2. home-theater
  3. 1240252956

Need advice on pre/pro - Rotel1098/Outlaw990/???

Hello, I need some input on selecting a preamp/processor for my home theater system. I have a merged 2-channel/home theater setup right now. Here is my current gear:
- HK AVR430
- PS3 80GB, Comcast HD Cable, Yamaha DVD player
- Proceed PRE, PDP and CDD, AMP2
- B&W 640's, LCR3 center and JBL rears.
- Sony 42" 1080i LCD

I'm adding a Proceed AMP3 to the mix which will allow me to move up from the HK into a Pre/Pro. My budget for the processor is $1000.

Since my only hi-res input device right now is the PS/3, the capability for the processor to decode TrueHD and Master Audio are not necessary. I have no problem being a bit behind the curve. In fact, I would rather have a higher end/higher performance unit with lesser capabilities.

Audio performance of first and foremost with me. If a processor had outstanding 2-channel audio performance that met or exceeded my Proceed PRE, then I'd consider selling the PRE. I have read in many forums of people suggesting for the best 2-channel performance, to keep your stereo pre-amp in the picture, and I'm very happy with my Proceed preamp.

Right now, the HK is doing component switching between DVD and HD cable. The PS3 runs HDMI into the TV for video and Toslink to the HK for audio. If I got a better picture from cable over HDMI and did all video switching in the receiver, I'd consider this, but this not a priority.

Models I'm considering (in no particular order):
Outlaw 990
- Likes: balanced outputs, 30-day in home no-risk trial, new equipment warranty, price
- dislikes: DVI instead of HDMI, but I probably won't use these.

Rotel 1098
- My B&W dealer is also a Rotel dealer and he says this is an excellent match for my equipment. He has a 1098 demo unit 1098 available with the full Rotel warranty, but this is way out of my budget.
- There appears to be a good supply of 1098's in the used market place ~$1000 price point. I'm concerned about the fact that the warranty is non-transferrable and I have read in some forums of people voicing concerns with failures.

Integra 9.8
- likes: balanced, latest codecs, lot's of favorable comments in online forums on this model
- dislikes: over budget

I appreciate your input and recommendations.
timjclark
timjclark OP
35 posts
 
Hi Lodi/Dave,

I'm just starting my research project and I'm not familiar with the Anthem products at all. I'll take a look. Thank you for the feedback.

Tim
Post removed 
lodi
15 posts
 
Hey Tim, if you're interested in the Integras, check out the Onkyo PR-SC885P. Apparently it's part of Onkyo's Pro Line and is identical to the Integra 9.8, sans the three year warranty. Ths unit is a few features light of the 9.9, but supports all of the latest formats and has HDMI 1.3 switching. And, most importantly, it gets rave reviews. Like you, I'm not overly interested in the HDMI switching just yet, but its nice to have it for future equipment and resale.

Anyone else have thoughts here?

Dave
timjclark OP
35 posts
 
Hi Dave,

That Onkyo Pro model looks to have all the bells and whistles like the 9.8 and 9.9. I'll check out some reviews on it. I like the fact that it has balanced out. Although I wonder about that - does it make it better to just have balanced or do you need internal design to be able to make them superior.

I briefly looked into the Anthem 20 and 30. I wasn't a fan of the way it looks. I know that should be really low on the list, but I have an open rack just left of the left floor speaker and it would drive me nuts if I didn't like the way it looks.

I have been thinking about the Rotel RSP-1069 some more as well. The nice thing about this unit is that it does have HDMI 1.1. That would allow me to utilize the PS3 to decode the latest codecs. That is something that I would not be able to do with the Rotel 1098 or the Outlaw 990.

And the more I think about it, the more I'm settled on the idea that I'll be keeping my Proceed preamp in the mix for 2-channel listening. By deciding this, it takes pressure off trying to find an ultimate performance pre/pro and now I can concentrate on improving upon the what the HK is giving me now.

Thanks Dave,

Tim
perrew
299 posts
 
Hi Tim,

I used to own the Rotel 1068 and was happy with it but Switched to the Onkyo 905 because of the HDMI switching capabilities. Its Very convenient as a HT hub, I use it with my PS3 for movies and games and have the Pre out on the Onkyo to my dedicated amp for the front speakers. This way the only connection to my more serious 2ch rig is from the Preout of the Onkyo.
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