Tuck

Denon 3803 as Pre/Pro VS.Anthem or B&K

I Have been using my Denon 3803 to power my HT setup consisting of Paradigm Studio 100 v2"s up front, 2 M&K V760 subs,Paradigm Studio CC center and 2 Paradigm ADP 470 surrounds in the back.I have always wanted to make the jump to seperates.I just got an awsome deal on an ATI 1807 amp.This combo sounds great but still leaves me wanting more.If I added a dedicated Pre/Pro Would the difference be as dramatic as it was adding the amp to the Denon? I have been checking out used B&K REF 50"s an Anthem AVM 20"s and AVM 30's on ebay. Would the improvment be major? Should I just stick with the Denon ? I would say my listening is about 50/50 music/movies.Any thoughts?

robert7

Re: Denon 3803 as Pre/Pro VS.Anthem or B&K

I have owned the B&K ref 30 with a Marsh and B&K amps. It was good but "it left me wanting more". I have heard the anthems in stores but I was never that impressed with the sound although I probably have not heard them at their best. When I switched to an older Classe pre I started to here alittle magic. I later learned that my B&K ref 200.3 was really the weak link in my system. What I am trying to say is that if your looking for alittle magic pick the amp that fits your listening style and build from there. I personally prefer alot of detail balanced with smoothness and with enough power to rock when needed while staying clear throughout. I want my system to maintain plenty of detail at low volumes as well. If your not satisfied with your sound from Denon + amp take into consideration your amp. I do not know anything about yours but alot of them push alot power but lack that magic. A good pre will simply add transparency to your listening (which is a good thing). I have heard good things about using the Denon as a preamp. Enjoy

Lyle Schenher

Re: Denon 3803 as Pre/Pro VS.Anthem or B&K

I replaced my older Onkyo Integra DTR-7 receiver as a pre-pro with a very lightly used Parasound Halo C-2. In my situation I'd say that the change in Pre-Pro was at least as beneficial as the change from the receiver's internal amps to an Acurus A125 Amp.

The new pre-pro made the largest difference in music experience, but it also noticeably increased clarity and separation in the replay of movie sound tracks. Part of the change may be best explained by the included Mic based distance and delay calc's included in the HALO.

Your mileage may vary, but one way to experiment at low risk is to understand what the current market value for the Anthem 20 is, pick up one at near that price, and be prepared to sell it for a similar price if it doesn't work for you. I took that leap with my HALO-C2. I had to purchase it without audition over the net, and then was prepared to sell it again if it didn't work out in my system.

The tough thing about this topic is that it really is about system synergy, the cumulative effect of pre-amp/processor, amps, speakers, and your room and sources. Only you can determine if the current weakest link is the Denon.

My Integra Receiver was the weakest link, and I'm thrilled it's now out of the room.

See Sig for speakers I'm using.

Lyle.

Gear List:
Parasound Halo-C2, Acurus A125x5, Epson Pro Cinema 800 LCD FP, Klipsch Speakers: La Scala(LR) THX Cinema(C,SR, SL, Sub), Tosh 6980 DVD-Audio/Video, SACD