Best $1000-$2000 preamp

[boe]

I read the review of the Integra DTC-9.4 and it looks promising. I want a preamp in the $1K-2K range. I would really prefer a black front to match all my other components (plus I prefer my HT as black as possible - less distracting in the dark).

I would like it to have at least 3 optical inputs, THX Ultra2 and DTS Neo. I definitely want one with a knob for the volume. I like the volume max on the DTC-9.4 although I like the fact that mine is black to match the rest of the unit and has a small led indicator for the position of the volume on the knob. I like the ability to rename the components on the display as one of my units is an HTPC.

I'd like it be rs232 firmware upgradeable (this helped extend the life and remove issues with my old preamp - this had 5 updates over 5 years with no hardware upgrades required). Hopefully there are manufacturers that post them on a regular basis for feature set improvements.

My current Preamp doesn't support multichannel SACDs. This would be a plus.

I currently have a Sony 9000es preamp which is still very good for the $1000 I paid 5 years ago but it is time to move that to the bedroom to replace my much older 1000es preamp (12 years old) and get a new one for the living room. I'd be perfectly happy getting another Sony preamp if they had one with some newer technology but they don't have any news on their 10es preamp so I'm looking for a good alternative.

I'm also looking at the B&K ref 50. I checked out the Outlaw but something doesn't jive with me. Denon has one in the works but it is probably a year away.

 

[boe]

Wow - 40 views and so far no one has any opinion on this?

 

[Unregistered]

P-965

I would suggest the Sherwood/Newcastle P-965. It has been getting a lot of customer praise, and is available for a street price of $1200.

 

[Unregistered]

Spend Quality Time Listening to your short list

I spent many days and hours listening to various equipment namely Linn, Arcam, Primare, Sunfire, B&K etc. I started out in April and a few weeks back settled on the B&K for many reasons but to highlight a few, (a) Sound Quality (b) Upgradeability (c) Price. Now that it’s all done I must say I have forgotten about point (C) and point (a) really does stand out. Last night watching Gladiator was riveting! Having said that, any of these would do a wonderful job.

 

[boe]

thanks

I appreciate the input. I'm feeling similar about the B&K. The only thing that gets to me is the feel. My 9000es had a nice solid feel to it. The b&k doesn't have the heft. I'm not saying this has anything to do with sound quality, it is just something about the feel that helps sell the unit to me.

 

[Unregistered]

FWIW, the P-965 has been said by some to have a nicer sound quality than the BK. Ofcourse it is all subjective.

The Ref50 is also near end of life.

 

[boe]

Thanks

Ok, I'll give it a look. I have this image of the older sherwood stuff which was not favorable, I guess they've improved since then and it is time for me to be more open minded.

I didn't see THX Ultra2 on this unit - does it have that? Is there a flash firmware coming for it if it doesn't?

 

[Unregistered]

It is Sherwood/Newcastle....not just Sherwood.

The firmware is flashable...but I do not think THX processing is planned.

If you do a search on the AVS forum you should find a lot of info on the unit.

 

[boe]

Dooh!

Thanks - if it had the THX Ultra2 it really would be an ideal preamp. If the B&K is close to the end of its life - any news on their next preamp?

 

[Unregistered]

I have not read anything about it, but you can bet it will not be under $2000.

Some say they dropped the price on the Ref50 in preparation for the new pre/pro, some say the price drop was to make it more competitive. I did read that they are not going to offer a flash upgrade to DPL2x...which to me says...no more firmware upgrades.

 

[boe]

So near and yet so far

It seems like there are several units very close to what I want at a good price but it seems the only one that gets very close is the Rotel 1068. I'm going to try and be good and wait for CES before my next purchase.

 

[audioman00]

Sony Ta-e1000esd Hands Down For Sound!!

The Best One So Far That I Have Heard

 

[Buzios]

Upgrade

The next major upgrade for the 507 for sure, and I would assume Ref50 is slated for summer 2005. Upgrades for Ref 30's or 50's and 507 will be available to offer DPLIIx and whatever is added to the new model. Couple of ways to seperate fact from fiction is to listen to it yourself, try calling B&K support or talk to current owners of very old models. Support will answer all questions you may have. From my experence, there's no end of life with products from Audio Reserach, B&K etc.