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What Mods for a pre/pro to become a good preamp?

Many components are plugged into the pre/pro unit that use the Digital RCA. I would like to retain the bass management and speaker distances etc. of the pre/pro, yet get the fidelity of a good preamp when using my PVR, Satellite, and especially DVD.

I understand that a high quality power supply or addition of a second high quality power supply helps reduce jitter. What other items should be important to improve the sound quality? Please be as descriptive as possible.

I am using all available analog pass through. I am hoping to improve the outcome for components using Digital RCA and AES-EBU. I am using a Lexicon MC-12B, version 3 with the microphones.

I have a service manual. What else would I need?
yada
agaffer
256 posts
 
"Agaffer, perhaps you are correct as a general rule of thumb. But then there are always excepts to those rules. I own a Primare P30 pre/pro"

I don't get your point. According to the Primare Audio website, the P30 is a pre amp, not a AV processor. I'm sure it is a good pre amp and were Yada to use it in conjunction with his Lexicon I am sure that it would be a big improvement in sound quality.
However, I was thinking about improving the music side of his listening. Rereading his post I see that isn't what he is looking for. He wants to mod his AV processor to improve on it .
stehno
1,453 posts
 
Agaffer, the P30 is the previous model of Primare's SP31.7 (or something like that) current model pre/pro. They've done some number changing on their models. You're thinking of the new Pre30 which is Primare's 2-channel preamp.

The Primare P30 really, really is a pre/pro. Just ask me!!! :) Although I used it only as a 2-channel preamp.

-IMO
stehno
1,453 posts
 
Yada, you might still consider setting aside all of the decoupling (dampening and isolation) paraphinalia that you've invested in and try the less expensive coupling methodology.

If, and I believe it is so, the coupling methodology (using Star Sound's Audio Points and a racking system like the Sistrum) provides better sonics, there are plenty of people who would gobble up all of your decoupling products. Not only may your system sound better but it may also look better with less clutter and may even put a little extra $$ in your pocket.

Also, have you considered converting one or more of your components to 240 volts aka balanced power (requires running 240 volt lines from your service panel)? This should provide a more pristine and effortless presentation.

-IMO
hbrandt
272 posts
 
Yada:

My guess is that the sonics of the EAD Theatermaster 8800 pro would be preferable to the Lexicon in light of your tastes and equipment. While I protect my 2 channel path entirely from running through a Pre/Pro....I can honestly say that EAD is the first Pre/Pro i've heard that has led me to consider simplifiying my setup by allowing my 2 channel path through it. Incidentally, I've had both Lexicon and EAD and find the sonics of EAD FAR superior. Several audiophiles that I respect have agreed with this.

Regards,
Harry
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