My first time in the 2-channel section....

dpowell

I guess I am officially starting construction of a 2-channel rig. I'm selling the RT2000's and likely going to start off with a pair of LSi9's I can pick up locally for around $300.

My first question is whether to continue using the HK AVR7000 as a pre (it doesn't support 4Ohm speakers ) and add a pro such as an Adcom GFA5500 (I can pick up for $250) or would I notice a significant difference by getting a separate pre like the Adcom GFP-400 or 565?

I'll be continuing to use my Denon 3910 as the CDP.

One feature that I would like to continue to have but could probably do without if needed is video switching since I currently have the office rig set up as zone 2 on the primary HT system so that the WII can be played in either location. He can also watch DVDs on the office rig that way.

My primary goal is to work towards having a real 2-channel system and maybe acquire some SDA's down the road.

Thoughts?

kawizx9r

dpowell wrote: »

I guess I am officially starting construction of a 2-channel rig. I'm selling the RT2000's and likely going to start off with a pair of LSi9's I can pick up locally for around $300.

My first question is whether to continue using the HK AVR7000 as a pre (it doesn't support 4Ohm speakers ) and add a pro such as an Adcom GFA5500 (I can pick up for $250) or would I notice a significant difference by getting a separate pre like the Adcom GFP-400 or 565?

I'll be continuing to use my Denon 3910 as the CDP.

One feature that I would like to continue to have but could probably do without if needed is video switching since I currently have the office rig set up as zone 2 on the primary HT system so that the WII can be played in either location. He can also watch DVDs on the office rig that way.

My primary goal is to work towards having a real 2-channel system and maybe acquire some SDA's down the road.

Thoughts?

As far as using your HK as a pre, you don't have to worry about 4/6/8ohm loads if you're not running the speakers to it. Then again that'd defeat the purpose of saying you're only using it as a pre right?

Btw, the pre IS the pro (preamp/processor). The adcom in this case is the amp.

-Freddy

reeltrouble1

yea, I think you may be a little confused. generally, folks will get an amplifier and then hook a piece like your H&K to it via its preouts (hopefully yours the H&K has them). you can then run what have you to the H&K.

have fun and welcome to 2-channel, its by far my local hangout at CP.

RT1

dpowell

I guess maybe I am a bit confused on symantecs. In fact, my signature has them layed out that way for HT. It should say the Pioneer Elite is the pre/pro and I should just list the ADcom as the amp?

I understand that the HK doesn't need to support 4Ohm loads if I have a separate power amp, I was just stating it as the reason I would need a separate power amp to drive the LSi's. I'd want that anyway for any of the LSi series from what I read; they are power hungry apparently.

I guess back to my main question, what am I missing by keeping the HK as the pre/pro vs going with a dedicated 2-channel pre?

kawizx9r

Sound quality

concealer404

kawizx9r wrote: »

Sound quality

This.

reeltrouble1

OK gotcha,

oh Gosh, dont even get me started on that one, your main question..........

yea, you know I can't resist, in a nutshell your AVR is filled with audio signal degrading parts and circuits. Basically an AVR is a compromise to cost effeciency and convienence over effectively handling of an audio signal. Some AVR's are better than others, yours is a middle of the road, try it, like it, learn about it.

There is a great deal of products to choose from at all budgets, we tend to spend alot of time discussing/arguing/fighting about all of this, lets just say there is alot of passion for 2-channel and it is all good.

RT1

dpowell

Thanks RT. I kind of figured that was the case. performance vs. convenience. I know I'll have to try a dedicated pre to really know.....

Anyone heard of a Metron PR-1 Pre-amp? The guy I'm looking to buy the GFA5500 from is throwing it in....missing a volume control knob.

http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/ele/1433859249.html

concealer404

Never heard of it... try it and see how it compares to using the HK as a pre. Might like it, might not.

If you don't like it, and want to try something else, i'd be happy to send along my Adcom to get your feet wet, and if you like it, we can work out something. I hate trying to hock my gear in threads like this, but it's in the FS section for $100 shipped CONUS, but i'd be perfectly willing to send it along ahead of time so you can see if it's anything you'd be interested in, you just pay shipping, and back if you don't like it. Shouldn't be much.

vc69

^^^Now there is an offer you can't (or shouldn't) refuse. Try the HK and listen. Try the adcom pre-amp and listen. Compare the two and choose.

If they don't "do it" for you, then all I can say is "welcome to RT1's rabbit hole".

Best of luck my friend

dpowell

Thanks concealer, I was actually taking a serious look at your Adcom. The only drawback which seems to be the case with a lot of pre's is there is no remote but at the price you're offering it at, it is an inexpensive demo at the worst. I'm pretty sure I want to hop on the 5500 at the price he's offering even though it's not cosmetically in the best of shape. I know I won't find that kind of quality and wpc at that price anywhere else.

reeltrouble1

at least the fellow is letting it go as a throw in he likely cannot throw it out, I have a large shelf filled with old useless gear that once meant something to me 30 years ago, I cant bear to see it leave.......I need an audio psychologist.

RT1`

concealer404

dpowell wrote: »

Thanks concealer, I was actually taking a serious look at your Adcom. The only drawback which seems to be the case with a lot of pre's is there is no remote but at the price you're offering it at, it is an inexpensive demo at the worst. I'm pretty sure I want to hop on the 5500 at the price he's offering even though it's not cosmetically in the best of shape. I know I won't find that kind of quality and wpc at that price anywhere else.

Yeah... no remote is really my only complaint with it. I WILL say that it performs far beyond it's price point, as well. We had it on Nikolas812's old system, and as sacriligious as this will sound, it stacked up against the Dodd ELP he was demo'ing pretty well. That could be accounted for by whatever tubes he was running, but you get the idea. It's easily 90% of the pre my current B&K is.

PM me if you want to work something out. I may have another goodie or two i may be able to send your way.

dpowell

concealer404 wrote: »

PM me if you want to work something out. I may have another goodie or two i may be able to send your way.

Thanks! I will do that.

First step is to sell the RT2000P's. I have a buyer coming today. They are not good for 2-channel as much as I like their sound, I know what the 3000's sound like in the other room (and they are worlds better) so I'll never chose to listen to the 2000's in a 2-channel setup.....plus I want some speakers that dont' have a built-in amp for the bass speakers.

2nd steps: Get the LSi9's and the GFA5500 from local craigslist sellers.

Anyone see a reason that LSi9's wouldn't be a good start for 2-channel at $300?

concealer404

dpowell wrote: »

Thanks! I will do that.

First step is to sell the RT2000P's. I have a buyer coming today. They are not good for 2-channel as much as I like their sound, I know what the 3000's sound like in the other room (and they are worlds better) so I'll never chose to listen to the 2000's in a 2-channel setup.....plus I want some speakers that dont' have a built-in amp for the bass speakers.

2nd steps: Get the LSi9's and the GFA5500 from local craigslist sellers.

Anyone see a reason that LSi9's wouldn't be a good start for 2-channel at $300?

If they're actually in good shape, no. But from reading your other thread, they sound REALLY sketchy.

I might start out just trying to find some Monitor 7s or something. That way, with the money from the RT2000Ps, you can get yourself totally set up in a way that won't break the bank.

Figure whatever you're paying for the 5500, $100 for my pre if that happens, and $100-$125 for a NICE set of 7s, use the rest for a couple pairs of decent cables. It'll be a GREAT start, and you can avoid those sketchy LSi9s. Of course, we could all be wrong and those speakers could be a great buy at a steal.

concealer404

I beat you to the punch. YGPM.

dpowell

Good advice. I'll have to keep my eyes open for some good legacy speaks. I am going to go listen to the LSi9's tomorrow because at that price, I don't want to pass on them if they are in good shape.