What is the Best of the currently avaiable Pre Amplifiers with out going overboad

Sumerian

I did a lot of search here and other forums most of the recommendations/Requests are either budget restrained or basic or startup Amps or too heavy on wallet.


So i would like to see what you Audhiophile veterans have to recommend for the below spec.
Keeping the budget at max 3k or 4k and only considering new.
Not looking for a inexpensive atlernatives like Emotiva (no pun intended) etc., but if you have done A/B tests and you feel it is really good then lest list it here. We are looking for budget audiphile Pre Amp.


1) Best Avaiable DAC
2) Audiophile grade processing and SQ
Atleast 5 Hdmi inputs , 1 or 2 outputs
4)Top of the line room correction system
5)On screen display
6) Itunes app to control
7) DLNA/Net
8) 7.2 or more channels
9) 4K and 3D pass through
10) Build and Quality

Let me know if we are missing any key spec

Again this is just consolidate our opinions and thoughts.... Please lets not turn and twist this thread

tonyb

You want a lot for 4k new. The closest to what you want as far as I can tell is this....


http://www.crutchfield.com/p_642AV8801/Marantz-AV8801.html?tp=47509#details-tab

My personal fav would be the Cary cinema 12, doesn't have a lot of the bells and whistles you may want but sound quality is pretty darn good, enough to rival a lot of pre amps. That's of course if your looking to do music and movies out of one system.

disneyjoe7

Have you considered doing a pre / HT system? A system to do 2 channel and 5.1+ or so. A bit cheaper and maybe better 2 channel, the pre would need to be a HT bypass but.....

Sumerian

tonyb wrote: »

You want a lot for 4k new.

Ok so what would be more appropriate budget? and what will be your recomendation

Sumerian

tonyb wrote: »

Marantz-AV8801

On paper this one looks loaded

Mikey081057

Sumerian wrote: »

tonyb wrote: »

Marantz-AV8801

On paper this one looks loaded

I have the AV7701, which is about half the price, and it does everything you need for HT. Phenomenal quality
.

Sumerian

Mikey081057 wrote: »

Sumerian wrote: »

tonyb wrote: »

Marantz-AV8801

I have the AV7701, which is about half the price, and it does everything you need for HT. Phenomenal quality
.

Looks pretty close but the later has a better DAC i think?

tonyb

Well, the thing is pre/pro's are off the bat going to be more expensive than an AVR. Better build quality, better level of adjustment, etc. Like everything else, there's a pre/pro for every budget starting with Emotiva, then up to brands like the Marantz then Cary or Anthem...Classe...Bryston, etc.

Personally I think the Marantz is a nice blend of sound quality and bells and whistles for what you want in that price category......talking new now. However, that's a lot of coin to throw down and buying a used pre/pro or even a store demo could save you thousands. Lets face it, audio gear is horrible at retaining value.

You seem to be all over the map with cables and gear, not yet realizing that even though you may acquire some of the best, it may not add up to good synergy once put all together. Forcing you to sell something at a loss. Take it a step at a time, every brand has what we call a "house sound", which may or may not tickle your fancy or jive with the rest of your gear. Just trying to save you some coin, maybe a little disappointment, because this audio thing is a gradual journey that your ears must get accustomed to knowing what they like. You then move in that direction knowing which "house sounds" appeal to you.

For a good pre/pro, under your requirements, I can't see how you could go wrong with the Marantz. If I was to chase down a used one, Anthem D2, Bryston, Classe ssp800, and Cary cinema 12 would all be contenders

tonyb

Let me add, than many find an AVR coupled with an amp to be more than satisfactory. Some may even rival decent pre/pro's. But as we all know, build quality is essential to squeezing out the absolute best sounds. An AVR is a compromised product in that you have many separate pieces squeezed into one. One of the more important components is the build quality of the analog output stages. Separates usually have better builds in that department over an avr, better built dacs, etc. That's not saying that a top of the line avr can't compete either, just that if those incremental differences in sound is important to you and worth the extra coin to get it, then only you can make that decision.

Sumerian

Tony,
Thanks for the input and recomendations

This is just to learn/ gather information from folks here...

nwohlford

The Marantz AV8801 is probably the best fit for all your criteria. I believe the AV7701 does not have Audyssey XT32.

I have a Anthem AVM-50v with a Sonos connect which does most of that. It does not have the full iPhone/iPad app, but I never really have used those in the past (I doubt I have used the one for my Onkyo 5508 more than once a month). It does not have 4K or 3D, but I could do the 3d update for around $500 and don't need the 4k video.

unc2701

Audio Advisor has the marantz on demo:
http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=1MAAV8801

"Our Demo Clearance gear falls into three categories:

Photo samples we have used in our catalog photo shoots.
Gear that we have auditioned in our own listening rooms.
And products that have been returned by customers because they do not like the finish, size, shape, sound, etc.

All demo clearance items are carefully inspected by our technicians before we offer the item for sale. All come with the original manufacturer warranty and are guaranteed to work and sound like new. "

They left off the fourth category which is "we want to sell under MSRP and this is how we dodge it".

Polkie2009

I wanted to add that Yamaha has a new pre/pro model ,CX-A5000. I'm not sure how it compares to the Marantz AV8801 or if it even comes close to the Marantz's specs. etc... Tony mentioned some excellent choices too.

Sumerian

Is Marantz well regarded here among polkies?

Polkie2009

Honestly, I had looked at the some of the Marantz pre/pro models a year or two ago and held off , thought I had heard of some problem with them. I can't recall if it was just a one time problem someone had on theirs or if it affected a number of units. Hope someone can chime in and correct me if I'm wrong on this.

Sumerian

unc2701 wrote: »

Audio Advisor has the marantz on demo:
http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=1MAAV8801

"Our Demo Clearance gear falls into three categories:

Photo samples we have used in our catalog photo shoots.
Gear that we have auditioned in our own listening rooms.
And products that have been returned by customers because they do not like the finish, size, shape, sound, etc.

All demo clearance items are carefully inspected by our technicians before we offer the item for sale. All come with the original manufacturer warranty and are guaranteed to work and sound like new. "

They left off the fourth category which is "we want to sell under MSRP and this is how we dodge it".

Though little risky ebay has brand new ones for around 2200 i think

Polkie2009

Sumerian wrote: »

Though little risky ebay has brand new ones for around 2200 i think

That beats the price on the Yamaha CX-A5000 ($2,499.00) over at Crutchfield and at One Call.

nwohlford

Sumerian wrote: »

Though little risky ebay has brand new ones for around 2200 i think

Accessories4less.com has refurbs of the Marantz for $2300.

tonyb

Sumerian wrote: »

Is Marantz well regarded here among polkies?

I would say so. Keep in mind every brand, every product line puts out a turkey every so often. Research specific models to see which are or aren't.

WLDock

No opinions to add...the better A/V Pre/Pro's are expensive...never ran one.

Don't know if you have seen these links but it is a nice list of past and present.

http://www.audioholics.com/av-preamp-processor-reviews

http://www.hometheater.com/category/preampprocessor-reviews?page=1

http://www.stereophile.com/category/music-round

Great read here:

Deconstructing the home theater pre-processor
http://www.acousticfrontiers.com/whats-new/2013/2/11/deconstructing-the-home-theater-pre-processor.html


Interesting unit not talked about around here..but maybe someone should get one of these and test it out:

Nuforce AVP 18 - MSRP $1,095
https://www.nuforce.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=290:udac-2&Itemid=1098Talk

Talk
http://www.avsforum.com/t/1465920/nuforce-avp-18-preamp-processor
http://www.avsforum.com/t/1478114/nuforce-avp-18-any-reviews-insight
http://www.whathifi.com/forum/home-cinema/new-all-digital-av-preampprocessor-nuforce-avp-18

That's all I can add....but, one day I might want to do a HT bypass system or a 2 in 1 rig.

Sumerian

WLDock wrote: »

No opinions to add...the better A/V Pre/Pro's are expensive...never ran one.

Don't know if you have seen these links but it is a nice list of past and present.

http://www.audioholics.com/av-preamp-processor-reviews

http://www.hometheater.com/category/preampprocessor-reviews?page=1

http://www.stereophile.com/category/music-round

Great read here:

Deconstructing the home theater pre-processor
http://www.acousticfrontiers.com/whats-new/2013/2/11/deconstructing-the-home-theater-pre-processor.html


Interesting unit not talked about around here..but maybe someone should get one of these and test it out:

Nuforce AVP 18 - MSRP $1,095
https://www.nuforce.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=290:udac-2&Itemid=1098Talk

Talk
http://www.avsforum.com/t/1465920/nuforce-avp-18-preamp-processor
http://www.avsforum.com/t/1478114/nuforce-avp-18-any-reviews-insight

That's all I can add....but, one day I might want to do a HT bypass system or a 2 in 1 rig.

Looks like you are Mr wiki or you have good search skills.

Thanks for all the references.

WLDock

Just doing what I can....I ignored a lot of HT stuff over the years in favor of car audio. Now coming back, there is are area's I'm really rusty on like digital, formats, codecs, etc side of things. So I am learning just like you and have dreams of an awesome HT someday. ...but I know it will take time. So, I try to read what ever I can.

tonyb

Point being, when asked about the "best" of anything, it's all subjective. In audio, your choices are numerous in any category.

My advice....buy something that meets your needs and wallet, has a good reputation in build quality, dependability, and customer service. Proven track records are nothing to sneeze at.

BlueFox

Within the last year I upgraded my AVR pre/pro to the Onkyo SC5509, and have been very pleased with it so far. There was an immediate and obvious improvement in sound quality over the AVR, which is the main concern to me. I just use it as a pass through for video. It might not have all the bells and whistles you want, but at $2500 it is less expensive than your range.

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_580PRS5509/Onkyo-PR-SC5509.html?tp=47509&awkw=45594000025&awat=pla&awnw=g&awcr=16717186465&awdv=c

pitdogg2

Sumerian wrote: »

Though little risky ebay has brand new ones for around 2200 i think

Be careful Denon/Marantz has a strict policy for their warranty and most on eBay are not authorized to sell their products. Go to their D&M website to see the E-sellers that they will honor.

Sumerian

pitdogg2 wrote: »

Be careful Denon/Marantz has a strict policy for their warranty and most on eBay are not authorized to sell their products. Go to their D&M website to see the E-sellers that they will honor.

yeah its risky to buy off Ebay

Polkie2009

BlueFox wrote: »

Within the last year I upgraded my AVR pre/pro to the Onkyo SC5509, and have been very pleased with it so far. There was an immediate and obvious improvement in sound quality over the AVR, which is the main concern to me. I just use it as a pass through for video. It might not have all the bells and whistles you want, but at $2500 it is less expensive than your range. http://www.crutchfield.com/p_580PRS5509/Onkyo-PR-SC5509.html?tp=47509&awkw=45594000025&awat=pla&awnw=g&awcr=16717186465&awdv=c

+1 Your Onkyo pre/pro is gorgeous Blue Fox. Talk about a solid looking unit, love all those XLR's!

Mikey081057

Marantz Support is also very good... They are still here in the U.S. too.

Sumerian

BlueFox wrote: »

Within the last year I upgraded my AVR pre/pro to the Onkyo SC5509, and have been very pleased with it so far. There was an immediate and obvious improvement in sound quality over the AVR, which is the main concern to me. I just use it as a pass through for video. It might not have all the bells and whistles you want, but at $2500 it is less expensive than your range.

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_580PRS5509/Onkyo-PR-SC5509.html?tp=47509&awkw=45594000025&awat=pla&awnw=g&awcr=16717186465&awdv=c

OK I have a 600$ Onkyo 709 AVR.... its has all the options i spec'd above expect the DAC thing.

if it is just tech it will be easier but from what i understand SQ is whole different thing... I am trying to identify a pre amp with SQ and nice of tech.

from what i am seeing i think the more its moves towards SQ the tech gets down and price goes up.

I think to preserve the SQ they need to be conservative on what they put on ?

tonyb

No, it's just a matter of reaching price points for targeted consumers. If you want everything, no holds barred top shelf, it's going to cost some coin.

pitdogg2

Sumerian wrote: »

if it is just tech it will be easier but from what i understand SQ is whole different thing... I am trying to identify a pre amp with SQ and nice of tech.

Well this is where you need to get YOUR ears on the item. My sound quality most likely will be a WHOLE different beast than yours, not to mention synergy with your other gear.