Best Used HT Pre/Pro for $600 or less

Zak Ruck · 04-15-2003, 12:56 PM

Ok, I've decided to go seperates. I have decided to go with AudioSource amps for now, as I got a very good deal on one, and have a few others lined up. Now I just need a good Pre/Pro.

I've been looking at Rotel RSP976, Parasound AVC-1800, Adcom 830, HK Sig 2.0, etc. Any thoughts or more suggestions.

I know it's not really possible, but I'd REALLY like a phono input as I'll be picking up a sweet Technics SL-1200 this week. Or if someone could tell me how to hook up a my TT to one of these pre/pro's. I know I'll need an external Phono stage, but just not sure.

Thanks again,

Zak

Ricky T · 04-15-2003, 02:17 PM

If you can give up DTS (I would under 600 and for this denon), you can get this Denon AVP8000 for $499. Might have the phono too. A couple of Denon 5803 owners told me that this AVP8000 is still "right there" on 2 channel and 5.1AC3.

http://cgi.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cl.p...751&class&3&4&

Rick Guynn · 04-15-2003, 03:23 PM

You might toss the Acurus ACT3 in the mix, and *possibly* the Sherwood AVP-9080. The Sherwood has a phono input, not sure about the Acurus.

RG

Kevin C Brown · 04-15-2003, 03:30 PM

Take a look at the Sony TA-E9000ES. Excellent support forum here:

http://pub106.ezboard.com/faussiedvd...formationforum

And if you can dig up the old reviews by Audio, SGHT, and Stereo Review, I think you'd be surprised by how good this pre/pro is. You can get it for about $500 now.

Here are 2 really good online reviews:

http://members.iinet.net.au/~rutlidge/TA-E9000ES_1.html
http://home.online.no/~espen-b/ta-e9000es/

John-Tompkins · 04-15-2003, 06:38 PM

I had the adcom gtp-830 and it sounded fantastic!..its doesnt have dd-ex or dts-es but it does have a 7 channel matrixed mode that is exactly like dd-ex..short on tweeks/features but large on sound..

PS as far as the phono stage goes..radio shack makes a battery operated phono stage that gets very high reviews from the "audiophiles" at audioasylum...I have one and it does do a good job and it goes on ebay for about 25.00. If you wanted to spend a little more, the sumiko project box phono stage (also have one of these

) Is a very nice unit,also accepts mm and mc cartrides and goes for around 80.00 or so on audiogon (nad also makes a good one for about the same price).

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Jerry Klawiter · 04-15-2003, 06:56 PM

The Denon AVP8000 is 100% identical to the Denon AVR-5600 without the amps.
A few 5600 had dts.
The problem is you will have NO analog inputs for SACD-DVD-A. and in our many email replies back and forth with ZaK,
I think Zak was looking for 5.1 inputs.
I will continue to keep an eye out for a deal to pass onto Zak.

Ricky T · 04-15-2003, 07:48 PM

Jerry,

Are you sure than the AVP8000 is identical to the 5600's preamp section? What is your source?

Thanks,
Ricky

gregD · 04-15-2003, 08:01 PM

Another option is to get a new receiver at that price point (Marantz, Denon, H/K), use it strictly as a pre/pro and enjoy the sonic benefits of the latest processing technology.

Quote:

if someone could tell me how to hook up a my TT to one of these pre/pro's. I know I'll need an external Phono stage, but just not sure.

Jerry Klawiter · 04-15-2003, 09:14 PM

Ricky,
Give me some time to pull up further info and old links.
I had the AVR-5600dts, prior to that I had the 8000 for a home audition.
Now I still have that 5700
Here is one for the start.
http://www.wire-x.com/5600.htm
http://www.wire-x.com/8000.htm
The original press release had further info also.
Back in those days I did not save many links, But I'm sure I have further info with complete specs on both to compare.
It may take a day or so to find, I may even need to look over some old 4mm backup tapes

I'm a pack-rat to this data, but my memory is far from perfect.
I know the 5600 did not have the copper-plated chassis, but the rest was the same. Although I did not take off the lids.

Zak Ruck · 04-16-2003, 07:02 AM

Thanks for some thoughts guys. The main reason for a used Pre is the better D/A A/d processing for music. I'm going to be setting up a nice TT, and rebuilding my music collection.

I'll have to checkout the Newcastles again, but as Jerry said, I'm quite interested in analog 5.1. and never thought about the Sony.

And thanks again Jerry, you have been a huge help.

Zak