Best pre/pro for MY setup

kelley

Yes, I know I seem to be asking a lot of questions lately but I'm trying to finally get the system to where I can live with it for a few years! I'm pretty much down to needing ideas on a pre/pro that will match up with the rest of my gear. Obviously I'd like a high dollar pre/pro but also I realize there is a point where it would not justify the money spent when integrated with what I have. Here's what I have as far as the rest of my stuff:
Front channel speakers 3.1TL's being bi-amped with 1 Denon poa-6600 and 4400 on each for 400wpc.
2 CS400 centers which will be driven by my POA5000 with 100wpc.
The surrounds will be FX500 or 500i (don't have these yet but hope to close a deal today) these will also be driven with 100wpc from the POA5000.
An SVS 20-39pc+.
I'm currently using my Denon 1802 which is really the thorn in my side right now since it has no preouts for the surround channels. The sound is acceptable to me for movies, but I also have an AVP-5000 that I had hooked up for awhile and the 2 channel music killed the 1802. Problem with the AVP-5000 is that it's an older pro-logic only pre-amp.
So, I like the B&K ref 30, someone else recommended the Rotel 1066 and I had even thought of getting in on the 6th Ave 3803 deal just to use for a pre/pro.
I used to know my fair share about home stereo but got busy with other things in life and when home theater came along I was pursuing other hobbies and didn't keep up. I know there's alot of opinions and knowledge on this board so I'm hoping you guys can steer my in the right direction. Something that will compliment my system, not overkill. Thanks. Mitch

Phil Dawson

You can upgrade the ref30 to a ref 50 and have a super pre/pros. Another way to go is to see if you can find a really cheap ref10. I upgraded my ref10 to a ref50 for just under $1000 incl tax and shipping. This makes for a great sounding unit for not a lot of money. Good Luck,
Phil

Frank Z

What's your Budget?

kelley

Phil, who did the upgrade? B&K? I see some Ref 20's around so I guess they will upgrade also? Speaking of the Ref 20, The reviews seem to point out that it's not as good as the 30 for music, but I would think it's got to be better than my 1802, Does anyone have an idea on this?
Frank, my budget kind of changes every 2 weeks:D I'd like to stay in the same neigborhood of the Ref 30 or 1066. Cheaper is always welcome, but not so cheap that I'll start wanting more in a couple months.

bigsexy1

Kelley, yet another option would be to get the 3803 and use it as a pre/pro entirely for movies, and also pick up a good used 2 channel pre-amp, such as those from Adcom just for an example, to also integrate into the system for music. This would set you back about $1000 or so at the most, and rival or exceed anything at even close to 2 or 3 times it's price range.

Frank Z

Well you could buy my receiver!! http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3055452575&ssPageName=ADME:B:LC:US:1

Just kidding.;)

There are a lot of good units out there, obviously the more features you want the more it's gonna cost ya. Take a look at the Outlaw 950 for a start. If you are considering the BK you might want to look at the Anthem AVM-20 as well, but be warned it's not cheap. GoingGanzo just picked up a Sunfire TGIII and really likes it. Somewhere in between these options you'll find Adcom, NAD, Rotel, ETC. I know it's tough to set a budget, but there are so many options for preamps that you really need to figure out a max dollar amount.

I know....No help here.....sorry!:(

kelley

Well at least I was able to pick up the FX500's off of Ebay today

Phil Dawson

B&K did the upgrade. You can check them out on their website and even give them a call. They are very helpful. Where you want to end up is with the insides of the ref50 - it gives you all of the new formats and much better processing etc. than the earlier products. When the upgrades are done almost everything inside of the box is replaced. I use mine 98% of the time for music and even use the system for mixing and mastering in stereo and surround. The ref50 or the upgrade to it is worth every penny of the cost.

kelley

Not a bad deal Phil. I just got off of the phone with B&K and they will modify a ref 10 or 20 to the 50 capabilities for $898. This includes new boards etc but the unit will not have the balanced or component outputs. Not a big deal to me. The only thing that worries me a little is a 30 day warranty.

Phil Dawson

Kelley, I just checked the back of my B&K manual for my ref21 (10 upgraded to a 50) and it says I have a 5 year warranty. You might check back with them. I thought 5 years was pretty good and the thing sounds great. I run 2.3s in the front and 1.2s in the rear, 400ci and a great group of amps.
Phil

PS you also don't get balanced outputs but that no big deal unless you are running pro audio amps with super long cable runs.

goingganzo

if you have a 3 k for the pre i would eather recomend sunfire tgIII or anthem 20 1500 rotel 1066 anything less get a all in 1 withe pre outs as cheap as you can with 7.1 and save for a good amp pre.