted in terms of feature set, performance, and price, are you telling us that you would not buy it simply because of where it was made?

No, I would reluctantly buy it. I know I cant afford the best.
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post #59 of 64
3/1/07 at 8:25pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by EC View Post

Been there done that I used to have to discrete systems in my room - one 2 ch (Sonic Frontiers SFL-1 sig preamp, Kingertics KBA-75 pure class A power amp and Scientific Fidelity Tesla speakers) and a MC setup (Rotel 976 pre pro then an Acurus ACT5. Acurus five 200 power amp and PMC TB2 speakers all around). Both systems share some common components like the Magnum tuner. The room was pretty cluttered so I went on a quest to find a pre pro that would do excellent 2 ch as well as multi channel. I was and am extremely happy with the Bryston SP 1.7 and sold off my 2 ch amplification and speakers. The Bryston SP1 / SP 1.7 / SP 2 has a real true analog preamp inside even with its own power supplies for the analog stage. It really is a no comprimise solution. Haven't been happier. The two sets of speakers in terms of placement will affect the sound as you can only have one really true sweet spot.

How much for the Bryston you picked up? Does it have balanced XLR outputs?
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post #60 of 64
3/1/07 at 8:30pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by brubacca View Post

I think that the Acurus is an excellent recommendation. Also look for a used B&K or rotel. There is a store near me that has lots of used stuff. Right now they have 2 used HT Pre-amps. A rotel and a EAD. Check them out if you have the time.

www.tsto.com

couldnt find either of them on the site..maybe they sold already?
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