Looking for amp/pre-amp recs

[Lincoln]

<font color='#000000'>Forum Newbie here:
I currently have a Sony TAE-9000ES pre-amp and temporarily using my old Kenwood THX KRX-1000

(this is the old Stereophile recommended recv) as the 5-ch amp running 5 NHT SB3s and an SW2Pi sub. I would like to replace the Sony pre-amp with something that can do component switching. I like the Sony b/c it doesn't noticably degrade the video like soooo many pre-amps do, so I'm looking for something new that shares this quality with the Sony. I hate the Sony remote and would prefer the new pre-amp to have a &quot;normal&quot; one-way hard button remote that can be used to program my Home Theatre Master remote. I'm looking to spend about $1500 on the pre-amp and buying used is always an option.

I would also like to replace the Kenwood that I'm using for the amp (actually move it to another system). The sound quality for music (2-ch) is the highest priority here. I just don't know what amps to try to match the NHT's??? Again the price should be under $1500 and used is OK. I have a small room and don't listen at insane levels, so I'd guess that anything 100 watts/ch and up should be enough as along as it has decent headroom.

The two most important requirements are video switching quality and sound quality on 2-ch music.

TIA for any suggestions.</font>

 

[Guest]

<font color='#000000'>I've had an Outlaw 770 200 watt 7-channel amp and 950 Pre-Pro for over a year now and feel it is an unbeatable value. &nbsp;That combo is in the $2500 range. &nbsp;But, they have a 7100 100 watt 7-channel amp now that can be had, with the 950, for about $1500. &nbsp;It has gotten some real good comments and reviews. &nbsp;The service with Outlaw is incredible. &nbsp;If you haven't checked out their website and considered their products, you ought to give them a try. &nbsp;This was my first venture at spending this much money on this kind of item over the internet. &nbsp;I feel you'd have a hard time touching the quality, specs and service these guys provide in their products.</font>

 

[pam]

<font color='#000000'>Hi Lincoln

I have 4 NHT 2.5i with a AC-2. I am also lookign for a receiver or Pre-amp/amp so I am really interested in what will come out of this.</font>