2. home-theater
  3. 1094496428

Good choices in a used A/V pre-amp?

I'm slowly re-building a home theater. My amplification is about the only thing set -- a B&K TX4430 (200w x 3) for the fronts, and a B&K EX442 (200w x 2) for the rears.

Now I need a DTS pre-amp, and I don't feel any need for 7.1 (or should I?). I'd like to try to stay around $500 or under, hence going used. I haven't made any firm decisions in the speakers I'll be driving, a project for another day. This is a home theater system only -- no music listening. I'm re-building because I'd broken up my rig long ago for a dedicated 2-channel high end system for another room.

Is my $500 price point enough for a used a/v pre-amp? What are some key features I should look for? Brands and models?

Thanks!
kitchener
kthomas
911 posts
 
I'd second the Lexicon DC-1 - absolutely wonderful on movies. No analog pass-thru for a pure audio signal on 2-channel music, but nice sounding nonetheless, and it does "surround" sound from 2-channel sources as well or better than anything on the market. User friendly, at least considering it's age, too.
bruceomega
118 posts
 
Kitchener,

In responsze to your question on 7.1, I highly recommend auditioning a properly set up 7.1 system before finalizing any decisions.

In my own case, when I expanded from 5.1 to 7.1 I found a significant improvement in surround envelopment, so much so that I'll never be satisfied with 5.1 again.

The Lexicons recommended above will give you the ability to generate 7.1 outputs from any source. An alternative that is now coming into more widespread use is DPLIIx.

Thanks
Bruce
kitchener OP
18 posts
 
Good stuff. Gives me a short list to work with. The 7.1 vs 5.1 argument is worth further consideration, too.

How picky do I need to be for sub-woofers for a relatively small room (~11' x 20' with the listening position forced to be in the long part of the rectangular room, ~10' from the front speakers)? Was thinking a Sunfire Jr or an HSU. Again, this is not my music-listening system, so I don't need to find something that serves both needs. What would you all recommend I put on the short list for a subwoofer?
jimburger
104 posts
 
Another vote for the Lexicon DC-1. With Logic 7 processing, it was designed for 7.1. DTS capable as well as Dolby Digital. One of the easiest processors to program on top of that. I still know of one that was installed in a million dollar theater(I'm not joking) in Mendocino that is only now slated for upgrade.
jimburger
104 posts
 
I neglected to mention that I obtained my DC-1 v2.1(DTS,DD,THX,Logic7) for only $500. This is an absolute bargain by any standard of measurement.
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