need advice on using denon 4802 as a pre/pro (1 Viewer)

[JohnnyN]

I currently have a Denon AVR 4802 and I want to upgrade to seperates and would like to take it one step at a time and invest in some good amps first, then a real pre/pro further down the line.

I'd like to get a hefty 2 channel amp for the mains, and add another 5 channels or another pair of stereo amps further down the line... I was thinking maybe $1500-$2000 for the stereo amp then another 1500-$2000 for the remaining channels. or roughly $3000-4000 total for amps.

I'm open to the option of a 7 channel amp as well, but would like to get more out of the front channels as I listen to a lot of 2 ch music.

Please keep in mind that some day down the line, I'd like to get a real pre/pro and retire the denon 4802 to the bedroom. At the moment the anthem avm 20 and the b&k reference 50 look attractive, but who knows I might splurge and get the krell someday (not likely, but i can be impulsive)... so a little "future proofing" would be helpful...

I'm also open to dealer demos/audigion mint/near mint used equipment...

Thanks everyone, hope I'm not asking too much...

 

[Chip E]

Well, i use a B&K Reference 200.2 amp for my main's and a Reference 200.5 amp for the center and four surround's. I do you use the Ref50 pre-pro. Sounds incredible, lot's a power-headroom.
The 4802 will work fine as a pre for now. Here's the links to my amps if you'd like to check it out:

200.5 - 200.7 page - http://www.bkcomp.com/ref200_57.asp

Use the navigation bar on the left to check out the 200.2

 

[JohnnyN]

How does the B&K Reference 200.2 compare to the Parasound HCA 2200 MK2 or Conrad Johnson MF2250A in terms of price / performance.

 

[Ted Pugh]

JohnnyN,

I am not an expert but believe I can help. I use to use the Denon 4802 and then last March I upgraded the amps with a B&K Ref. 200.5 and started using the Denon as a pre/pro. This improved my system with more head room, better sound staging and a whole lot clearer/crisper voicing from the center. I was still not totally happy so about a month ago I bought the Aragon Stage One. This made a world of difference in side to side and front to back panning. Everything opened up and sounded so much clearer. I also bought the the Denon 2900 and have been increasing my 2 channel listening and SACD/DVD Audio listening. I was not a firm believer in seperates but I am now.

With that budget you have a lot of options. What speakers do you currently own? That will give you an idea on the budget you should spend for seperates.

 

[Bryce Miner]

How about purchasing the pre/pro first and using the 4802 as the amp. Then later down the road swap out the 4802 for a better amp.

My personal opinion is that the pre/pro makes a bigger difference then the amp. (This goes for movie watching not 2ch music playback)