Need pre-pro, don't need video processing/switching

[3no]

I'm looking for a high quality pre-pro (sound quality, decoding modes, room eq, balanced outputs, etc.), but don't need video processing/switching in the unit as I have all I need between my HTPC and the projector I am considering (HD81, comes with external processor/switcher box). I don't want to pay for the video stuff again in the pre-pro. Have 7 channels of Krell amplification, so don't need an AV receiver.

Or do I need HDMI in the pre-pro to get the new hi-rez audio from HD-DVD/Blu-Ray anyway?

Any advice?

 

[zumbo]

Will this do the trick?
http://cgi.ebay.com/KRELL-KAV250P-balanced-single-ended-remote-controll_W0QQitemZ5854734435QQcategoryZ14974QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.videogon.com/cgi-bin/cl.pl?prea20ch&1135233036&class&3&4&

http://cgi.videogon.com/cgi-bin/cl.pl?prea20ch&1138267319&class&3&4&

Specs:http://www.ckaudio.com/kav250p.htm

Manual from Krell website:http://www.krellonline.com/archive_pdfs/KAV250P/KAV250P_V000_MAN.pdf

 

[3no]

Will this do the trick?
http://cgi.ebay.com/KRELL-KAV250P-balanced-single-ended-remote-controll_W0QQitemZ5854734435QQcategoryZ14974QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.videogon.com/cgi-bin/cl.pl?prea20ch&1135233036&class&3&4&

http://cgi.videogon.com/cgi-bin/cl.pl?prea20ch&1138267319&class&3&4&

Specs:http://www.ckaudio.com/kav250p.htm

Manual from Krell website:http://www.krellonline.com/archive_pdfs/KAV250P/KAV250P_V000_MAN.pdf

Thanks for the quick reply zumbo, but the KAV250P is a simple (but high quality) stereo preamp. I am looking for a HT pre-pro that does surround decoding (including newer formats) to 7.1 channels, bass management, speaker distance/timing, room equalization, etc. I'd like a Denon AVR-5805 without the amp section or video scaling/switching, plus balanced outputs.

 

[jaxvon]

What about this?

http://www.tactlabs.com/Products/TCS/index.html

There's a guy here, Sleestack, that uses their 2-channel unit and absolutely swears by it.

 

[rolyasm]

3no,
I am looking at pre's as well. I think the Sherwood Newcastle line is a good bang for buck. Others like the Outlaws. I think Emotiva just came out with a new pre, so not a lot of feedback yet. I am really considering the Sherwood P-965. Good luck.
Roly

 

[The13thGryphon]

What about this?

http://www.tactlabs.com/Products/TCS/index.html

There's a guy here, Sleestack, that uses their 2-channel unit and absolutely swears by it.

The Tact TCS mkII is a fantastic processor/room correction engine from what I hear (never had the opportunity to listen to one personally); however, at roughly $9,000 it's not for everyone. Here's a link to a Home Theater Magazine review for those who are interested... http://www.hometheatermag.com/preampprocessors/1104tact/

I only wish I had that kind of scratch to lay down on gear like this piece. Unfortunately, being employed in public education I can only dream of that level of equipment.

I too am looking at a 7.1 pre/pro to replace my current 5.1 setup (see below), though I am interested in HDMI switching. The units that I'm considering do not all have HDMI switching currently, and you might be able to get a good buy on them before that particular capability hits the market.

The units I'm looking at are the following:

B&K Reference 50 - approx. $2,000 (no HDMI currently)
Anthem AVM-30 - approx. $3,000 (HDMI upgrade in the works)
Parasound Model 7100 - approx. $3,000 (HDMI upgrade in the works)
Parasound Halo C-2 - approxc. $4,000 (no HDMI currently)
NAD Masters Series M15 - approx. $2,500 (HDMI capable)

 

[Rip Van Woofer]

Maybe things have changed in the year since I made my decison, but after looking at and pricing various pre-pros I decided (partly based on Audioholics articles) that the best value was a good, full-featured receiver once you get over the idea that the built in amps will be "wasted".

Pre-pros tend to be made in smaller quantities and aimed at the high end of the market. The result is that the inexpensive ones like Outlaw skimp a bit on features, or you pay an arm and a leg for a full featured unit.

I would up with a Harman Kardon DPR 1001 7.1 receiver. Other receivers would work as well. I run my active tri-amped main speakers and their outboard amps from the L and R preouts; my two surrounds from the receiver's own amps, and in-wall speakers in another room from the rear surround amp outputs that are assignable for multi-room if you're using 5.1 in the main setup.

It's got flexible bass management (both global and independent), all the DSP modes I need (I use Dolby PL II Music for 99% of all my stereo CD listening) a good remote, and looks nice. And being the frugal fellow I am, I got it as a factory refurb for about half the MSRP. I'm very happy with it.

Like I said, no doubt other quality receivers would also do the job as well.

Oh, and are you worried that a receiver won't "sound as good" as a prepro? <b>Fuhgeddaboutit!</b>

Edit: If you're still set on a prepro I recall that NAD has an interesting looking "audio-oriented" prepro. Not cheap, but not outrageous. I don't remember the model number but I think it's still in their lineup.

 

[agarwalro]

The Outlaw 990 pre/pro has good reviews. Here is a link to the product page,

http://www.outlawaudio.com/products/990.html

 

[Sleestack]

The Tact TCS mkII is a fantastic processor/room correction engine from what I hear (never had the opportunity to listen to one personally); however, at roughly $9,000 it's not for everyone. Here's a link to a Home Theater Magazine review for those who are interested... http://www.hometheatermag.com/preampprocessors/1104tact/

I only wish I had that kind of scratch to lay down on gear like this piece. Unfortunately, being employed in public education I can only dream of that level of equipment.

I too am looking at a 7.1 pre/pro to replace my current 5.1 setup (see below), though I am interested in HDMI switching. The units that I'm considering do not all have HDMI switching currently, and you might be able to get a good buy on them before that particular capability hits the market.

The units I'm looking at are the following:

B&K Reference 50 - approx. $2,000 (no HDMI currently)
Anthem AVM-30 - approx. $3,000 (HDMI upgrade in the works)
Parasound Model 7100 - approx. $3,000 (HDMI upgrade in the works)
Parasound Halo C-2 - approxc. $4,000 (no HDMI currently)
NAD Masters Series M15 - approx. $2,500 (HDMI capable)

Wish you had seen my post earlier. I just dumped a Parasound
C1 and A51 combo for $5K. If you are seriously interested in the C-2, I can you one for much cheaper than $4K. In fact, I could probaly get you a new C1 for around $4K.

I use the TACT RCS 2.2x for 2 channel and the TACT TCS MKII for my HT. I just ordered the TACT BOZ 216/2200 digital amps, which will replace the A51 in my HT setup. I too do not care to have any video run through my pre/pro and find the TACT TCS MKII to be the perfect audio pre/pro. It is a bit pricey, but the audible results of the room correction and crossovers are nothing short of amazing.

 

[agarwalro]

The Outlaw 990 pre/pro has good reviews. Here is a link to the product page,

http://www.outlawaudio.com/products/990.html

Woops. missed the part that you dont need video switching. Even then...

 

[zumbo]

Thanks for the quick reply zumbo, but the KAV250P is a simple (but high quality) stereo preamp. I am looking for a HT pre-pro that does surround decoding (including newer formats) to 7.1 channels, bass management, speaker distance/timing, room equalization, etc. I'd like a Denon AVR-5805 without the amp section or video scaling/switching, plus balanced outputs.

It states it has "Theater Throughput".