2. amps-preamps
  3. 1234374775

Best Pre-Pro for Proceed AMP5 / Klipsch RF-7's

I need your recommendations on a pre-pro match for audio. I send cinema video signals directly to a Sony display monitor via HDMI and component. Some folks have upgraded from similiar reciever pre-pro set-up's to a separate pre-pro with unfortunately, MIXED results.

I am using a Yamaha RX-V2400 with ARC as a music/HT sound processor, OPPO 981/Tandberg 3001A tuner/Squeezebox Duet. The Klipsch's are supported with a SVS ULTRA 13 and pair of HSU MBM-12's. The OPPO is connected to the Yammi via multi-channel, TosLink and analog L/R's. The RF-7's have crossover mods that corrected lower high frequency harshness.

I don't mind sending cinema video signals directly to the display, although I'm open to video switching. With all the video signal upgrading today, I'm far more interested in superb sound reproduction.

I am considering a Proceed AVP2 +6, Meridian G61R (leaves option for DSP speakers open later), Cary, McIntosh, Linn, and others. I can only read about these but don't have the opportunity to evaluate in person. The high end market in JAX FL is in a hurt locker.

The answer may be a high end two-channel preamp, hopefully with 2.1 to include the SVS and MBM's, and leave HT sound processing to my Yamaha.

I really want a "keeper". Can you provide me ideas about a true "keeper" preamp or pre-pro in my system? The possibility exists to later go with DSP speakers or Revel Ultra's.

Apologize for a long post - I wanted to provide enough info to produce your best recommendations. I listen to many music genres from classical to Zepplin. Many thanks for the guidance posted in your forums.
soundsbeyondspecs
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samzx12
1,232 posts
 
I would say buy Proceed to match the amp.
jeffkad
211 posts
 
In very much the same boat. I want great 2 channel SQ from my HT system. I upgraded gradually (but quickly) from B&W 9NTs to B&W N803's (along with ctr and surround upgrades). Was powering with Pioneer vsx47tx (with rm correction), their $4000 flagship of a few years ago. When I made this change, noticed that some Cds were unlistenable. Got new Sunfire TGA5200 amp (200x5, 400x5 in 4/8 ohms) on closeout, plugged in using Pio as preamp and WOW, what a difference. Assume that's what the Proceed is doing for you. Next got Sunfire TGP5 processor (no room correction), and sound improved again, but not exponentially like the amp. Got a modded Denon3930ci which really improved sound further. I still want to see if I can improve further so I read a bunch of threads, including a very long one on this subject over at AVS forum, and there was a dual consensus (two camps):

1) the Proceed AVP and Cary Cinema 11 are about the best pre/pro values out there for analogue/2 chanl , with BelCanto and Classe pre/pro units considered very good as well. Some also liked Parasound C1/C2, and Bryston SP2. I think both Parasound and Classe only allow balanced input for complete analogue bypass for pure 2 channel. I was going to buy a used AVP2, but couldn't pass up a 55% off deal on a new sunfire, figuring I could use difference later.

2)Others said that even the best pre/pro cannot sound as good as even a good preamp in 2 chnl analogue. Some of them had tried the AVP, BC, etc and sold and went to preamp. What I've learned in the preamp threads, for my budget (1500-3000 used), the best "giant killer" preamps seem to be the Aesthetix Calypso, Modwright SWL 9.0 SE signature (they also have a 36.5 that may run a little more but may be killer), Dodd preamp, and RedWineAudio Isabella (which is relatively new at 4-5k, so may not see used one for a while). CJ, Bryston, Cary all seem to make really god preamps as well. Obviously, there are dozens of candidates, but in my own extensive research, these are the best values I've come up with.
Ultimately, although I've been toying with idea of replacing Sunfire with AVP, I think I will stick with sunfire and concentrate on preamp with HT Bypass, then maybe try an even better amp (need cool running and small, so thinking about NuForce or Spectron, both of which seem like killers). My ratonale is that pre/pro world is constantly changing, and since I'm satisfied with HT SQ, I can play more freely with (and put more money into) separate 2chnl components. Sorry for the lenghty reply.
Hope this helps, and feel free to email me directly if you want to chat more. Jeff
soundsbeyondspecs OP
132 posts
 
I purchased a Proceed AVP2 +6 on Audiogon and am very pleased. Only audio is being processed by the AVP2. All cinema video signals from the source players are connected directly to a Sony display monitor. This includes HDMI, component, and the AVP2's main video out for on-screen programming adjustments.

As a option for cable TV, the Sony's audio pre-out is connected to the AVP2 for occassional audio reproduction of cable TV broadcasts. For Zone 2, a digital out from the Proceed is connected to the Yamaha's variable pre-outs and a multi-zone amp. I use the Yahmaha's ARC recommended settings to assist in setting-up the Proceed.

The SQ's improvements in balance, clarity and separation has become "convincingly real" compared to the Yamaha's procesor. I'm also auditioning a pair of cathedral monitors that are turning out surprising well for music and fabulous for HT. Extremely smooth, involving, and very enjoyable long-term listening.

Summary: For anyone considering upgrading from a good reciever to separate components, keeping it simple may help alot. Separating audio and video was the best choice. The Proceed AVP2 +6 and matching Proceed AMP5, to me, resulted in a huge step up to a truely wonderful audiophile system for both music and HT. By bipassing all the video switching away from the Proceed AVP2, I can anchor sound quality in the Proceed's and keep all video quality grounded directly between player sources and the Sony display monitor.

Thanks to all and happy to answer any questions.



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