Cheap pre-amp for audio only?

[Arjun]

I'm looking for a decent and cheap pre-amp that will do justice to my set up. I do not need video capabilities or amplification (I'm not buying a TV till the end of the year, and waiting for HDMI 1.3 to come out before I buy a receiver). This is my set up (sitting in my living room ready to go!):
1. Mains - RBH 1266 SER
2. Center - RBH 661 SER
3. Surrounds - RBH 44SE
4. Subs - Axiom EP500 x2
5. Amps - Parasound 5250 (5 channel x 250w)
6. Music transport - Sonos
Since I'll be using the pre-amp for just a year for music only before I repace it with a receiver, I'd like to keep the budget <$300 if possible.

Looking forward to your inputs!

 

[markw]

You mean a preamp/processor, right?

For that price your best bet may to be to look for a receiver with preamp outs, possibly used.

 

[Arjun]

For that price your best bet may to be to look for a receiver with preamp outs, possibly used.

Yes I'm looking for a pre-pro, but haven't found a decent one that's cheap. I've checked on ebay but haven't had much luck with a decent receivers <$500 that I can use as a pre-pro.

 

[highfihoney]

Try the audio pimp.

More than likely the audio pimp will let this Acurus pre/pro go for $300 or damm close to it just to move it,if your not familiar with the pimp his name is johnny & he sells a ton of stuff for dealers,all great gear & seriously trustworthy,great packing skills & plenty of payment methods.

If you do contact johnny about buying from him be sure to read his FAQ section,he likes no nonsense deals & likes to close the deal quickly,if you make him a offer at $300 plus you pay shipping most likely he'll take it just be prepared to close the deal quick.

Website.

http://www.jbaudiopimp.com/

Acurus pre/pro.

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?homeproc&1176010449

 

[Seth=L]

Acurus pre/pro.

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?homeproc&1176010449

That thing has enough Coaxial Digital inputs, that is for sure. Does it have an RF capable Digital input?

 

[Arjun]

Acurus Act 3

I don't know much about Acurus other than they got by Klipsch. Is the Act 3 a decent pre-pro?

 

[highfihoney]

I don't know much about Acurus other than they got by Klipsch. Is the Act 3 a decent pre-pro?

Decent,are you serious? For what your needs are you'll never find a better pre/pro plus at that steal of a price you can use it for a year or two & sell it for atleast what you paid & even make a few bucks.

Seriously its a fantastic peice of equipment that will not sit around very long,at the price the pimp's selling it for i'd be suprised if it lasts 72 hours without a buyer.

 

[goodman]

I like your equipment selection, and I like your idea of waiting for HDMI 1.3 to be available to you before you buy a new pre-pro.
If we were friends, and you lived in my town or one near me, I would offer you the loan of my Dynaco PAS3 tube preamp for six months to a year, while you waited for what you want to hit the market.
Since we are not acquainted and don't live in adjoining towns, but we have a mutual interest in a hobby, let me propose the following: Send me $100.00, and I will carefully package and ship the PAS3 to you. If you don't like it for any reason, send it back, and I'll send you back your $100.00. If you like it, use it in your system until you get your new pre-pro. Then send the PAS3 back to me and I'll send you back your $100.00.
I consider this to be an experiment in human relations, not a business transaction. You can check me out at www.debtbustersny.com. Whatever you decide, best wishes.

 

[zumbo]

Yamaha 659.

 

[Seth=L]

I would so get the Acurus, won't find a better deal on such a great pre/pro. The preamp is top notch next to a receiver's. Getting a receiver with preouts would only be better for 7.1 and possibly connectivity. Unless you want to spend $4000 on a receiver get the Acurus, you can't go wrong. Do it, do it, DO IT! If you don't, then I might and I don't even have an amplifier other than the receiver and a few cheapy integrated amps and receivers.

 

[Arjun]

Decent,are you serious? For what your needs are you'll never find a better pre/pro plus at that steal of a price you can use it for a year or two & sell it for atleast what you paid & even make a few bucks.

Seriously its a fantastic peice of equipment that will not sit around very long,at the price the pimp's selling it for i'd be suprised if it lasts 72 hours without a buyer.

How do you think the Acurus stacks up against a Yamaha RXV-659 (for use as a pre-pro) - both are similarly priced (~$300 + shipping). Again, I'm a noob so that's why I'm asking.

 

[Seth=L]

How do you think the Acurus stacks up against a Yamaha RXV-659 (for use as a pre-pro) - both are similarly priced (~$300 + shipping). Again, I'm a noob so that's why I'm asking.

The Acurus will blow the Yamaha out of the water, no contest. The Acurus has a far better processor and preamplifier than that of the Yamaha. It also has more inputs. Unless you absolutely need 7.1, don't get the Yamaha.

 

[Arjun]

The Acurus will blow the Yamaha out of the water, no contest. The Acurus has a far better processor and preamplifier than that of the Yamaha. It also has more inputs. Unless you absolutely need 7.1, don't get the Yamaha.

I don't need 7.1. I just need 5 channels and 2 subwoofer outs.

 

[Seth=L]

I don't need 7.1. I just need 5 channels and 2 subwoofer outs.

If you need two sub outputs then buy a single RCA male to dual RCA female adapter. However the Acurus has dual preouts for subs, the Yamaha does not.

 

[Arjun]

If you need two sub outputs then buy a single RCA male to dual RCA female adapter. However the Acurus has dual preouts for subs, the Yamaha does not.

So...I ended up getting the Acurus for $300 shipped. I'll get it in hand Monday!

 

[Seth=L]

So...I ended up getting the Acurus for $300 shipped. I'll get it in hand Monday!

Oh, thank you, I was worrying that you might get the Yamaha. Not that the Yamaha isn't bad, it is a very well reviewed receiver. It is not any match in audio quality to the Acurus, not by a long shot. You will really enjoy music on this thing.

Good luck,

Seth=L

 

[highfihoney]

So...I ended up getting the Acurus for $300 shipped. I'll get it in hand Monday!

Good deal,you made a smart move both financially & sonicly,you stole that preamp at that price,there's nothing more i can say, seth summed it up pretty darn well.

Good choice

 

[Doc777]

How did you like your Acurus Act 3? I bought one in great condition with the extra bass module upgrade. It did not perform anywhere near my expectations. There was no detail and it was terrible. My wife agreed and I picked up a Marantz AV 8003. The Marantz is absolutely transparent and I am still scratching my head over the accuracy. I saw a picture of the A150 amplifier and was surprised at the lack of parts. Either they have an incredible design or the cut corners. Sorry to resurrect an old thread. Trying to get a better understanding of the Acuras quality.

 

[jinjuku]

You replied to a 10 year old thread...

 

[Doc777]

Like I said, sorry to resurrect an old thread.