2. amps-preamps
  3. 1083340126

Preamp or Processor???

I am looking to get a preamp or processor, I am but not sure what to get. I listen to music 80% of the time and 20% movies. Right now I am using a Yamaha receiver as my processor and I want to upgrade badly. But I can't decide if I just want a two channels preamp or get a processor and dump the Yamaha. I also do listen to SACD so I need 5.1 inputs if I get a processor. Anyone have any suggestion for something used under $1500. I myself is leaning toward getting preamp and keep the Yamaha for processor since its pretty new and I don't watch movies that much, nor care about the sound that much in HT. But I want something that does sound really good for music. So far I been looking into some older models from Audio Research (I might want to try tubes). I also looked into the Audio Refinement since some of them offer 5.1 inputs on the preamp, but I am not sure how they sound. Lastly I heard great thing about Mccormack, it is really as good as they say they are? There are so many choices out there, I am not sure where to start.

Thanks for the help.
f155mph
kkm
124 posts
 
Definitely give the used ARC a try, the LS1 cost between 5-600 and you can tube roll for your preference. I was amazed at the sound quality and build of teh unit that I also purchase their SS preamp LS3, both stunning in their performance.
electric_monk
38 posts
 
VTL, Audible Illusions preamps have home theater bypass....not sure if all models do however. There have to be others. You can also just mark a point on the volume control that is on the low side of moderate (vague I know) and then calibrate the surround processor based on that setting. A SPL meter is needed for this and your surround processor has to have the ability to adjust the levels of individual speakers. Then all you have to do is set the 2 channel preamp volume control to this pre-marked postition and fire up the multi-channel.

As far as integrating the 2 channel you have to take the pre-outs on the processor and run them to an unused input on the 2 channel preamp. That input becomes your "home theater signal" input into your 2 channel system. Sorry if this is a bit rambling, I have yet to do this myself but have researched it a bit. If you have a home theater bypass it essentially shunts the signal from the home theater processor on a short signal path to the amp outputs of the (2 channel) preamp. Basically you end up bypassing the volume controls, gain stage, etc. in the preamp. Doing this also means you don't have to have that "marked" spot on the volume control to return to. Less fuss overall.

Any veterans that care to amend, correct or add to this please feel free.
bromo1f96
4 posts
 
I was thinking about doing just that as I expand my system. Right now I have a Receiver with pre-outs - I am using the R and L pre outs to go through a stereo amp to my main speakers for 2 Channel. Since the Receiver has a limited number of ins and outs, too, having a preamp with a few more 2 channel inputs owuld help out a lot (I currently have a Sony PS2, Minidisc, CD player, DVD Player, Cable TV box plugged in - and all the inputs are used up except the analog 5.1 channel direct input) - for instance when I get back into vinyl. :-)
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