Pre-pro replacement recommendations?

[JackHart2019]

Now that my Outlaw 975 is inoperable and given how that situation developed. I'm more than a little gun shy about replacing it.

Right now I'm using my Oppo as a preamp because my Emotiva XPA-2 doesn't have volume controls. But my system doesn't sound as good as it did before in this current configuration.

I've no interest (currently) in surround sound for this room. I've a pair of Prime towers that are more than adequate for our current needs. And I have an ancient Hafler DH-101 preamp that I'd be willing to spend some money on to get it working again. Depending on how much those repairs run, I suppose I could just as easily shop around for a different used analog preamp and I've read plenty of threads on used preamps that folks still recommend.

Nevertheless, does anyone have any suggestions as to where I might wanna look at going to next? Including, if it makes sense, repairing the Hafler.

 

[Phase 2]

Oh man the market is pretty much wide open. You could do the AVR thing with pre-amp outs? Denon 3500 or a Yamaha a1070 even if you go on A4L you can pickup a nice refurbished with a warranty for real cheap. I'm using Yamaha 7790, doesn't have Atmos, but it's going for 249.00 with a years warranty. That Outlaw unit went for what? About 1K?

 

[sterling shoote]

Now that my Outlaw 975 is inoperable and given how that situation developed. I'm more than a little gun shy about replacing it.

Right now I'm using my Oppo as a preamp because my Emotiva XPA-2 doesn't have volume controls. But my system doesn't sound as good as it did before in this current configuration.

I've no interest (currently) in surround sound for this room. I've a pair of Prime towers that are more than adequate for our current needs. And I have an ancient Hafler DH-101 preamp that I'd be willing to spend some money on to get it working again. Depending on how much those repairs run, I suppose I could just as easily shop around for a different used analog preamp and I've read plenty of threads on used preamps that folks still recommend.

Nevertheless, does anyone have any suggestions as to where I might wanna look at going to next? Including, if it makes sense, repairing the Hafler.

Look on ebay for Sony TA-E9000es, it was their last pre-amp, about $1700 twenty years ago. Mine still functions flawlessly for stereo and 5.1. You can get one today for about $150 to $300. And, if it breaks it's worth fixing.

 

[JackHart2019]

Oh man the market is pretty much wide open. You could do the AVR thing with pre-amp outs? Denon 3500 or a Yamaha a1070 even if you go on A4L you can pickup a nice refurbished with a warranty for real cheap. I'm using Yamaha 7790, doesn't have Atmos, but it's going for 249.00 with a years warranty. That Outlaw unit went for what? About 1K?

My 975 was like 480-500 3 years ago. It runs a little north of that now, but not much & seems like I bought it while it was onsale.

Look on ebay for Sony TA-E9000es, it was their last pre-amp, about $1700 twenty years ago. Mine still functions flawlessly for stereo and 5.1. You can get one today for about $150 to $300. And, if it breaks it's worth fixing.

Nice. I will look around, I too have always had good luck with Sony stuff.

 

[JackHart2019]

Thanks guys, the Sony TA-E9000 & the Yamaha 7790 look to be under the 500 or so I would spend, and the others are a bit over. But yeah, clearly all of them would fill the hole I have now and then some.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

According to M Code, Yamaha is #1 in reliability and is the only major brand that extensively tests for HDMI compatibility.

And seeing how their customer service handled one case personally (agreeing to send a brand new AVR to a client), I feel pretty good about it.

 

[Good4it]

If you are referring to me the replacement was not brand new but refurbished. BTW the reason it never happened was I offered to give them my CC if they would send the replacement before I returned my unit but they refused. Rather than be without for who knows how long I kept my “faulty” unit. At least I knew what I had. The most I could lose was my purchase price.

If you were not talking about me “never mind “.

 

[JackHart2019]

According to M Code, Yamaha is #1 in reliability and is the only major brand that extensively tests for HDMI compatibility.

And seeing how their customer service handled one case personally (agreeing to send a brand new AVR to a client), I feel pretty good about it.

I have a Yamaha m-35, that also needs repaired, but it was a great little amp for years and years.

First amp I ever bought. I probably should get it fixed someday, I just don't have a place for it in the house currently.

 

[Phase 2]

Get it fixed, maybe DIY? Can be a fun lil project.

 

[JackHart2019]

Get it fixed, maybe DIY? Can be a fun lil project.

I suspect it might be, but I'm not especially handy, and I've never really messed around in the insides of anything other than computers. I'm gonna get this Hafler fixed, I have a coupla amps in working condition right now, but I need a preamp and I loved that Hafler, and looking around on the internet looks like it still has a great reputation and a bit of a cult following. If that goes well, the Yamaha might be next.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I guess if you're into DIY, then you might enjoy fixing up old amps.

As for me, I would just buy something new.

This time, stick to the big boys from Yamaha, Sony, or Marantz/Denon.