Pre/Pros vs. Recievers

Nelson57

I recently added a power amp to my system, just to try it out. I like the amp and I am using my Onkyo 702 as a pre/pro. I am now thinking about completing the seperates setup by replacing the Onkyo with a dedicated pre/pro. I can get a B&K Reference 30 for what I believe to be a decent price 1,350, however, I am wondering if it will really make a difference.

So I am looking for some feedback from those who have made the move from recievers to pre/pros, did it make a difference in the sound of your system, and do you think it will be a step up from the Onkyo to the B&K?

My interest is for movies, as I rarely ever listen to music on my system. I would really appreciate your input.

AsSiMiLaTeD

it will definitely make a difference...how much of one is hard to say.

For music, I'd say there's a day and night difference that most people would notice immediately...for movies, not so much.

As far as the B&K being a step up from the Onkyo - definitely!

cfrizz

If it is possible, try out both. Have them hook up an the amp to a reciever & listen, then have them hook the amp up to a pre-pro & listen & decide for yourself.

unc2701

I've gone back & forth- I had my Yamaha as a pre-pro for a while, then a ref 50, then I had to give the Ref 50 back (loaned from my bro' while he was stuck in an apt.) and right now I'm back on the yamaha (guess I should update my sig). The biggest difference is features- and some of the features make the B&K sound a lot better. It's got great bass management- much better than your Onk or my yamaha. Also the surround processing seems to be much better. You can do awesome multiroom setups with it and the remote rocks.

As for straight-up 2 channel? There is a difference, but you probably won't be knocked on your ****. But give it a try, and let us know what you think.

Personally, I'm going to stick with my yamaha until I get a bigger house w/ a dedicated theater room. I miss the b&k (who wouldn't), but I can wait till I have space for something like that.

Nelson57

Any opinions on the B&K Reference 30 (thats the one available to me) over the new Outlaw 990. I know there is a waiting list for the 990, so there may only be a limited number that have it, but are there any opinions on how the two fair in terms of quality?

heiney9

Separates will always sound better, IMO. I know to some degree this is subjective. For strictly HT purposes you may not perceive much of a difference. As others have suggested the best scenario would be to compare them side by side to see if you get $1350 difference in sound. B & K makes very good stuff and in the end you have to decide if it’s worth it. Who knows you may like it so much you may start listening to music on it as well. If it were I, I’d get the B & K and not look back, but I believe in separates over receivers when all is said and done.

H9

wingnut4772

Yes! I started on the same path with my Onkyo 701 and my set up now is far beyond what I used to have with just the receiver.

Ron-P

The biggest difference I noticed was moving to separate amps. I added Adcom amps and still used a Marantz receiver as the pre/pro.

I then bought that $99 Klipsch 5.1 pre/pro to replace the Marantz and I did notice a difference, small, but noticeable. Due to the lack of bass management in the Klipsch I added an Outlaw ICBM and again noticed a small difference.

Next week I'm replacing the Klipsch with an Outlaw 950 pre/pro and I am hoping that I'll notice an improvement over the Klipsch. I'm not expecting much though.

You will notice an improvement, how much is hard to say but it will be there.

One thing is for certain, I'll never go back to a receiver again.

wingnut4772

Ron P, I think you might be surprised at the difference the 950 will make.

Nelson57

I've added my name to the Outlaw 990 waiting list. Right now I am leaning towards sticking with the Onkyo until this becomes available. You Outlaws seemed pretty pleased with your pre/pros.

wingnut4772

Nelson, I have the Sherwood Newcastle P-965 which the 990 is modeled on. If the 990 sounds anything like it you will be blown away.

Nelson57

Thanks for the info on the P-965 Wingnut I didn't know that. There is a dealer in my area who carries that Preamp. I am going to check them out.

wingnut4772

If you like the way it sounds get the Outlaw 990 it is less expensive and if it does not sound as good to you , you can always return it and get the Sherwood. PM me and I can give you the name of the dealer I got mine at. $1150.00 brand new. Still more than the 990 though.

Ron-P

Ron P, I think you might be surprised at the difference the 950 will make.

Good to hear. I am looking very forward to getting this. I hate the wait for ground UPS. It's not scheduled for delivery until the 8th. Damn! Well, hopefully it arrives in one piece and in working order.

I've got my eye on an Adcom amp that ends today. If I can land that the last piece I'll need is another pair of the Polk AB755s and I'll be all set to go 7.1.

gregure

There is no question Outlaw or B&K would be better than Onkyo. Onkyo is decent mass consumer stuff, but the others are on an entirely different level. You will notice a warmer sound, more details and, as many have said, better features. Don't think twice about the upgrade. If you can afford it, do it, you won't be disappointed.