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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
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.
lodi
15 posts
 
Tim,

I feel like I'm pirating your thread...i've been checking out some reviews on the 9.8/885 (thanks bob_reynolds). Every review I have seen is glowing! As I mentioned before, I really like the fact that the unit is current in both architecture and the formats it is able to decode. The consensus seems to be that its the best 'bang for the buck' processor in the $2K range, and possibly higher. Maybe the unit is slightly biased towards HT/video, but certainly not without pretty good musical abilities too.

Most reviewers tend to do an A-B comparison with gear that is far more expensive, so I'm guessing my ears will be very happy. With the 885 available at www.accessories4less.com for $799, I'm really leaning in this direction.

Here are a couple of reviews if interested:

www.stereophile.com/musicintheround/108mitr/index2.html

www.ultimateavmag.com/surroundsoundpreampprocessors/308onkpro/index4.html

www.hometheaterhifi.com/surround-sound-processors/214-a-secrets-surround-sound-processor-review.html

www.hometheatermag.com/preampprocessors/508integra/index1.html

Best,

Dave
willieaspen
20 posts
 
Hi Tim,

This is one of those cosmic questions about finding the Swiss Army knife of pre-pros. I have tried the Outlaw 950 & 990, the Rotel 1068, HK AVR-745 (receiver), EAD Ovation-8, Pioneer 1014 (receiver), and Onkyo 885.

The EAD is easuily the best sounding unit. It is the only one that I liked for 2-channel and surround. But, the SRC remote should only be used for setup and then tossed in a corner. I used a Logitech with great results. The real reason for me to move on was when I added a turntable. The Ovation just couldn't match a good 2-channel (tube) pre for analog sources.

So, now I'm using a 2-channel tube pre into the RCAs on my amp and the Onkyo 885 into the XLRs. I just have 2 switches on the back of the amp to switch and I'm ready for stereo/analog nirvana.

Notice I said XLRs and not balanced. While many pre-pros sport XLR connections, I'd be surprised if many are true-differential preamps (aka Balanced). In other words, lots of equipment sports XLRs, but that doesn't mean it is truly Balanced. So, the XLRs may not afford any better sound (and it may be worse). You should research the pre-pros you're interested in further (here and in other forums) to get the truth.

My answer to you is that, for your system, I think you can find a pre-pro within your budget that can displace your pre. But, it ain't easy!

vr,
Jeff
timjclark OP
35 posts
 
Dave - no worries - you are not hijacking the thread, I enjoy hearing different opinions/options. I totally missed the Onkyo gear on accessories4less - thanks for the tip. An 885 for $799 with a one-year warranty (refurb), I do not know how I can pass this up! Plus they have the 30-day return policy.

Are you like me - a bit consumed by trying to find the right thing for me to buy that you are doing a bit too much review and forums reading at work? And thanks for the additional reviews.

Jeff - Hi! Thanks for info. I never though of running both a 2-channel and HT into the amp and throw that switch to change between systems - very crafty!

And that is an excellent point on XLR vs Balanced! I'll be digging into that regarding the 885.

As you can probably tell, I'm really leaning toward the 885 at this point due to the refurbs available on-line. Did you have any particular reservations about the 885 other than the fact that you found the O-8 better sounding?

It's not my goal to get rid of the Proceed Pre, I'm totally happy keeping it as I like it very much. IF the HT ssp exceeds the performance of the Proceed, then I'll sell it and gain the $$ and rack space. But at the $1000 threshold, I'm not expecting that.

Thanks guys!
lodi
15 posts
 
Tim,

Yeah, I tend to completely over analyze! At the end of the day, I need to replace a ailing Sony ES that's about 10 years old. I could probably get a brick and be sufficiently pleased, but I like the hunt. ;-)

My speakers are Nautilus 805s and DM6s. Sub is an ASW-3000 and my amp is a Rotel-985. So, despite age, the rest of my core gear is decent. Once I get a good pre/pro I will add a Blue Ray and sit tight until I see fit to upgrade the amp.

While I like the idea of the higher end gear, I'm swayed by the fact that the 885 is somewhat current and receives such positive reviews. I don't pay attention to this stuff everyday like some of the gurus, but it seems like pre/pros are in a bit of a transition with the onset of HDMI and newer formats. So, a relatively good performing and inexpensive pre/pro that will serve me well for a couple of years is looking like a no brainer. Might order one tonight, but I would also like to hear Jeff's thoughts regarding your questions.

Dave
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