New guy needing some advice

[BARRACUDA1968]

I'm thinking of updating my pre amp. Here is what I have for a system.

proton 1100 pre amp
6 proton D1200's I know I know I just like them LOL
audiocontrol architect EQ
Escient SE80 music server
Monster power AVS 2000 voltage regulator
Monster power HTPS 7000 pure power
Denon CD palyer
Proton surround sound decoder
Proton tuner
ESS amt 4 monitors ( 2 pair )
Velodyne 18" powered sub

My system is clean but my pre amp could use a few more inputs. I like separates and my proton 1100 preamp lacks the inputs I need. I'm not afraid to spend a few bucks but I am more interested in the sound quality than the name. What preamps should I consider?

Thanks Brett

 

[jaxvon]

What is your budget for your new preamp? And what capabilities do you want for it?

 

[BARRACUDA1968]

I would like to stay under a grand if I can or buy a late model used somewhere. I like the base EQ in the proton and really don't have any complaints other than I would like a tuner-dvd-cd-and a few aux's for future add's. I have seen a few pre amps with surrounds integrated etc etc. I would like to stay as pure as possible, but if I have to get something with more integration I'm open.

 

[bigbassdave]

uh oh, I got big bass envy how's that 18" vely hit? I would love something like that someday. SOrry to get off subject just curious how it sounds

 

[mtrycrafts]

I'm thinking of updating my pre amp. Here is what I have for a system.

proton 1100 pre amp
6 proton D1200's I know I know I just like them LOL
audiocontrol architect EQ
Escient SE80 music server
Monster power AVS 2000 voltage regulator
Monster power HTPS 7000 pure power
Denon CD palyer
Proton surround sound decoder
Proton tuner
ESS amt 4 monitors ( 2 pair )
Velodyne 18" powered sub

My system is clean but my pre amp could use a few more inputs. I like separates and my proton 1100 preamp lacks the inputs I need. I'm not afraid to spend a few bucks but I am more interested in the sound quality than the name. What preamps should I consider?

Thanks Brett

Why not see if there is one made by Proton with more inputs and even consider it used.

 

[BARRACUDA1968]

I am a little dissapointed in the 18" velodyne, it is freakin awesome for movies but to big and slow for tight bass. I wish I would have went with a 15" oh well.

Proton is no longer making home audio as far as I know?? I have been watching ebay but haven't come up with anything yet.

 

[mulester7]

I am a little dissapointed in the 18" velodyne, it is freakin awesome for movies but to big and slow for tight bass. I wish I would have went with a 15" oh well.

Proton is no longer making home audio as far as I know?? I have been watching ebay but haven't come up with anything yet.

.....BARRACUDA, what you're longing for, is a different voice in the top range....take two PB 10's and call us in the morning....if you reside in Cadillac Acres, take two Grotto's and call us in the AM......

 

[jaxvon]

You might want to check out a used B&K preamp. They make very high-quality gear. Also, I've heard lots of good things about the new Outlaw 990.

 

[jcPanny]

Yamaha RX-V2500

Clean pre-amp stage, plenty of features, $700 or less.

 

[BARRACUDA1968]

Thanks for all the help so far. I have been looking at a lot of pre's and I'm still confused on what to do. I have been out of the home audio thing for so long that I don't even know what questions to ask. LOL

Is there really a noticable difference from an average pre amp to a really good pre amp? in sound quality. It would be nice to have a remote and a processor built in for surround.

Anyone else having any links that might show several pre amps in a comparison with price and features??

Thanks Brett

 

[Takeereasy]

I didn't see a preamp shoot out but I did have some fun looking for a decent one: Here's a few I found:

http://onecall.com/ProductDetails.aspx?sHist=12-135&id=28708 A little older but a pretty solid unit, and $700 off.


There are the outlaw 990 and 970 priced $1099 and $699:
http://outlawaudio.com/products/index.html The 990 is an updated version of a much more expensive sherwood pre.

The Emotiva Ultralight $699: http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=processors&product=28.1

Like someone mentioned a Yamaha 2500 also should make a very effective pre pro. Maybe someone can link you to it but the reviewers on this site were pretty enthusiastic about the high qulity of this unit when used as a pre-pro.

Oh well, some food for thought I guess. Good luck with the purchase.

 

[indcrimdefense]

i assume your looking for a home theater pre-pro but will throw my 2 cents in since i have recently had 2 stereo pre-pros as demos. B&K ref 5 is a very nice unit, and i found a used nakamichi CA-5 II which was also very nice but was too bright w/ the nak amp for my speakers. both had plenty of analog connections but neither would support digital connections. best sound quality i have heard at home is cary audio cinema 6 pre-pro & cinema 5 amp.