Anyone familiar with Audio Refinement Pre-2 DSP? (1 Viewer)

[MarkusP]

Every year around this time I get bit by the upgrade bug. Over the past couple of years I have upgraded everything in my system a few times and currently have an Outlaw 950 teamed with an Acurus 5 channel amp and Definitive Technology powered bipolar speakers. I love the speakers and the Outlaw sounds pretty good for movies but as a whole things sound a little "dry", especially for music. I had Nad and Cambridge Audio setups previously and miss some of their musical sound.

As such, I am thinking of switching out my pre pro. I generally buy used on Audiogon or demo from my local dealers and so have been looking at the Rotel RSP-1066, B&K reference 30 and now the Audio Refinement Pre-2 DSP. My local dealer has the Pre-2 and sings its praises. Has anyone heard one of these units or know anything about it? I tried searching the net with little success. Would this unit be a significant improvement over the Outlaw 950? Would it give me the musical sound I am looking for but still give me the clarity of the Outlaw?

Thanks,
Markus

 

[Dan Driscoll]

If you do a search of this forum you will find quite a few comments on the Pre-2. Generally it gets high marks for sound quality, but critisized for a "quirky" user interface. Also, keep in mind that the Pre-2 is a 5.1 processor, not 7.1.

 

[Claire Panke]

Very good sounding, better than the Rotel IMO, and much better than the NAD. Never tried it at home so no comment about the UI. Haven't heard the particular B&K but I've had a couple power amps - they tend to be "warm" & full sounding so perhaps that house sound extends to their pres.

If you can try the Pre-2 at home that would be best. I'm also a little suspicious your Acurus amp might be on the dry side.

You might also take this query over to AudioAsylum where the music/audio freaks hang.

 

[MarkusP]

Thanks for the suggestion Claire. I plan on auditioning the Pre-2 at home this weekend.

Hopefully its not the amp as well otherwise I might just tear down the whole system and start again