First pre/pro and hopefully last

Hey Y'all,

I own the Krell Showcase and let me tell you, with the analog pass through; I can put up some very impressive 2 channel performance. I had a few 2 channel devotees come and sample my rig and they all left shaking there heads. I laugh when people make that all encompassing statement, "you will not be happy with 2 channel sound from any Pre/Pro". If you would like to experience the exception to that rule, you are cordially invited to come and listen to my 2 channel/HT system.........John

PS

I recommend you go with the Krell line of Pre/Pros; I've listened to almost all mentioned, except Theta, and the Krell gives the best balance with HT and 2 channel performance. For my money Krell is, without question, the best for HT and it will hold it's own against all in its price range when it comes to 2 channel performance.

I second the Krell's! They simply make a sonically superb and well built, easy to operate piece! I have yet to hear better for digital AV pre'pro's than the Krell's I've auditioned over the years. Many are "syrupy", "slow", digital sounding, dry, plain, artificial, noisy, or lacking in dynamics. The Krell's seem to define neutrality, purity, dynamics, and soundstage!..and a host of other audiophile descriptives. In short, you just don't go wrong with them in the front end of an HT/music system!...my experiences anyway.

All those pre/pro's suggested are good but expensive, its seems like they get outdated fairly fast. IF you're more into music get the Outlaw for $800 and spend the money on a good 2 ch pre which makes the biggest difference. Then when new technology comes along you can upgrade the Outlaw and not lose out that much , and the good 2 ch pre will last you a while.

Depending on when you want to make your purchase, BAT is coming out with a prepro 7.1 this June. It should be in the 6-7K range. Bel Canto is updating their prepro also but you will have to wait till late fall.

Gerry

Hi All
Update: I have an eVo6 with a Arcam cd23T with ring DAC on the way from fellow Agoner's. I don't need 7.1 for my 20'x12.5' room, so what other Krells are good. One Agoner has the SSP75, and likes it very much, and said 5.1 is all I need. These units do get out dated very quickly, so the other option I am thinking of, is going with a Supratek or VTL 5.5 as my 2 channel preamp with HT bypass. The Heron speakers I have match up best with tube gear, so a tube preamp maybe the best option. Still on the fence. Will keep you updated.

Tim