2. home-theater
  3. 1094496428

Good choices in a used A/V pre-amp?

I'm slowly re-building a home theater. My amplification is about the only thing set -- a B&K TX4430 (200w x 3) for the fronts, and a B&K EX442 (200w x 2) for the rears.

Now I need a DTS pre-amp, and I don't feel any need for 7.1 (or should I?). I'd like to try to stay around $500 or under, hence going used. I haven't made any firm decisions in the speakers I'll be driving, a project for another day. This is a home theater system only -- no music listening. I'm re-building because I'd broken up my rig long ago for a dedicated 2-channel high end system for another room.

Is my $500 price point enough for a used a/v pre-amp? What are some key features I should look for? Brands and models?

Thanks!
kitchener
kitchener OP
18 posts
 
Good stuff. Gives me a short list to work with. The 7.1 vs 5.1 argument is worth further consideration, too.

How picky do I need to be for sub-woofers for a relatively small room (~11' x 20' with the listening position forced to be in the long part of the rectangular room, ~10' from the front speakers)? Was thinking a Sunfire Jr or an HSU. Again, this is not my music-listening system, so I don't need to find something that serves both needs. What would you all recommend I put on the short list for a subwoofer?
jimburger
104 posts
 
Another vote for the Lexicon DC-1. With Logic 7 processing, it was designed for 7.1. DTS capable as well as Dolby Digital. One of the easiest processors to program on top of that. I still know of one that was installed in a million dollar theater(I'm not joking) in Mendocino that is only now slated for upgrade.
jimburger
104 posts
 
I neglected to mention that I obtained my DC-1 v2.1(DTS,DD,THX,Logic7) for only $500. This is an absolute bargain by any standard of measurement.
madhf
170 posts
 
Porchecab,
I actually have 3 Angstroms--2 w/dts and the 205 and one just pro logic. Moffit was way ahead of his time. Too bad MML had to close; who knows what he would have come up with!
I use on of the Angstroms in my main system sharing time with the Lexicon MC-12B. The other is for the second system. I'll save the third one for parts, etc. I do not use the 205 at the moment; it's kind of a pain in the butt to set up and use. I just use the Angstrom for dts and matrix (mostly for sacd 2 channel-the lexicon won't process the 2 channel in surround). IMO this pre-pro performs with the best of them at about any price. By the way, there's a 200/205 combo for sale on this site for $895; alittle pricey but still worth it. When I see a good deal on the 100, I'll get it for DD.

Mike
Ag insider logo xs@2x
porschecab
336 posts
 
Mike,

The 200 is that good, certainly. I love it. Agreed, $895 is too much, though if someone is willing..............

I would spend about $500 for the pair, DELIVERED! And would do so happily. Until then, the Golden Theater GTX-1 is the best 2 channel/processor all in one for 2 channel alone!

D
More to discover