Need help with finding a good seperate for under $1500 (1 Viewer)

[DarL]

I need help finding a good preamp processor to go with my B&W 604 s3 Fronts, LCR600, 602 s3 rears, svs 20-39pc+ sub, and my Parasound 2205at amp. I am currently running my denon avr3803 with the pre-outs. I am new to seperates, and I your advice to which preamp processor would be a good combo with my setup? The setup is used strickly for hometheather so DTS, Dolby Digital, and current sound processing is important to me. My budget is around $1000-$1500; is there a pre/pro seperate for that price better than my current denon avr3803?

Thanks.

 

[gregD]

Since you're strictly movies -- and already have a good power amp -- I suggest sticking with the 3803... and throwing the money at some other upgrade (sub? disc player?).

There aren't that many choices for pre/pro's under $1500... there's Outlaw, but their 950 is overdue for an upgrade... there's Rotel, Adcom, Sherbourn, NAD -- all good, but you likely have to buy used to meet your price point... at best, I think any of these is a sideways move for a movies-only rig... your Denon is a good performer as it is.

If your primary goal is to have the latest processing technology for $1000-1500, go for a new receiver rather than a pre/pro... receivers roll out more frequently with up-to-date features... but audition thoroughly -- at home if possible... the differences may be less evident than you think.

 

[TimRP]

You can find BK ref50s for $1500 if you look hard enough.

 

[CurtisSC]

The Sherwood/Newcastle P-965 can be had well under $1500, and is an excellent unit.

 

[DarL]

Greg- I actually have a sub already that i forgot to mention - it's a svs 20-39pc+.

If I raise my budget to $2000, is there a lot more options out there for pre/pro seperates?

 

[Yogi]

Is there a certain aspect of the 3803 that you find lacking in terms of processing capabilities? The 3803 looks like a very good prepro already (at least on paper), and I don' think PL2X is worth upgrating for because after all it is still a matrixed format.

 

[JackS]

The HK 7300 looks to be a true alternative to seperates spec wise and feature wise. I have never heard this receiver but I did compare the old HK 7000 to the Da777es before purchasing the Sony 5 years ago. It was a toss up between the two with the 777 a little cheaper than the HK due to clearance pricing. If you can justify a receiver in place of a processor, this is one that probably can be taken seriously. If seperates are a must, consider some of the used pre's.

 

[gregD]

Not really... you'd still be talking about all makes suggested above... all good, but I'm not convinced they'd be a noticeable improvement for a movies-only rig... as a movie processor, your Denon really is that good.

Again -- for movies only -- I can't say there would be a big difference even in the $3-5k class (Anthem, Bryston, Sunfire)... music is another matter.

Specifically what are you looking to improve?

 

[DarL]

I am trying to improve the sound level of the dialog. It's hard for me to hear the dialog words even at high levels sometimes. I usually listen to DVD movies at -10 to 0 on the denon receiver, at those level the background music is often louder than the dialogs.

Another reason why I was planning to go into seperates is the fact that most members here say that it is better than a a/v receiver( i don't know if that goes for movies or for music). I have a chance to spend around $1500 because my brother wants to buy my Denon avr3803. So I am hoping to upgrade the sound on my hometheather movie experience.

I am statisfied with the sound processing that the Denon avr3803 provides already, but more new tech sound processing codes would be nice So would you guys recommend as for an a/v receiver or pre/pro seperates?

Thanks.

 

[Charles J P]

What about the Outlaw combo for $1500. Obviously the amps would be a big improvement over the amps in most receivers. Denons are known for putting out their rated wattage all channels driven.

 

[DarL]

Charles- I already own a parasound 2205at amp, so I wouldn't really need the combo. Is the outlaw 950 a better upgrade to the denon 3803?

 

[DanielGM]

DarL,
from this post:
"I am trying to improve the sound level of the dialog. It's hard for me to hear the dialog words even at high levels sometimes. I usually listen to DVD movies at -10 to 0 on the denon receiver, at those level the background music is often louder than the dialogs. "

It sounds like your system isn't calibrated correctly. Even a $200 receiver used as a pre/pro should be able to adjust the levels so that dialogue is clear. I would invest $40 in an SPL meter before I went out and bought a new processor.

 

[Charles J P]

I agree that you should check your calibration. Short of that, it might be a speaker issue. Have you checked your CC to make sure its OK?

 

[gregD]

Agreed... swapping processors won't necessarily fix center dialog levels... (re)calibrate first, if that's the main issue.

You might also try some re-positioning of the center speaker -- unless its current placement is not flexible... you'd be surprised what such a small tweak can accomplish.

But if you're simply keen to make a move to separates -- and that's fine too -- all the above-mentioned makes are proven performers... I personally like the Rotel's... their RSP-1068 is fairly new, and has very up-to-date processing... currently shipping with DPL IIx.

Still... take the time to audition first.

 

[chung_sotheby]

Someone is selling an Anthem AVM20 v2 on agon now for $1600, which is an absolute STEAL! Hop on this if you can.

 

[DarL]

I have a sound meter, maybe I should check on the calibrations again. But either way, I still need to get another receiver or pre/pro seperate because my brother wants my denon avr3803.

Chung- I don't see the anthem for that price could you provide a link?

Thanks