Have a look: options.
You're right Peng, croseiv is looking for a good preamp section, he is not concern on weight (heatsinks and power supply).
If I was croseiv, for the use he wants to make, I'll stretch a few more dollars, and see if I can get a good deal on the Denon AVR-2809ci.
I did mentioned that before. It is one of the most loved preamp, and also as an A/V receiver, in the market. I know some people that used the AVR-2808ci or the AVR-2809ci, in their very high end system setups. It also has an excellent DSP chip, perhaps one of the very best (Sharc), and great Dacs too (TI Burr-Brown PCM-1791a, or is it the BB DSD-1608 8-channel multich DAC? Ya, I think it is, the later).
*** The main thing here to realise, is that all Denon receivers with 8 channels pre outs, make excellent pre/pros, in addition of a good amp section, period.
And I know this for a fact; I personally used one of those for years, with total satisfaction.
So, I know that it means something very serious here. And I did read quite a lot about it. So, I say in all honesty, that it will be a very high consideration from me, to used the AVR-2808ci in a high end system, used as a pre/pro.
Also, there is a guy, here at Audioholics, that found the Denon AVR-989, which is the exact same model as the AVR-2809ci, for only $650 Canadian dollars at Future Shop in Canada (open box, floor model). That's about, what, $499 USA, roughly? $500 for an A/V receiver of the first order, with plenty of power, true power it is, and that is first class to be used in a high end system, with the fantastic Audyssey MultEQ XT, plus state-of-the-art features, incuding the best bass management in the all industry, for an A/V receiver that is; is extraordinary, to say the least.
BUT, if croseiv wants to get a Yamaha, used as a pre/pro, and I guess he likes to have as many HDMI inputs as possible; then I'm not too sure which model that would be.
The thing I know for sure, is that the people that used the 663 as their pre/pro or even as their main A/V receiver, seems to be very satisfied all across the board, and from all continents.
Now, if croseiv can do without HDMI, and want to save a very good chunk, he can use a Yamaha RX-V2600 (or even an RX-V2700), as an excellent A/V receiver, that excells as a pre/pro. And these two receivers can be found for very very little money.
Just ask Chris about his thoughts on the 2600, or even the 2700.
Me, I already know his thoughts, and he loves the Yamaha RX-V2600, period.
* So, here, I just shooted what could be useful information for croseiv.
[And I gathered these info, over time & from serious readings on the subject]
Bob
