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
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