Used Pre/Pro Recommendations?

dagame27

I'm looking for a pre/pro or receiver with preouts to drive my SDA's. I won't be using it for music, as I have the Anthem tube pre for that. Any thoughts on what I should be looking for with a budget of $400? I don't really need HDMI, as I have those plugged in the TV, but will need optical/coax inputs. This will be replacing an old HK receiver that finally burned out on me.

jeremymarcinko

This. Refurbished with a one year warranty, with an option to purchase an extended warranty. Otherwise I would you will likely be buying used at that price point.

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/yamrxa810bl/yamaha-rx-a810-home-theater-receiver-networking-3d-ready-hdmi/1.html

dagame27

Any thoughts on going with something like an Anthem AVM2 or B&K reference 30 or 50? I don't need video switching at all.

EndersShadow

dagame27 wrote: »

Any thoughts on going with something like an Anthem AVM2 or B&K reference 30 or 50? I don't need video switching at all.

If you just need optical and coaxial switching ONLY whats about this?

http://forum.polkaudio.com/discussion/164621/audio-authority-digital-switch#latest

Otherwise a B&K Reference will work just fine, though your gonna pay a premium for that brand and anthem as well.

tonyb

A premium ? Your smoking dope Dan. B&k pre/pro's go all day for 3-500. Also check out some Proceed AVP's....lots going for them with a Mark Levinson pedigree for under4 bones.

Curious though, you don't need bluray decoding ? DTSHD Master audio ? Or does your BDP have analog outs ?

dagame27

I'm only running 2 channel with a ps3 as a bluray player. It can do 2 channel lossless through optical. I do have an HDDVD player that i wouldn't get the latest and greatest sound out of, but I guess I don't use it that much to begin with.

EndersShadow

tonyb wrote: »

A premium ? Your smoking dope Dan. B&k pre/pro's go all day for 3-500.

LOL, c'mon Tony thats not legal here in Indiana..... Now if I was up in CO like Larry, or seattle like Zingo.....

Let me rephrase, for 3-500 you can get a refurb AVR that can do that as well and has video switching so you have it as a backup if your main unit (assuming you have a HT setup) goes out.....

I was attempting (and failing) to convey that the B&K processor (which do video, albeit outdates) are a bit high IMHO given their legacy audio formats.

Heck Rich sold his Marantz 7002 for all of 200 bucks and its a bit BETTER than the B&K stuff....

tonyb

Personally I liked the B&k processors better, but either way....200 bucks-400 bucks....that's considered a premium ? We spend that on IC's.

BTW...to the OP, pre/pro's won't drive anything as they have no amp section. Maybe clarify exactly what it is you prefer. 400 bucks though isn't going to get you much in an AVR, but will grant you some options on higher end pre/pro's minus the HDMI and current decoding.

Your missing out on DTS hd master audio with your hook ups. Yes, it's worth it.
For your budget though, B&K Ref 50.

...or, http://chicago.craigslist.org/wcl/ele/4742722490.html

...but I think the B&K has better dacs in it.

dagame27

I have an adcom 555 ii driving sda SRS 2s, with an anthem pre 2l as a music pre. I used to have a polk monitor 5.0 rig with an entry level elite receiver, but just two channel nowadays. I was using a Harman kardon avr 235 as a processor, but it went out on me

Irrenhaus

You mention not for Music. How about an Emotiva XDA-2 is DAC/Preamp or a used XDA-1
or a Stealth DC-1. Now no affiliation with Emotiva...:')
My 2cents

Cheers

dagame27

Would the DAC in the Emotiva sound as good as one in an older B&K? This will be mainly for HT.

tonyb

dagame27 wrote: »

I have an adcom 555 ii driving sda SRS 2s, with an anthem pre 2l as a music pre. I used to have a polk monitor 5.0 rig with an entry level elite receiver, but just two channel nowadays. I was using a Harman kardon avr 235 as a processor, but it went out on me

Ok, color me confused. If your just 2 channel these days, why do you even need a processor ....or a receiver ?

Can't you make some adjustments in the PS3....plug it into your Anthem ? Otherwise, if your going to keep the anthem for 2 channel, go with a used pioneer elite 21 or 23....which can be had for 2-300 bucks. That will give you hdmi, current decoding, and be able to re-route signals from missing speakers.

dagame27

The anthem tube pre only has analog inputs and my cable box only has digital output. The Anthem also has an HT bypass, which is how I had it hooked up to the Harman Kardon, until it went out earlier this week.

tonyb

Gotcha bro....then the used Pioneer receiver should work, or a processor as I've suggested but the receiver will give you additional amped channels in case you ever want to add more speakers.

[Deleted User]

I've lost track of the OP question but how about a
Gefen GTV-HDMI-2-HDMIAUD?

dagame27

Would an Integra 9.8 be worthwhile? I've seen some right at the upper edge of my budget.

tonyb

I don't see why not....it's a solid unit and has everything. The only thing missing is the ability to do 4k if that's any interest to you.

dagame27

Thanks Tony; I'll probably have my TV do the video switching anyway. I appreciate everyone's help. I guess it's a good thing to have so many choices!

DaveHo

dagame27, sent you a PM about an Onkyo PR-SC885

dagame27

Pm responded to!