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Help deciding on DD/DTS Pre-amp

Currently using a Yamaha 3090 as a Pre-amp and Sunfire Cinema Grande for power and Polk SRT system for speakers and Kimber for wires. I have decided that the Yamaha may be getting dated and it may be time to step up to the next level. I would like to stay solid state and not get too outrageous but I want quality sound in both 2 channel and 5 channel. I have seen the B&K Ref 20 and am considering a used one but wondered what you audiophiles think.
wcj56
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,138 posts
 
Rich- I think you will want video switching, unless your monitor has lots of inputs. And then you may have to do the multiple remote thing, most universals will not switch video inputs on a TV. I saw a movie demo on the CAL unit (not sure model #). big bucks, but awesome picture and movie sound.
djf1
35 posts
 
I auditioned many of the ones posted above and went with a new B&K Ref 30. Sounds awesome playing music and movies in 6.1 are a treat. I have it powered with amps by Parasound. I moved up from a Marantz, there's no comparison.
sdcampbell
2,136 posts
 
I'd add the Bryston SP-1 to your short list. Bryston may not come to mind as a HT manufacturer, but they are the parent company for Lexicon, and the Lexicon and Bryston lines are virtually identical. The SP-1 has not been formally reviewed, to my knowledge, by the high-end audio mags, but the feedback I've gotten from owners sounds very encouraging.
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