Might try 2 channel, need advice

warlocks1

I have a pair of Martin Logans powered by a Denon AVR. I removed the center channel and like the sound for watching TV. So now I am thinking about ditching the AVR and trying a nice 2 channel set up. I don't need to run any video since I have enough inputs on the Plasma. Space is an issue as you can see by the photo. I would like to start out relatively inexpensive and work my way up if I decide to stay with 2 channel. I would also like to find a silver pre to match the other equipment. I have a Synthesis 150 wpc amp.
Can you get digital inputs on a 2 channel pre? I need to hook up a DVD player and DTV box.
I will be buying used, need suggestions considering space and price. Thanks, Jeff

warlocks1

Where's my pic?

Won't let me post it again. Check out thread


http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=55267

Ricardo

Congrats on the speakers; I haven't seen any 2 channel pre....but this does not mean there aren't. In any case, I don't see the point of hooking the digital output from the video sources, since all you'll get from the 2 channel pre is, well, 2 channels

madmax

You really don't want to look for a digital input on a 2 channel pre. That would limit your selection greatly, if available at all. I would go from the DVD stereo RCA outs through whatever pre into whatever amp. You are talking about 2 channel for video, correct?

warlocks1

I will not be using any video. Just audio from dvd and dtv. If I use analog outs aren't I limited by the quality of the dac's in the DTV receiver. I imagine they aren't very good.

madmax

warlocks1 wrote: »

If I use analog outs aren't I limited by the quality of the dac's in the DTV receiver. I imagine they aren't very good.

Yes, you would be. I don't know about their quality. Not much of a video guy here. Certainly you should be set with the DVD player though.

madmax

Looking around I don't see a single 2 channel pre with digital input. Here is a thought though. You could go with a 5.1 pre-pro and set it to stereo. That way you can still have a quality pre, 2 channel output and use the amp of your choice. I had an Acurus Act III and it had awesome analog output. I'm sure you could pick up one of those or maybe another older pre-pro with 5.1 for peanuts. Pay special attention to bass management features to make sure you can use a sub or not as to your preference.
madmax

warlocks1

I was thinking about going with an older quality AV preamp. I will check out the Acurus. I was also thinking about an older Theta unit. They seem to be reasonable. I guess the next question is what other units to look for? Thanks Chuck.

madmax

What was the one Russman had for sale a long time ago. The name is almost coming to me. It was a preamp with built in prologic and if you wanted 5.1 you bought a seperate processor.

madmax

Oh yea, the Proceed.

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?homeproc&1191027623

This guy is selling both units but for what you want the top one (preamp) would be ideal. I've seen them go as low as $400.

reeltrouble1

well, its a bit unusual Jeff, however, there are a few higher end source players which have digital inputs to allow use of their high end dacs, then analog out from there to the analog pre.

Although not in your entry price range, the Musical Fidelity Tri-Vista player would be an example, I would trust there are others at lower costs.

RT1

Emlyn

The Musical Fidelity CD-Pre 24. It is expensive, but it is a good CD player too. Two digital inputs...and it is silver.

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?preatran&1190943401

Poee7R

I would think to buy any 2 channel pre you want and pick up some reasonably priced DAC's. Digital in, analog out. Plus they add some processing to get you a better sound than either the DTV or DVD player.... probably.

dudeinaroom

if you are going to use a separate dac, in your dvd player's settings, change the digital output from Dolby Digital to pcm, or lpcm.

del44

Hi Chuck. I'm kinda doing the same thing with my system. I just bought a Musical Fidelity A5 pre. And I have a Cambridge 840C CD player arriving any day now. The 840 has 2 digital inputs so I can use my el cheapo Sony megaplayer's digital outs into the 840, and then utilize the better dac's from the 840. This could also work with a dvd player. But only for 2 channel. A good 2 channel preamp will probably sound better with music than a prepro.