[strange_brew]

I've settled on my Amp (B&K reference 200.7 S2), and I do like their pre/pro (reference 50 S2), but I just can't bring myself to buy a pre/pro that doesn't have any digitial inputs/outputs or scaling capability. I was also looking at the Outlaw 990 but, again, limited digital inputs and outputs. I also took a look at the Anthem but that seems to be out of my price range.


I suppose the other alternative is to buy a dedicated Video scaler (DVDO VP) but that is a big budget impact.


Primary application is a dedicated 7.1 Home Theater driving either Monitor Audio or B&W speakers.


I was hoping to keep it under $2500


Recommendations?

 

[J.H.]

All I can say is the Ref50 S2 is a great sounding processor. When I set out to buy a new processor I put it up against processor that cost double the Ref50 and it beat the pants off all of them. The Ref50 S2 with a ref200.7 would be an incredible system. To me sound quality rules not the other stuff. J.H.

 

[Warpdrv]

Have you already dismissed a temporary fix by buying a receiver with a scaler, like Denon, Pioneer. until they straighten this digital mess out?


I bought an inexpensive Pioneer Elite VSX-81, ($750) doesn't have a scaler but upconverts, and will hold me over until I can get something to go with my Rotel RMB-1095.

I agree with you completely about the Pre/Pro solutions that are out there right now. Unless you dump a boat load of $$ your kinda in a state of flux right now, for good digital inputs.


I am very happy with the results of my solution for now, no video degredation whatsoever, if you move up the line a bit you can get a scaler in the 82, or 84. but those are a bunch more $$.


Good luck

 

[strange_brew]



Quote:
Originally Posted by Warpdrv /forum/post/0


Have you already dismissed a temporary fix by buying a receiver with a scaler, like Denon, Pioneer. until they straighten this digital mess out?

Yeah, I was definitely thinking about that. I actually have a PIO VSX49Txi that would work, but I'm currently using it for my Family room 5.1 system (although it is a 7.1 receiver). I also have an old Denon 5.1. Problem is that it doesn't have a sound processor (only 5.1 analog inputs).


I already have the B&K amp and really wanted to pair it up with a nice pre-pro. But you're right - this digital thing is a mess. Your comment did trigger a thought though. Maybe I can use the PIO as the pre-amp for the B&K. But then I need something for my family room which would mean buying another receiver.


Another thing I may do is try and buy the B&K pre-pro used and just pony up for a good video scaler. I'm leaning that way for the reason J.H. mentioned (sound). Decisions, decisions.

 

[J.H.]

Another thing I may do is try and buy the B&K pre-pro used and just pony up for a good video scaler. I'm leaning that way for the reason J.H. mentioned (sound). Decisions, decisions.[/quote]

I think this would be a great way to go. I will say this though in being fair. B&K is right now working on a new processor to replace the Ref50 S2. I don't know when its coming out but you should know that. I assume it will include HDMI hopefully HDMI 1.3. J.H.

 

[Gary Murrell]

pre/pro selection right now is the bollocks, horrid, way behind and I haven't heard squat from anyone at CES, the B&K is long in the tooth


Anthem is it if you want goodies, I would suggest them, if I had the scratch I would have a avm40


-Gary

 

[Bob Sorel]



Quote:
Anthem is it if you want goodies, I would suggest them, if I had the scratch I would have a avm40

I was in exactly the same position as the OP except that I already have a top notch video processor (Crystalio 2), so I just bought the AVM-40. Once it gets here and I have a chance to put it through its paces I will post a complete review of the unit.

 

[AKA-Chuck G]

I think unless you want to wait a year something like the Sherwood Newcastle R-972 is the way to go. Use it as a pre and use the B&K amp.

 

[strange_brew]



Quote:
I will say this though in being fair. B&K is right now working on a new processor to replace the Ref50 S2. I don't know when its coming out but you should know that. I assume it will include HDMI hopefully HDMI 1.3. J.H.

Yeah, I actually called B&K the other day because I figured given the age of the Ref 50 S2 they must have something in the pipeline - all they would tell me is "this year" and would not elaborate on digital switching other than "I can't imagine it not having that feature" - but the Devil is in the details, and who knows what "this year" means. What I think can assume is that it will be a very fine piece of gear when they do release it.


With the Anthem, I think only the AVM50 would work for me because my the FP I'm getting (JVC RS-1) is 1080P. And those babies are mucho dinero.


Anyway, I think I've decided to go ahead with a used Ref 50 S2 on EBY and just upgrade when the new B&K comes out, or when I see something else that does what I want. And I'll keep looking at the Video processors as well.


I haven't been looking at this stuff for awhile now (pre-digital era) and I must say I'm surprised at how far ahead the receivers are right now vs. the pre/pros. There really is quite a big difference.

 

[J.H.]



Quote:
Originally Posted by strange_brew /forum/post/0


Yeah, I actually called B&K the other day because I figured given the age of the Ref 50 S2 they must have something in the pipeline - all they would tell me is "this year" and would not elaborate on digital switching other than "I can't imagine it not having that feature" - but the Devil is in the details, and who knows what "this year" means. What I think can assume is that it will be a very fine piece of gear when they do release it.


With the Anthem, I think only the AVM50 would work for me because my the FP I'm getting (JVC RS-1) is 1080P. And those babies are mucho dinero.


Anyway, I think I've decided to go ahead with a used Ref 50 S2 on EBY and just upgrade when the new B&K comes out, or when I see something else that does what I want. And I'll keep looking at the Video processors as well.


I haven't been looking at this stuff for awhile now (pre-digital era) and I must say I'm surprised at how far ahead the receivers are right now vs. the pre/pros. There really is quite a big difference.

That is simply a great idea. You have come to a great choice. I also called B&K and they gave me the same story. They were very tight lipped with reason I suppose. They shouldn't spill secrets until its time. I just hope they inclue Doby TrueHD and DTS-HD processing. What ever B&K comes up with I will be buying. The Ref50 S2 has made me a giant fan. J.H.