Best Used HT Pre/Pro for $600 or less (1 Viewer)

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

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&

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

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

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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
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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).

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.

Jerry,

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

Thanks,
Ricky

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.


Just connect the output of the phono stage to any analog input on the receiver or pre/pro.

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.

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

Zak,
The Sony Ta-E9000ES is a very nice machine, Again no analog inputs, This can be overcame with the purchase of a Sony Ta-P9000ES. In reality if you can find a TAP you could use it with any pre lacking the analog inputs.
The investment dollars into a Tap maybe better placed into a pre that has this feature since your starting from fresh.
I sold my Ta-E9000ES to a local HTF member.
I was very happy with this unit in one of our setups.
Again all units have their strong points as well as weaknesses, here is where you will need to work.

Good luck in your hunt.

Zak,

Looks like the Sherwood 9080 (under 400 used) fits your needs well. Biggest drawbacks are only two digital inputs and no auto-detect between AC3/DPL and DTS. Has phono, and the 2 channel and 5.1 passthroughs are good.

The HK Sig 2.0's 5.1 inputs run through the DSP board (but then you do get bass mgmt on the 5.1 inputs). I actually prefer the HK "overall" to the Sherwood for my needs a couple of years ago (have owned both).

The Marantz AV9000 is another option (about 650 used?). Not sure about phono, but it does come with the excellent RC2000II remote.

I would give the Rotel RSP-976 serious consideration. Last year I purchased a demo for $700 to replace a HK signature 2.0 which I had some issues with. I have seen the RSP-976 used recently in the $500-$600 range. It is an excellent piece with 5.1 inputs (analog pass-thru). It has auto-sensing of DD, DTS, DPL. In my opinion it has sound quality very similar to its replacement (the RSP-1066) but without the 7.1 sound modes or DPLII. If you don't need those features, the 976 could fit the bill. (No phono section though.)

I'll 2nd a vote for the Marantz AV9000. This pre/pro was always very well-reviewed for it's two channel sound quality. Does have 5.1 inputs. THX certified too.

Marantz 9000 sounds like a winner. Has 5.1, analog inputs, THX certified, AC3 RF input for laserdiscs, DTS, DD. If you want 6.1, buy an external processor like the Circle Surround decoder and you will be in 6.1 heaven.

Re the Marantx AV9000: or better yet, use Y connectors on the 2 surrounds to generate surrounds plus rears. Don't need the DPL processing in that event. In hindsight? That's what I would have done...

So far I've found a few very good deals on a Parasound AVC 1800, and an incredible deal on an Audio Refinement Pre 2 DSP. Anyone have experience with an Audio Refienement products?

Thanks again, also that Marantz is looking good.