Recommendations for 2 channel Preamp with home theater bypass

grimmace19

Alright folks, as the title suggests, I have the itch to try something new.

As i've settled into my basement and broken in the tritons, I need something to keep me going with the hobby. I think a dedicated pre is the next route to go to take things further. It would need to have a home theater bypass so I could integrate it easily into my existing system.

Currently running Goldenear Triton Ones, a marantz av7005 processor, krell kav250a/3 amp, hegel hd 11 dac, marantz 7006 sacd/blu-ray, and of course my trusty squeezebox.

Am I correct in thinking that I would have A LOT to gain from the right pre in the mix over running everything through the Marantz, or, am I not missing out on much/anything?

Definitely looking for something used, hopefully under the $1500 mark.

Any input including personal experiences with this is great.

Jim Shearer

I'm not really a HT person, but I'll comment anyway. Not sure what your Marantz does for 2 ch mode, but you might look at the Outlaw 975. The 975 is a rather bare bones HT pre/pro that (according to reviews) doesn't damage the signal for 2 ch listening. At $549, it's well within your budget.

Cheers, Jim

slbenz

Have you looked into the first generation Marantz AV7702 SSP? They are selling new for $1199.99 on the net. That is what I am using and couldn't be happier with it. Big step up from a Pioneer Elite AVR that I was using as my pre and an upgrade to your AV7005 I was able to listen to head-to-head at an audio store while on business. But your AV7005 is no slouch. It was certainly better sounding than my Pioneer Elite AVR.

motorhead43026

Check out the Parasound P5 prepro. It has a lot to offer @ $1095.00 new. DSKIP is a factory authorized dealer. Also ask Skip if you will gain much over you current configuration or not.

I own one and like it.

PSOVLSK

motorhead43026 wrote: »

Check out the Parasound P5 prepro. It has a lot to offer @ $1095.00 new. DSKIP is a factory authorized dealer. Also ask Skip if you will gain much over you current configuration or not.

I own one and like it.

I just picked up a P5 from Skip last week and I'm really enjoying it. This is my first pre- with HT bypass and I love the easy integration into my system. My wife and kids can still use the HT and they can just pretend it's not even there, but when I want 2-channel goodness it's there for me.

FYI: I went from using my Oppo 105 as a pre- to the P5, so I'm sure my level of improvement will be greater than yours.

grimmace19

slbenz wrote: »

Have you looked into the first generation Marantz AV7702 SSP? They are selling new for $1199.99 on the net. That is what I am using and couldn't be happier with it. Big step up from a Pioneer Elite AVR that I was using as my pre and an upgrade to your AV7005 I was able to listen to head-to-head at an audio store while on business. But your AV7005 is no slouch. It was certainly better sounding than my Pioneer Elite AVR.

Well, I was thinking of going the route I am now and upgrading to a few year newer processor from Marantz, however I'm still a bit nervous about the 4k abilities. I have a 4k screen and intend to make the processor jump once the actual 4k blu-ray players come to market with them and all the specs are finally hashed out and working. Good to hear that sonic improvements were made though and not just changes to it's processing power.