New av pre

[fatbottom]

Looking at a new av pre to replace a Lexicon MC-8 V2 (non balanced)
ATI 2003 and ATI 2004 amplifiers


The Marantz AV7702 Mk I is on special at the moment (£800 brand new) I read a review with AV7702 and ATI 2007 caused hiss, to do with gain. I have noticed this myself. With the Lexicon switched off, but the ATI switched on it is dead silent. When I switch the Lexicon on, there is hiss.

I do like the Lexicon Logic 7 modes though, even for mono it works brilliantly (I leave the 2003 on, so I get front three speakers with mono movies)

If I buy a av pre with XLR will the hiss be louder, or quieter?

From the ATI manual

"Gain Voltage gain of 34dB through RCA jacks, 28dB through XLR jacks"

 

[TheWarrior]

Hi!

http://www.audioholics.com/audio-amplifier/amplifier-voltage-gain

Here's a relevant article that may help further explain what you are experiencing. Before spending that much money on a new preamp, lets also take in to consideration what speakers you have? You could simply be offering too much excess power, or even a potential grounding issue.

 

[fatbottom]

The amount of hiss isn't that much. Just noticeble when you power up the pre. Just from a review of 7702 he made it sound it was very loud.

Speakers are Celestion A3/A4C, Definitive BP-2X. I understand balanced XLR gives out more voltage, but would that effect the final amount of hiss from the speakers, compared to unbalanced?

 

[TheWarrior]

The amount of hiss isn't that much. Just noticeble when you power up the pre. Just from a review of 7702 he made it sound it was very loud.

Speakers are Celestion A3/A4C, Definitive BP-2X. I understand balanced XLR gives out more voltage, but would that effect the final amount of hiss from the speakers, compared to unbalanced?

Do you notice the hiss when music is playing?

Looking at the specs on those speakers, you are definitely providing them more than enough power. And if you only hear hiss/distortion at idle, buying a new preamp is hardly worth it!

 

[TheWarrior]

Oh, and XLR would equate to less voltage, which would potentially solve your problem. But again, if you only hear it at idle, I would just save all that money and keep adding for one big upgrade in the future!

 

[fatbottom]

Looking at a new av pre to get hdmi, room correction, XLR etc.

 

[TheWarrior]

Looking at a new av pre to get hdmi, room correction, XLR etc.

All of those reasons are convenience related. If thats worth a new preamp to you, then have at it! And please post pics as those speakers are rather pretty!

 

[fatbottom]

my BD player is Oppo, the .1 output clips on the 5.1 RCA output so will get unclipped signal if using HDMI.

At the moment using optical out, so I'm losing HD audio, but at least not getting clipped LFE.

Also have Kef Reference Model 2.2 which I used for a few years, but bought these Celestions moved the Kefs to the other room (2ch)