2. amps-preamps
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Better idea for the money 2 or multi ch pre-amp?

I would like to start a second system in one of my bedrooms or office. I only have the speakers which are NHT T6 evolutions. I only plan on havinng two channels so would a HT processor be a better bargain now days or should I stick with a 2-channel pre-amp? I ask this because the prices for used pre processors are at real bargains now days. For example: I can get a Anthem AVM-20 pre/pro for under $700 or can I get a 2 channel pre-amp that would sound better for the price? I currently have a Aragon Soundstream pre/pro, so I could replace it and use that in my other system. I'm not as familiar with the 2 channel gear so any advice would be much appreciated. Also, any advice on a 2 channel amp for the NHT's would be greatly appreciated. Thank you
Doug
hyadstroya
hyadstroya OP
5 posts
 
F.Y.I. I meant Soundstage not soundstream in my intial thread.
Post removed 
johnnyb53
3,510 posts
 
You have hit on one of the unknown bargains in used audio today: pre/pros with yesterday's surround decoding schemes. You can pick up an Outlaw 950 for peanuts. They're two generations old and can be picked up for around $250 now.

I own one, and it has a really good line level preamp. In fact, I think its analog line level is of higher quality than its digital surround decoding. It also has a subwoofer output and available bass management in the analog domain. And an AM/FM tuner, and remote control. I've listened to it extensively side-by-side and sequentially against a VSP Labs Straightwire II preamp, and I can't really hear or otherwise sense any drop in speed, detail, or musicality compared to the Straightwire.

As you said, there are Anthems and other surround pre/pros built to a very high standard, and their wonderful line stages are languishing on the used gear shelves because they don't have 7.1 channels and/or Dolby Digital ES, TrueHD, or DTS HD Master Audio.

Also, since they were built for decoding DVDs, they usually have 24/96 DACs and (many) can upconvert CD digital input to 24/48 or 24/96. That castoff pre/pro may come with a better DAC than the one in your CD player.

I know of only one downside to this approach: the 5- and 7-channel pre/pros are much larger physically than a modern 2-channel line stage--maybe 2-3" higher and 6" deeper. They'll usually still fit on a standard rack; you just won't have as much room to reach around in the back when changing connections.
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