2. amps-preamps
  3. 1234384245

Pre-pro Advice for B&W 802d HT System

Hello All,

I am in the market for a pre-pro and wanted your guy’s opinions on my options. I have been reading a lot for about 3 months, but still would like some more opinions. The main things I can looking for in new pre-pro are excellent audio detail and a good wide open soundstage. Also, I would like high quality HD video and good up conversion (although up conversion is less important). The following is my current system:

AVR – Denon 2808ci
Amp – Cinenova Grande 7 x 300
DVD – Panasonic S52
Speakers: All B&W
Center: HTM2D
Fronts: 703s
Sides: DS7
Rears: 602s3
Audioquest interconnects

Future Plans:
Amp - McIntosh MC205 and MC402, might go with Classe, but right now planning on Mac
Blu-Ray – Oppo or Ps3 – Oppo if I need analog outs and PS3 if I don’t.
Speakers:
Fronts - 802Ds – Looking to get them in 6 months or so.
Rears - My 703s or 805s

I am looking to spend between $2000 and $5000 for a new pre-pro. My options can be broken down in to two categories: those with the new HD audio formats and those without.

Those with the new audio codecs:
Rotel 1570 – Rotel is always considered to be a good brand with high quality audio. However, after reading a lot about this pre-pro, it seems to have more problems than it should. Some of those problems include poor remote, poor video quality, and audio drop outs.

Marantz AV8003 – I always think of Marantz audio quality is slightly below Rotel. Video processing is better and a few more features (although not that important to me).

Anthem AVM50v – Anthem makes good pre-pros, however some say they can be bright. They supposedly will have excellent video quality and good soundstage.

Anthem D2v used – I would have to wait a while tell a used one gets on the market maybe a year or year and half. However, this is supposed to be one of the best pre-pro on the market. Great Soundstage, video, and audio detail. Again might be bright.

Those without the new audio codecs:
Classe SSP – 600 maybe used– Classe as a lot of you get to experience first hand make great components. Their sound is very detailed and has a good soundstage. I am not sure about video processing.

Classe SSP – 800 used – Same things as the 600 just with better audio. I heard they were going to make it upgradable for the audio codecs, not when this will happen.

Anthem D2 used – same as above expect no wait and no audio codecs.

McIntosh MX136 used – Known for great sound. Don’t know about video processing.

Rotel – 1069 or similar used – Great deals, would be well below my price range. Good quality sound.

These are main pre-pros I have been considering. Also, remember that if I choose one without the codecs I will have to buy interconnects from the Oppo Blu Ray player to the pre-pro – estimated cost of $300 - $400.

I wished I lived closer to stores were I can audition these, but I do not. Thus I like to have a lot of information before I make the weekend trip to Denver to listen to them. Thanks in advance for all you help.
jkk7859
jeffkad
211 posts
 
Kenny, pricey??? Isn't that thing 20k? It damn well better do both well, LOL. Good luck with it and enjoy...I can only dream...

As for the OP, he's got a budget of 2-5k, so back to the real world we go!!!
pkubica
134 posts
 
Kennyt... I didn't investigate the Stratosphere , but in my price range it became obvious that the HT processor performed its function well, and the tube preamp performed its 2 channel function well. Being able to select the best for each function and then have them integrate into a single system worked best for me and gave me the sound I was seeking.

I had not heard your Krell and I'm sure it's very good, but of the 10-15 HT processors that I have heard none came up to the 2 channel quality of the ARC tube preamp... IMHO

I firmly believe that in a combo HT/2 channel system, 2 separate units give you the best bang for the bucks and let you select the best sound for each.

Paul
kennyt's avatar
kennyt
1,226 posts
 
Paul,

I used to go that route, but I don't need to anymore with the Krell.

Jeff,

Actually it's $30,000! Yeah, Paul is right on the bang for the buck, but to me HT is also very important.
pkubica
134 posts
 
Jeff,

I'm just a poor Engineer.... hey but I have a lot of fun!

Paul
jeffkad
211 posts
 
Paul, was away on vacation and came back to your reply, which gave me a good laugh. You can't be that poor to have 802D's! My needs are more in line with yours, as I want best 2 channel SQ.

I still think that OP can get great HT SQ WITH new codecs in an Integra 9.8 or 9.9, or the Marantz av8003, or the new soon-to-be-released Outlaw 995? The 9.8 goes for 1k used, a modwright tube preamp goes for 1.5k used, a used Cambridge 840 cdp is 1k, then add the new universal oppo (600?) for dvd, sacd, bluray. In fact, the 840 has a digital input to use it's dac, so it will allow connection of a sonos or slim device wireless network unit to improve SQ there too! So for grand total of 4-4.5k, he's got everything, including the new codecs via hdmi 1.3.
More to discover