Suggestions for new AV Pre-Pro

Ronrags,

When I was looking for a pre/pro to replace the Proceed PAV/PDSD our local dealer suggested the SP800 as having the sound quality I was looking for, but I didn't need nor want video processing. I think it has an MSRP around $8K, but then so would the Cary if you bought the Cinema 11a & 11v.

db

Sounds like a plan. As I said, I was very close to getting it but at the time $6,000 was a lot and the dealer I went too really did not move that much. I ended up with a Parasound Halo 2 and it served me well for many years. Now I have the Integra and I am again a happy camper and probably will be for a number of years.

I made an offer for the SSP-600 and it was accepted. I'm thinking of purchasing a 5 channel Classe amp to match and sell the Sim I-7 and the Outlaw 7500. The reviews for Classe amps were all good but I'm not so sure how they compare to the Sim amps. I wanted to buy the Classe 200w amp but it will not fit in my unit due to its height so I may have to go with their 100w amp. My only concern is the 100w per channel with the Focal speakers in my 13x18 room. I usually to 2 channel at low to moderate levels and I'm not concerned in 5.1 since I have to 2 subs and leave the fronts to small.

Does my idea of the buying the Classe amp seem reasonable or should I stick with the amps I have?

When I heard the 600 I also hear the classe amps. It was with B&W speakers though, not focal. Plus, it was in a big room with the bigger amps. But they did sound good. It will probably be a different sound then the Sim. I think though even with the Classe being 100 watts it won't be a problem as far as output goes. Yes the Focal's dip in impedence but the sensitivity is not that bad. The Classe probably outputs a bit more then 100 watts in the real world. Most amps do. My Brystons do and most other amps like Krell, and parasound do as well. The question is will it be better. That I can't say. I know from your posts that you like the sound. It will sound different for sure. Based on what you say about your listening habits I don't think the 100 watts would be an issue. The issue is if it is a good match.

I don't know how sneaky you want to be but there is a store in Delaware named Overture Audio.
http://www.overtureaudiohometheater.com/
They sell Classe and Focal. You could always ask them. Again, it may be sneaky if you plan on buying from some place else but it may be worth contacting them with a general type feeler question.

Ronrags, If sound quality is of prime concern, you may want to consider the larger amp because it will undoubtedly have more current to drive ur speakers. This translates to greater control of the drivers which in turn means greater authority and inner detail of sound...especially at lower volumes. The sound coming from the speakers driven by 200wpc will sound more effortless than with 100wpc. (Given the same brand of amps, which in this case is Classe) Consider the efficiency and load of ur speakers. i.e.,...87db/4ohm, etc. This in part should be ur guide as to which amp you choose. It's not so much about how loud ur speakers will go, but more of how effortless the information coming from ur speakers will sound at either low and/or high volumes. There's nothing worse than underpowering ur system. The higher current will allow u to hear the full potential of ur system upstream as well as ur speakers.