Which Pre-Pro to buy for $2000 (1 Viewer)

[Roger Kaufmann]

Currently I'm using:

Sony 333ES receiver for Pre-Amp
Earthquake 5 channel Cinenova Grande Amp
B&W Matrix 805's for front 3 channels
NHT surrounds
Sunfire True Subwoofer MK II
Panasonic DVD Player (not progressive for my Analog TV)
Sony VCR that just sits there collecting dust 99% of the time
Sony DirecTIVO SAT-T60 35 hour
Mitsubishi 45" Analog RPTV
Marantz RC5000 remote
mostly Monster Interconnects and cabling.

I've been wanting a new Pre-Pro ever since I got the Cinenova however finances have been tight. I can now spend about $2000 and have been thinking about a used Lex. MC-1. My usage habits are:
70% DirecTIVO
20% DVD's
10% Music

I'm open to suggestions, I haven't auditioned the Lex however it has such a great reputation I'm considering it seriously and yes I know this is foolish.

Please let me know what your recommendations are.

TIA,
Roger K.

 

[SteveMo]

The Marantz AV-9000 Preamp/Processor sets a new standard in home theater control center performance and flexibility. The THX Ultra certified AV-9000 includes Dolby Digital, DTS and THX post-processing and 96kHz/24-bit audio capability and incorporates the most advanced digital technologies for unprecedented surround sound performance, along with a remarkable array of audio and video inputs and outputs including component video switching.

Dolby Digital and DTS surround sound decoding, plus Dolby Pro Logic decoding and a variety of additional surround modes THX Ultra post-processing 96kHz/24-bit D/A converters and 24-bit A/D converters for exceptional audio quality Component video switching Six-channel direct inputs Gyro-Touch tuning with digital tuner section, 30-station preset memory and a station naming function Multi-room capability with independent control of a second room audio and video system Special version of the RC2000 Mark II Programmable Learning Remote Control included Wide variety of additional audio and video inputs, outputs and switching facilities, including S-video and composite video switching, coaxial and optical digital inputs and outputs, and a full selection of audio inputs Premium-quality parts and construction Copper-shielded HDAMs (High Definition Amplifier Modules) Fluorescent front panel display and user-friendly on-screen menu system

Your remote is Marantz so that would be a nice match.

 

[Rich Wenzel]

I assume you digital out from tivo to your receiver?

if that is not the case, most of the time your not really using that much sound processing and are limited to tv analog...

if you are digitaling out, and 70% of your usage is tivo, i am not sure i would recommend spending up to get the lexicon...

if it were my money, i would look at the marantz, the outlaw, the rotel, and some of the adcoms, all are good values for the money....

good luck

rich

 

[GordonL]

if you are digitaling out, and 70% of your usage is tivo, i am not sure i would recommend spending up to get the lexicon...

Why not? Logic7 works great with DPL & DD5.1. I don't see the problem here.

 

[NickSP]

Roger, are you upgrading because you don't like the outcome with the 333ES or you are upgrading to get the latest sound formats?
A lot of people are using the DA4ES as a prepro and are very happy with it and since music is not very important (10%) then the 4ES should suit you just fine. It has enormous amount of tweaking capabilities and is future upgradable, etc. and can be had for less than $700.
Your other options would be the Rotel 1066 prepro around $1350 if you want a pure prepro or, I have heard the Anthem can be had for around $2300. Given your budget, you certainly have many choices but if music is your least priority then a pure prepro might be an overkill IMHO.

 

[Chip E]

Or, you could get a deal on a B&K Ref50.

 

[Roger Kaufmann]

Guy's,

Thanks for the replies, the reason I was thinking of the Lex was Logic 7 mostly. The other modes it has don't really appeal to me, I spoke to the president of Earthquake some time ago and he recommended the MC-1 which is another reason it interested me. The connection from the Tivo to the current receiver is optical digital and the connection from the dvd player is digital coax. I'm not crazy about the sound of the Sony, it sounds bright to me. I was hoping the Lex would warm that up some, any thoughts on that anyone? Also I think I'm missing sound detail when listening to dvd's.

 

[Mickey Brown]

Used Lexicon. The best in the HT business.

 

[Serge Breton]

Or get the HK AVR8000 receiver which also has logic 7 along with every other surround format and use it as a prepro. If ever you need 5 good assignable amps you are covered with this receiver. Just bought one but haven't had time to play with it yet:frowning:

 

[Khoa Tran]

nad s170
krell
b&k
lexicon of course if you can afford it

i also have the cinemanova 3ch, i'm using a h/k 520 right now and sounds great but soon upgrading to the nads170 which is BEAUTIFUL in music and extremely dynamic in HT

 

[TomH]

I really enjoy the DVDs that offer 6.1 DTS-ES or DD-EX. In a reasonable size room it can make a big difference. I strongly recommend something that offers the newer formats.
If you can find the Anthem for $2300 it certainly deserves an audition.

 

[EarleD]

Roger,

Im in the same boat, I have a Rotel 1055 but am getting a Rotel 1070 amp for Chritistmas. Combined with my Rotel 985mkII 5 channel amp I finally have enought amp channels to go to a real preamp not a receiver used as one.

The problem is the Anthem is out of my price range and all the others (Outlaw, Rotel)in my $$$ range have some BM isues.

I have been thinking about getting a used Ref 30, they can be found for under $1500 and are getting cheaper. I figure I can sell the 1055 and get into the Ref 30 for under $500 after the Holidays.