analog-only preamp

[TheBeholder]

I would appreciate help on finding a multi-channel analog-only preamp. My main interest is music, and until now I've been in stereo, but I plan to expand my stereo into multichannel.

I have now:

NAD c372 integrated amp
Mission 783 speakers
Denon DVD2910 universal player

Denon has decent audio DACs (this is the reason I've got it), and in any case, I'll have to use its analog audio outputs to listen to the multi-channel SACD and DVD-audio. I.e. I believe that I don't need an external digital A/V processor, and a five (six if I want a sub) channel analog-only pre-amp plus some amplification will do just fine (I think about adding two NAD c270 to my c372, or perhaps getting instead a good multi-channel power amp for the same money or a bit more as three stereo NADs).

Now, the only analog multi-channel pre-amp I was able to find is Audio Refinement Pre-5. It looks like a good thing, but are there any alternatives?

Thanks.

 

[dsa220]

There are several manufacturers, but they are not all coming to mind, but two that I can think of off the top of my head are:

Sony TA-E9000ES (I believe); should be able to find a good price on a used one on e-bay or audiogon.

If you want to drop a little cash, then there is the Copland CVA-306. It has provisions for 6 channel inputs plus standard 2-channel gear.

If you like to try and build something youself, you could also visit diyAudio.com; every now and then they have something interesting. If nothing else, it will help you in researching other options.

Enjoy and happy listening.

 

[TheBeholder]

Thanks. I've looked at Copland - a very nice piece of machinery but it seems to be overkill. Well, if my finances improve, I'll consider it together with a good multichannel power amplifier. The Sony may be interesting - it's probably possible to get one for less that 700USD, and the specs are not bad. Anyway, I'll be looking further, and will appreciate any suggestions. It's strange that there are so few choices - one cannot listen to an SACD or a DVD-A without an external analog pre-amp, and once you have it, in many cases it's possible to live without any auxiliary digital circuitry.

 

[TheBeholder]

It seems I'm talking to myself here

 

[MBauer]

Lots of Receivers have that capability

There are a lot of receivers that have that capability so that might be a good way to get started and save some money?

 

[TheBeholder]

There are a lot of receivers that have that capability so that might be a good way to get started and save some money?

I'm not sure that I'll be able to save by buying a receiver - I thought about this. For example, much discussed Denon DVR-5803 will put me down by 4000USD. The cost of NAD c372, two NAD c272 plus an Audio Refinement Pre-5 is a bit more than 3000USD (and I have already c372), and without doubts the sound quality will be better than with the Denon (both for stereo- and multi-channel audio). The looks won't be so neat but I don't care very much.

Alternatively, I can sell my NAD and get a decent multi-channel power amp (I don't like NAD's multi-channel power amp; I remember that Rotel RMB-1095 sells for around 2000USD. I don't like Rotel amps very much, but there should be alternatives in the same price range). Again, an analog pre-amp and a 5-channel power amp cost less than the abovementionned Denon (or any alternative of the same class), while the sound quality will be much better.

Does this make sense?

 

[MBauer]

Receiver Option

In my research for a new receiver one of the criteria was a receiver’s ability to function as a multi-channel pre-amp. Since I looked at a variety of products I found there were many that had that capability and were also very affordable. Now, when you start talking about very expensive receivers then I would say a separate pre-pro would be much more appropriate.

Look at Onkyo for example. They have an excellent pre-amp section and some of their receivers are available at good prices. On top of that my experience tells me that this works well. When I had my Parasound AVC 2500 in for upgrading (New internal circuitry for HD video bandwidth), I used a very inexpensive Sony 5.1 Channel receiver as the pre-amp and was very happy with the result.

Plus it was just a thought; this would be a more affordable option and still give good performance. Usually separates of this nature are of higher cost than receivers, as they focus on a different market and have much lower volumes than AV receivers.