2. amps-preamps
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Help please upgrading my old Pre/Pro..

IBackground:

I've been running my current system for almost 20 years and it consists of the following: It is a 5.0 system as I am not running a sub for either music/HT and I'm pretty happy with the Stratus Golds job on the bass as they go down to about 36HZ.

PSB Stratus Golds - Front Main
PSB Status C6 - Center
Niles Audio In-Walls - Rear Surround

Acurus ACT-3 Pre/Pro
Panasonic BMP-BDT 300 Blu-ray player
Aragon 8008x3 - L, R, C
Aragon 8008x2 - Rear Surrounds

Luxman 10 band Equalizer (+- 10db equalization)

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While I am very happy with this setup and it does sound great for both HT and 2 channel stereo I am looking to upgrade my PRE/PRO (Acurus). MY ACT-3 was bought in 1997 and has 24 bit Crystal DACS. It does Dolby Digital and DTS but does not have the newer decoding formats. I am also looking for a unit that will provide bass/treble adjustments as I like to boost both and is the reason I am running the Luxman in line for the Front Mains (Stratus Golds). I'd like to remove the Luxman if possible if I gain the tone controls and/or 10 band EQ in the PRE/PRO.

So my wants in a new PRE/PRO come down to this:

1) hopefully a bit better sonic quality than the Acurus ACT-3
2) new surround sound decoding that HOPEFULLY a new pre/pro can down convert to my 5.0 system? Will this sound better or just about the same as my old pre/pro processing and at that point not worthwhile to upgrade?
3) be able to adjust tone/EQ to boost the bass and treble like I prefer
4) not an absolute want but gaining wifi streaming to play music off my desktop PC and Spotify would be nice (without purchasing separate unit like SONOS connect etc. to do the streaming)

Someone mentioned to check out the new Marantz AV7703 or possibly bump up to the AV8802a but I didn't think that Marantz sound quality was on the same level with say Acurus/Aragon but I may be mistaken as I haven't listened to any of the Marantz pieces?

That said, can the "sound gurus" on this fine board provide some opinions/options on my pre/pro upgrade wishes?

venom
venom OP
11 posts
 
Thanks for the awesome feedback and opinions/suggestions guys!! This forum is awesome..

I didn't overlook the 7002MKII, mainly because I can get a screaming deal on a "new" 7703.

Ultimately for my budget and what I'm looking for right now I think the 7703 is the best choice. Like you said if it's great and I totally LOVE it, I can always upgrade to the 8802, 8804 etc.  down the road ooooorrrrrrrr I can just hold onto the 7703 for a long time like I did my Acurus ACT-3.

Ordering the 7703 today. Will post back when I get it hooked up and adjusted.

venom OP
11 posts
 
So the AV7703 and BJC-FE HDMI cable ordered.

Last piece: now to add a subwoofer per suggestions and I've omitted RELs based on the feedback/comments received thus far.

I only have room to place 1 sub and the location ha to be on the front left side of my family room in the corner (left of my Left Front Main speaker)

Any suggestions? My max budget is no more than 1K / I've seen some JL Audio F110s for close to that price. Also hear good things about Rythmik (F12?) and SVS?
xyobgyn's avatar
xyobgyn
42 posts
 
Great point made up above by euphonymi, that is buying used or refurbished for something where the technology advances so quickly.  My used pre/pro SS devices began with used Lexicon DC1, DC2, then MC8b, then the Marantz 8801 used, and now a refurb 7702 MkII.

To others following the thread, one consideration could have been (too late for OP) something like an OPPO 105 by itself serving as the SS processor.  Might be enough for some people.

To the OP, in answer to your new question about a sub, best to put that into a new thread in the right forum if you really want quality answers and attention.  (right?)
venom OP
11 posts
 
Right good point and thanks. Will open new thread for the sub.. Thanks again for your input/advice!  :)
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