I haven't tried it myself but u may want to check out McCormak gear: their mutli-channel pre is analogue: no digital processing and price is well within your price range if memory serves me correctly, The digital process for 5.1 channel you can rely on your DVD player: what does mean though you need lots of cable but if sound quality is not the utmost priority for your 5 channel set up, this should not be expensive either. It ain't tubes as u seem to be interested in, but very neat solution: sound quality I can't say as I have not tried it myself but I think I recall John Marks of Stereophile giving it a good review, for what its worth. Check it out...and if you let me know what you think!
Separates for 2-channel & HT, or.....?
I posted this in the amp/preamp forum too - no responses as yet so I will try again here. I hope double posts are not frowned upon.
I am coming from the simple world of SS receiver and separate SS power amp - Rotel gear, as you can see from my Virtual System. I am trying to find a more musical system, but I still need to have a system that can be used for HT. Optimized 2-channel is more important to me, but I can't make two separate systems - no room. :-(
I am changing out my speakers to Cain & Cain Abbys - single drive (Fostex 166E) high efficiency speakers (95dB.) My Teres turntable is also a keeper, as is my phono stage. These are about the only decisions I have been able to firm up! So, I am building my system around these components.
I need either an integrated amp or separates - pre amp/power amp. I thought tubes would be best for the Abbys, but then again, maybe the pre should be solid state with a tube amp - or is the other way around better? You see how unknowing I am! An integrated amp might be a bit of a compromise, but might also fit my budget better. :-~
This is what I need the system to do: I need to be able to run my CD drive, a DVD drive, my phono stage and a subwoofer, as well as, of course, front speakers. If I end up getting rid of my receiver, an option for rear and center speakers would be a plus, though I may forgo surround sound (5.1) with my new system.
My budget is around $10,000 which is both limiting, I realize, and more than I wanted to spend. :rolleyes: I would like this budget to include a new CD-player - I am considering the Musical Fidelity A5 - so I guess my actual amp/preamp budget is around $8000.
So, should I keep the receiver - or get a better one - and get an integrated amp with an HT pass through, or go with separates, or????
I am coming from the simple world of SS receiver and separate SS power amp - Rotel gear, as you can see from my Virtual System. I am trying to find a more musical system, but I still need to have a system that can be used for HT. Optimized 2-channel is more important to me, but I can't make two separate systems - no room. :-(
I am changing out my speakers to Cain & Cain Abbys - single drive (Fostex 166E) high efficiency speakers (95dB.) My Teres turntable is also a keeper, as is my phono stage. These are about the only decisions I have been able to firm up! So, I am building my system around these components.
I need either an integrated amp or separates - pre amp/power amp. I thought tubes would be best for the Abbys, but then again, maybe the pre should be solid state with a tube amp - or is the other way around better? You see how unknowing I am! An integrated amp might be a bit of a compromise, but might also fit my budget better. :-~
This is what I need the system to do: I need to be able to run my CD drive, a DVD drive, my phono stage and a subwoofer, as well as, of course, front speakers. If I end up getting rid of my receiver, an option for rear and center speakers would be a plus, though I may forgo surround sound (5.1) with my new system.
My budget is around $10,000 which is both limiting, I realize, and more than I wanted to spend. :rolleyes: I would like this budget to include a new CD-player - I am considering the Musical Fidelity A5 - so I guess my actual amp/preamp budget is around $8000.
So, should I keep the receiver - or get a better one - and get an integrated amp with an HT pass through, or go with separates, or????