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Looking for Pre/Pro with great 2 ch sound

I'm looking for advice on pre-pro's with emphasis on 2-channel and multi-channel music performance. The budget is around 1500 for a used unit, or maybe up to about 3000 for a new one.

The leading candidate so far is a used Anthem AVM-20/30. I've read great reviews on their sound quality and the older ones seem like a good bang for the buck. I'm not concerned with HDMI or every last surround sound mode. My other candidate (if I can swing it) is a Linn Unidisk SC. If I go that route than it obviously combines a great disk player with the pre-pro. Any other ideas and/or opinions?

Thanks!
bmdduck
elevick
2,636 posts
 
Anthem is Awesome. I also love the Sunfire IV or Sherbourn 7010/A (same thing)
friz1313's avatar
friz1313
76 posts
 
I'd second the CasaNova vote. Then the AVP. The CasaNova has greater flexibility, and will really allow you to dial in your speakers. Very good depth and sound on 2 channel for a processor. I've listened to it recently against the NAD master series, and Arcam AV9, and thought it beat both of them. Didn't stomp them, but was more dynamic and brought out details better. To me both the CasaNova and AVP beat out the Anthem or Linn for sound quality. I've owned the AVP and AVP2, and the AVP will give you more bang for the buck.
bmdduck OP
99 posts
 
Thanks to all for the great feedback.

I'll have to do some research on the products mentioned. I'm surpised to hear the Theta mentioned as in my price range. In my reading they seem to be very expensive and have a lot of options/variants. Can anyone add any detail on the Casanova's options, what variants to look for, etc?

Thanks again!
macdadtexas
1,794 posts
 
Anthem, Parasound and Cary Audio
firefightingrob
30 posts
 
Lexicon MC-8
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