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Pre/Pro or Recevier for approx $2000 (I have amps)

481 Views 8 Replies 6 Participants Last post by Andy Lammer, Jun 4, 2000

Tom Rosback

Discussion Starter · May 28, 2000

I am in the finishing stages of HT building. Video will be a Draper 106â€ Dia 16:9 screen driven by a Sony VPH 1272Q projector, with progressive scan DVDâ€™s being the primary source. I have a Toshiba SD 5109 DVD player which has 5.1 channel Dolby Digital audio outputs (no DTS) and coaxial/optical bitstream/pcm outputs. The room is 17â€™w x 30â€™ d x 7.5â€™h, and serves as our family room. Hordes of young children use the room on a regular basis, so I wonâ€™t be using anything like Sonus Faber Amati Homages for the speakers. Iâ€™ll probably end up with reasonably sized mini monitors on stands, with separate subs. The system will be video only, as I have a dedicated 2 channel audio system in another (locked) room.

I have the following 2 channel amplifiers left over from previous stereo upgrades:

SAE 2600, 400 wpc into 8

Hafler DH 500, 250 wpc into 8

Hafler DH 500, 250 wpc into 8

Hafler 9130, 50 wpc into 8 (bridgeable)

So, the question before the house is:

Should I buy a pre/pro and use my existing but somewhat dated amplification? Or should I assimilate into the receiver world and sell the amps? Crossover flexibility and bass management are important to me, as I find that main to sub setup, is critically important for balanced sound. Also, I find that many HT audio systems that Iâ€™ve heard have, for lack of a better word, a â€˜digital hazeâ€™ associated with them, which I find troublesome. Upgradability is also a factor. (I have a Lexicon CP-1 Iâ€™ll sell ya â€“ cheeeep!)

So, with that background, any thoughts/suggestions?

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kjohn

· #2 · May 28, 2000

I would buy the Acurus ACT-3 with the bass management up-grade it will give you the fexibility you need for the bass cross over and Fantastic sound, in my opinion seperates are better in sound quality, and the Acurus is totally upgradable so future technologies is just a chip away to me that is very important you can always upgrade piece by piece but with a reciever you have to replace the whole thing.

Good Luck!

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Rick Ho

· #3 · May 29, 2000

My advice would be to pick up a use Lexicon DC-1 or recent vintage. While not a current "state of the art" processor it offers great performance for the money,is easy to use once configured and has great factory support. Even though your amps are over 15 years old they should still outperform any receiver you might hope to buy with your 2gs.

Regards,

Rick

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Dave928

· #4 · May 29, 2000

a new ACT-3 or a used Lexicon.

(i had an ACT-3 for two years then stepped up to a DC-2)

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dave

Widescreen DVD - Because a superior format requires superior formatting.

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Tom Rosback

Discussion Starter · #5 · Jun 2, 2000

Thanks, all for your recommendations. Not a receiver in the bunch, so it looks like the amps stay. I'll definitely check into the Acurus, Lexicon, and Golden Theatre pieces. I checked out the Golden Theatre piece yesterday, and was impressed with the sound and build quality. The DC-1 option has my interest piqued. What's the going rate? I still have a CP-1. It was very flexible, had lots of sutrround modes, but the overall sound was less than sterling. I'd characterize it as thin and cold, for lack of better adjectives. How does the DC-1 sound?

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Dave928

· #6 · Jun 2, 2000

you should be able to find a used one with DTS for around $2k. maybe slightly more.

you're not confusing "thin and cold" with accurate, are you?

it's a good piece.

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dave

Widescreen DVD - Because a superior format requires superior formatting.

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Tom Rosback

Discussion Starter · #7 · Jun 2, 2000

Thanks for the additional suggestions! And thanks for the pricing info on the DC-1. I like Lexicon's flexibility, service and support. David, I don't think I'm confusing thin and cold with accurate. (But I've been wrong plenty of times before. I prefer the warm end of the spectrum wrt overall preferences. My stereo system uses Classe' amps, which have a reputation of being 'warm'.)I don't think the CP-1, an admittedly early Lexicon piece, has the basic sound quality I'm looking for. I'm hoping that Lexicon has improved the basic audio quality of their processors wrt the CP-1. Anyone heard both and able to comment on the differences?

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migliore

· #8 · Jun 3, 2000

I would get a used EAD TheaterMaster Encore. They are simply amazing. They aren't as configurable as something like a Lexicon, but they excel at musicality.

PS: I think [email protected] is selling one.

Rob

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Migliore Theater

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Andy Lammer

· #9 · Jun 4, 2000

I picked up a used EAD TheaterMaster Ovation for $2,100 U.S.

The EADs have great sound for HT and even greater sound at 2-channel audio.

They are also sexy pieces of equipment.

Also, a Lexcion DC-1 with current upgrades is an excellent choice.

These usually go for the low $2k range.

Good Luck - Andy

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