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HK Signature 2.0 or NuForce AVP-16

I've started to rethink my original idea of getting an HK AVR-247 as a pre-pro for stereo/surround. Current contenders are the HK Sig 2.0 and NuForce AVP-16 for ~$300 and ~$900, respectively. I love the minimalistic look of the Sig 2.0, but am concerned about its digital processing of analog inputs. I'm also open to other options. One of which is to forget all this and hold off for a GFA-750.

I see that the NuForce is highly regarded here, but is there anyone who has heard either or all and can offer insight? My priority is music w/ HT as an added bonus. As I've yet to hear either unit, I'm currently leaning towards Sig 2.0 b/c of price and minimalistic look, but SQ takes priority. Below is my current set-up.

Adcom GFA-5802
Adcom GTP-500II
Boston Acoustics VR3 - front
Boston Acoustics CR75 - rear
biturbo
robr45's avatar
robr45
319 posts
 
I recall many reports of people having issues with the HK unit. You might want to run a search on hometheaterforum and audioasylum.

Shopping for a "2ch centric" home theater precessor of yesteryear is fun as hell IMO. You can get really awesome soudning stuff.

For example;

You see Meridan 561/565 come up every once in a while for well under $500. A Proceed PAV/PDSD combo went for $550 on ebay last week. Also- Angstrom stuff comes up every once in a while. The 100 is pretty basic but incredible sounding with Theta designed DACs. Lexicon Dc-1 can also be had for under $500 but I see that is a more HT centric product.
biturbo OP
4 posts
 
Thank you for the great suggestions! I'm not going to bid on the Sig 2.0. One of my "nice to have" requirements is a rotary volume control so I looked into your Proceed suggestion and stumbled onto the AVP unit. From first glance, their 2ch SQ is same. As for the remaining channels, if there's even marginal decrease in quality, it would likely be better than anything else I've looked at... especially at this price point.

There's an AVP-S unit listed for $800. I'm assuming that's all I'll need, but I'm not sure what the more expensive units (+6, etc) offer. What do you think is a fair price for a used AVP unit?
adidadi
31 posts
 
The AVP is very clean sounding with great dynaics and separation. May not be as detailed and transparent as I remember the PAV/PDSD combo, but way more practical. The AVP2 is a big step up as a preamp. Fantastic sounding, but all of these are pretty much obsolete with the new formats having emerged. I too considered revisiting these units, but having limited selection of surround modes would just spur the upgrade bug.
biturbo OP
4 posts
 
AVP2 (incl +6) is a bit more than I want to spend right now. And as mentioned, I'm just looking for basic surround. I have a GFA-5200 waiting for the rear set-up and it'll be a while before I drop more money for the center channel driver and amplification. The original AVP seems to be just right in many regards. Thank you for the feedback!

Robr45 -- you're definitely right... there's plenty of equipment to be had for a good value. I'll just have to wait and see if a pre-pro can match stereo abilities of a dedicated pre.
elevick
2,636 posts
 
If you are in the $800 range, my choice hands down is the Anthem AVM-2. Amazing sound and quality. Very nice remote. I like the sound much better than the "sterile" sound of the AVP2.
Either one will blow away the 2.1 WHICH IS OBSOLETE. Nice DACs, lots of digital and balance inputs/outputs, good on screen displays.
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