What's the "must have" list for a pre/pro these days? (1 Viewer)

[Paul Gere]

Considering upgrading my present preamp (ACT-3).

What features should I expect in a new/replacement preamp?

Here are few things that come to mind...

7.1 surround

DTS-ES

DD P/L2

Component switching

8 channel direct inputs (for heaven knows what in the future)

24 bit DAC's

What else?

I'm thinking in the $2k to $3k range. Any suggestions?

Thanks!

 

[Legairre]

Paul,

How about adding these.

1. adjustable crossover below 80hz for all speakers.

2. Here's one I always wished worked this way and just noticed on the Rotel. Default settings for inputs. "DVD can default to Dolby or DTS". I'm so sick of those DVDs that default to prologic. This might cure that.

 

[Thomas_Berg]

i wish HDCD decoding / Burr Brown DACs were standard in all receivers and pre/pros. some have them but the vast majority do not. that would be really cool.

 

[Legairre]

Hey I just remembered that the Rotel has HDCD. Anyone know if the Outlaw 950/AT P2000 has it.

 

[Dan Hitchman]

The Outlaw Model 950 does not have HDCD, however its Cirrus Logic top-of-the-line 24 bit/192 kHz multibit DAC's supposidly can enhance 44.1 and 48 kHz signals if I'm reading Cirrus Logic's specs. page right. That's pretty much the same as what HDCD decoding does, but with all CDs.

Dan

 

[Legairre]

Thanks Dan,

Can anyone else think of anyhing else we can't live without?

 

[Craig Ball]

Paul not sure if you were aware but Mondial is offering an upgrade to the ACT3 for $900, I believe it has everything you want. Theres a long thread at klipsch.com about act3 upgrades you'll find the info there.

Craig

 

[John Morris]

How about fantastic, noise free, transparent sound?

 

[Legairre]

How about what the new top of the line Denon 5803 has. An on screen menu that works with the component inputs. Maybe not a "must have", but it sure would be nice not to have to switch input on the TV back to S-Video.

 

[Darrel McBane]

Paul, I saw your post on the Klipsch forum about their upgrade offer for the Act-3. I like you have to consider the Soundstage or the $900 upgrade to the Act-3 as a logical path. For me it's an easy decision. The Mondial/Klipsch offer may be too hard to pass up.

 

[Paul Gere]

Hi Guys!
Craig,
I discovered (much to my amazement) the thread over on the Klipsch forum after starting this thread.
Darrel,
As you read in my post yesterday @ Klipsch, I'm very likely going to pop for the upgrade program. Makes my upgrade search much easier and keeps me with a product I've really enjoyed. Still want to see the official program and upgrade details, however. We'll see how the next couple of months go, maybe I'll end up springing for the Stage 1.

How 'bout those folks @ Mondial, eh!?