Recommendation for 7.1 surround pre-amp

[delarochej]

Lookding for an audiophile quality pre-amp that can processess both 7.1 input & output and will also allow me to switch input to 2 channel stereo from a digital streaming device. New or used, under $2K.

Input from Linn Akurate DSM Digital Streaming unit OR from
OPPO Blu-Ray disc Player model BDP-83se NuForce Edition (with RS232).
The oppo has it's own 7.1 processor - need a pre-amp that can take the 7 inputs and
output them to
4 Adcom GFA-5800 Amps

The other wish would be a way to vary the output volume of each amp independently.

 

[Adam]

Welcome to the forum!

I don't have an answer to your question, but I have some advice. It's best to only start one thread on the same question, as people may start responding to multiple threads, and you lose the value of a concerted effort to help you.

 

[TLS Guy]

Lookding for an audiophile quality pre-amp that can processess both 7.1 input & output and will also allow me to switch input to 2 channel stereo from a digital streaming device. New or used, under $2K.

Input from Linn Akurate DSM Digital Streaming unit OR from
OPPO Blu-Ray disc Player model BDP-83se NuForce Edition (with RS232).
The oppo has it's own 7.1 processor - need a pre-amp that can take the 7 inputs and
output them to
4 Adcom GFA-5800 Amps

The other wish would be a way to vary the output volume of each amp independently.

In your price range, this is your best bet.

I would not get too hung up on the audiophile handle. An audiophile is generally someone who has done something stupid, is doing something stupid or is about to do something stupid. Often all of the above.

So use the HDMI out of the OPPO and set to bit stream and forget the analog outs. That will give you the best results.

 

[delarochej]

Thanks to all for the great suggestions. The Marantz AV7701 does look like the best bet. Currently my music media is stored on a network drive. I have a file server running "Twonky" which processes the files, sends them to the Linn Akurate for file streaming to the preamp. This configuration allows me to use an ipod 3rd generation to select files.

Can the Marantz replace the need for the file server, the IPOD and the Linn Akurate? That would really save a ton of money!

 

[delarochej]

I did some additional research on the Marantz AV7701. As long as the network drive containing the .WAV and other music files is connected to the same router as the Marantz, no laptop, file server or digital streaming device is required!