Entry pre-amp & amp suggestions

LesH

You may remember that my Pio VSX died a few months ago, I have yet to replace it as I have decided on a AVR that is good quality and future proof with HDMI changes around the corner. It is quite possible that I don't really need a HT AVR anyway.

My setup is pretty simple. Top-end 40" Sony Bravia <= HDMI => Apple TV. I don't think I need video passing through an AVR. Don't own a DVD, BRD or any other video devices. I airstream from a mac to fill that void.

My speakers are in a 3.1 setup. Older polk Monitor 70s, a CS2 and a PS505. No rears in the near future.

Can I get some suggestions on pre-amp and amp that would sufficiently drive the above speakers so we can have better sound from the TV, apple TV and the occasional audio device (iPhone, iPod, etc.) that is plugged in. Just some general information on Make, Model and where to buy new or used.

Many thanks for helping me get audio flowing through my speakers again.

ZLTFUL

The first question everyone is going to ask you, "What's your budget?"

LesH

I thought stating entry level and listing my lower-end monitors made it kinda clear that I am not looking to drop several grand on power. I don't have a budget per-se, I tend make purchases based on finding my sweet spot on a decision matrix of price, quality, practicality, ROI (enjoyment), resale value, perceived cool factor, etc.

devani

to me budget and entry level would be under $1000.....it maybe different than yours....some define entry level as $200 or $2000

let me ask you second question, what's your budget?

TNHNDYMAN

You will need to stick to an AVR if you want to keep the center channel. Yes you can get a dedicated processor/pre and multi channel amp that would work, but based on your entry level budget then the cost would probably rule those options out.

Personally I think you could find a decent used NAD, Rotel, or Parasound 2 channel pre amp with either a 2nd set of outputs for line level going to sub or a dedicated sub output and a good 2 channel amp that will sound better for your application. You need to check and see if your tv has rca (red and white) outputs that you could go into the pre with.

LesH

$1500 would be the upper price boundary on the matrix.

LesH

I've already thought about ditching the center.

TV does have RCA outs.

hochpt21

Parasound New Classic series if you thinking of going 2-channel.

marvda1

here's a pre for you. http://app.audiogon.com/listings/solid-state-belles-soloist-3-preamp-silver-2014-04-17-preamplifiers-17547-marietta-pa

ALSATIAN in USA

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/category/integratedamp/home-audio/preamp-processor-integrated-amp/1.html

tonyb

LesH wrote: »

You may remember that my Pio VSX died a few months ago, I have yet to replace it as I have decided on a AVR that is good quality and future proof with HDMI changes around the corner. It is quite possible that I don't really need a HT AVR anyway.

My setup is pretty simple. Top-end 40" Sony Bravia <= HDMI => Apple TV. I don't think I need video passing through an AVR. Don't own a DVD, BRD or any other video devices. I airstream from a mac to fill that void.

My speakers are in a 3.1 setup. Older polk Monitor 70s, a CS2 and a PS505. No rears in the near future.

Can I get some suggestions on pre-amp and amp that would sufficiently drive the above speakers so we can have better sound from the TV, apple TV and the occasional audio device (iPhone, iPod, etc.) that is plugged in. Just some general information on Make, Model and where to buy new or used.

Many thanks for helping me get audio flowing through my speakers again.

For under 1500....the Parasound P5 pre and a used parasound HCA1200 AMP would fit nicely.

Just wondering though...you don't like HT ? Because blu-ray offers great surround formats and excellent audio for music but a 2 channel pre won't cut it for that.

On the cheap side, if you don't care about blu-ray, find a used B&K AVR...like the 307 or 505. That would make some big leaps in sound for your apple tv and music. They can be found in the 300-500 range pretty much anywhere.

WLDock

LesH wrote: »

I have decided on a AVR that is good quality and future proof with HDMI changes around the corner. It is quite possible that I don't really need a HT AVR anyway.

LesH wrote: »

$1500 would be the upper price boundary on the matrix.

LesH wrote: »

I've already thought about ditching the center.
TV does have RCA outs.

Sounds like there might be a ton of stuff on the used market that might work for you if you are in a good area and keep an eye out on the internet. As far as new....I could be off base but you could just pick up an Elite SC AVR? But it seems like you are headed towards 2 ch and might be the type that will dig the simplified Peachtree Audio integrated amp products. The decco65 is $899 and the Nova125 is $1349.

•24/192 Upsampling DAC
•125 Watt per Channel Amp
•Hybrid Tube Preamp
•Headphone Amp
http://www.peachtreeaudio.com/

Keep an eye out also for used, here is a used Nova for $750 for example: http://raleigh.craigslist.org/ele/4400921448.html
Here is a used Deco: http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/ele/4433662669.html

zingo

My B&K AVR would be a great option for you, but I don't think you want to pay 60lbs worth of shipping...

B Run

WLDock wrote: »

Sounds like there might be a ton of stuff on the used market that might work for you if you are in a good area and keep an eye out on the internet. As far as new....I could be off base but you could just pick up an Elite SC AVR? But it seems like you are headed towards 2 ch and might be the type that will dig the simplified Peachtree Audio integrated amp products. The decco65 is $899 and the Nova125 is $1349.

•24/192 Upsampling DAC
•125 Watt per Channel Amp
•Hybrid Tube Preamp
•Headphone Amp
http://www.peachtreeaudio.com/

Keep an eye out also for used, here is a used Nova for $750 for example: http://raleigh.craigslist.org/ele/4400921448.html
Here is a used Deco: http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/ele/4433662669.html

+1 on everything. I LOVE my Peachtree and my Pioneer SC, I wouldn't hesitate to use the SC hooked up to a 2 channel system either.

PSOVLSK

Agree on the Peachtree and/or Pioneer Elite suggestions. I own both and am very happy with them. Peachtree is driving LSiM 703's in my computer room and the Pio SC-05 is in the HT. I do listen to quite a bit of two-channel in my HT. So much in fact that I just upgraded speakers in my HT for that very reason.

LesH

I have come across a Parasound HCA-1200 that I hope is working after dropping $180 on it at an estate sale.

LesH

Well I have bad luck. This unit appears to have an issue. Never leave standby and the Operation LED never lights up. Must be an internal fault or short circuit.

Polkie2009

A number of CP members are running one of those old Parasound HCA-1200 amps( I'm using a hca-1200II to run my SDA/SRS2s) ,maybe it can be repaired easily. If not, call Parasound, they have excellent customer service and will take care of your amp.

LesH

Polkie2009 wrote: »

A number of CP members are running one of those old Parasound HCA-1200 amps( I'm using a hca-1200II to run my SDA/SRS2s) ,maybe it can be repaired easily. If not, call Parasound, they have excellent customer service and will take care of your amp.

Thanks for the encouraging words. I'm thinking this amp was manufactured sometime in the 90s, so I don't think Parasound will be able to do much for me. It looks clean and top notch though. I have found a few local repair shops that I have called around to. One guy that works out of his home sounds like a good bet to give it a look.

I have also come across a few other amp options on the local craigslist: Rotel RMB-1075, Rotel RB-956ax, Emotiva XPA-200. One Sherbourn PRE-1 also since i need a pre-amp.

If I can't get this repaired, I might just have to eat the loss and move on to better things.