Good preamp for LSi's + B&K 7270

cokewithvanilla
cokewithvanilla Posts: 1,777
edited February 2008 in Electronics
I've had the LSi's in the closest for a long time now. I currently have Lsi25's, LSic, and LSiFX. I just bought an amp last night. The B&K 7270. 200watt x 7 at 8 ohms. I now need a preamp so i can at least test the amp to see how it sounds. The problem I have been having is finding a preamp with HDMI. I dont know why but it seems that no one (B&K, Sherbourn, Sunfire) has updated their preamps in years. I want something that will perform well with this system, but I do not want to spend a whole lot of money.

Any suggestions?
Post edited by cokewithvanilla on
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Comments

  • dkg999
    dkg999 Posts: 5,647
    edited December 2007
    Look for one of the new HTR's from Marantz, Onkyo, Pioneer, Yamaha, etc. I think Onkyo has a pre/pro with HDMI.
    DKG999
    HT System: LSi9, LSiCx2, LSiFX, LSi7, SVS 20-39 PC+, B&K 507.s2 AVR, B&K Ref 125.2, Tripplite LCR-2400, Cambridge 650BD, Signal Cable PC/SC, BJC IC, Samsung 55" LED

    Music System: Magnepan 1.6QR, SVS SB12+, ARC pre, Parasound HCA1500 vertically bi-amped, Jolida CDP, Pro-Ject RM5.1SE TT, Pro-Ject TubeBox SE phono pre, SBT, PS Audio DLIII DAC
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  • MADGSF
    MADGSF Posts: 603
    edited December 2007
    Well B&K has a new Pre, the Ref 70, that supports HDMI but it does not show on their web site. I think it's HDMI 1.3a, I would love to have one but will have to wait until they show up used before I can consider.
    AVR: Elite VSX-21TXH
    Amplifier: B&K 7250 Series ii
    Misc: Velodyne SMS-1
    Mains: RTi-10
    Center: CSi-5
    Rear: Boston DSi460
    Sub: SVS PC-Ultra
    TV: Panasonic TC-P58V10
    DVD: Panasonic DMP-BD60K
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited December 2007
    Check out Integra or Onkyo Pro.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • wout
    wout Posts: 64
    edited December 2007
    Onkyo Pro 885, Matti (Mwaarna) has one and I have not yet heard how he likes it. It has the HDMI 1.3 as well as the 1080p and sound codecs. I am in the market as well for a pre pro to go with the LSi speakers and the Cinenova Grande that just came in. I think I might get a cheapy with pre outs until Outlaw comes out with their new preamp (I do not know yet if they will have HDMI etc.. I hope so.
    Speakers: LSi15 front
    Integrated amplifier: NAD 320BEE
    Furman PL Plus Series II (line conditioner)
    HD DVD A35 Toshiba (Sloooooowwwww to start)
    Oppo HD981 (Nice unit)
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  • hockeyboy
    hockeyboy Posts: 1,428
    edited December 2007
    I suspect this would fit the bill, although technically not a pre.

    http://us.marantz.com/Products/2204.asp
    My Main Gear
    Mitsu HC5000 (Proj.)
    Marantz SR8001 (AVR)
    Sunfire TGA7200 (AMP)
    Marantz DV7001 (SACD)
    Samsung BD-P1500 Blu-Ray
    LSi 15's (Front)
    LSiC (Center)
    LSiFx (Surrounds)
    DUAL SVS 20-39 CS Plus     (Passive Subs)
    Marantz IS201 I-Pod Dock[/SIZE]
    Panamax M5300EX
    Carada Criterion 106" Brightwhite Screen
    Sunfire TGA 5200 & (4) B&W 605's in the party room
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  • reeltrouble1
    reeltrouble1 Posts: 9,312
    edited December 2007
    After you get your receiver needs squared away, your system would sound excellent on music with a 2 channel Dodd, BAT, Manley, Cary, or other such pre, get one with a HT bypass. Although that not a lot of money thing, well we can get you over that....

    FWIW, I have paired some of these with my 7270 and love that B&K amp.

    RT1
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  • malikarshad
    malikarshad Posts: 527
    edited December 2007
    I have a Integra 9.8 pre/pro for my LSi setup.
    I have posted the review here.
    My initial impressions was not very good about this preamp but as I learned to set it up correctly with Audyssey i like it now. But they are very hard to find as its only available from Integra/Onkyo dealers.

    Speakers=>Salk Soundscape 8, Soundscape Center,Surrounds-Dali Rubicon LCR, Lsi7
    PreAmp, Amp => Marantz AV8801, ATI 6007 amp, Oppo HA-1 DAC
    Source => Sonore MicroRendu, Oppo BDP-103, Mede8er 600XD, Dune HD Smart D1, Synology DS1813+(16TB)
    Sub - JTR Captivator S2 (Dual 18")
    Power - Furman IT-Ref20i on dedicated 30Amp circuit with Furutech GTX-R outlet
    Screen=> JVC RS-45 projector Da-Lite HP 133" 2.35
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  • cokewithvanilla
    cokewithvanilla Posts: 1,777
    edited December 2007
    I would like to test out this amp, but I have not decided on a preamp. Would the sound be utterly horrible if I bought a Harman Kardon AVR-247 to hook this up to until I choose my preamp?
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  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 33,077
    edited December 2007
    As long as it has pre outs,knock your socks off.........
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
    Polk FX500 surrounds

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
    Grant Fidelity tube dac
    B&k 1420
    lsi 9's
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited December 2007
    My 245 has pre-outs, the 247 should also. And yes it'll be fine in the meantime. I'm using a HK245 with $2000+ worth of amps.

    What are you using for interconnects?
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • AndyGwis
    AndyGwis Posts: 3,655
    edited December 2007
    I've had the LSi's in the closest for a long time now.

    Glad they finally came out of the closet.

    I would look for a new B&K pre-pro as others have mentioned. Or, for slightly less, a used Ref 50 off Agon.
    Stereo Rig: Hales Revelation 3, Musical Fidelity CD-Pre 24, Forte Model 3 amp, Lexicon RT-10 SACD, MMF-5 w/speedbox, Forte Model 2 Phono Pre, Cardas Crosslink, APC H15, URC MX-950, Lovan Stand
    Bedroom: Samsung HPR-4252, Toshiba HD-A2, HK 3480, Signal Cable, AQ speaker cable, Totem Dreamcatchers, SVS PB10-NSD, URC MX-850
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  • cokewithvanilla
    cokewithvanilla Posts: 1,777
    edited December 2007
    well, some disappointing news guys. My Amp arrived today and does not work. I plug it in, press the power switch, and all it does it make a funny noise and then silence. The red power light it off. I cant imagine that you have to have your speakers plugged in for the amp to turn on. Do you?
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  • AndyGwis
    AndyGwis Posts: 3,655
    edited December 2007
    There may be a button on the back for remote or something that is pressed and shouldn't be or vice versus.

    If that doesn't work, try to return it or work with the seller to get repaired.
    Stereo Rig: Hales Revelation 3, Musical Fidelity CD-Pre 24, Forte Model 3 amp, Lexicon RT-10 SACD, MMF-5 w/speedbox, Forte Model 2 Phono Pre, Cardas Crosslink, APC H15, URC MX-950, Lovan Stand
    Bedroom: Samsung HPR-4252, Toshiba HD-A2, HK 3480, Signal Cable, AQ speaker cable, Totem Dreamcatchers, SVS PB10-NSD, URC MX-850
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  • ND13
    ND13 Posts: 7,601
    edited December 2007
    cokewithvanilla wrote: »
    Would the sound be utterly horrible if I bought a Harman Kardon AVR-247 to hook this up to until I choose my preamp?


    Not at all.
    "SOME PEOPLE CALL ME MAURICE,
    CAUSE I SPEAK OF THE POMPITIOUS OF LOVE"
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  • cokewithvanilla
    cokewithvanilla Posts: 1,777
    edited December 2007
    AndyGwis wrote: »
    There may be a button on the back for remote or something that is pressed and shouldn't be or vice versus.

    If that doesn't work, try to return it or work with the seller to get repaired.

    Alright. Im a fool. I tried everything except pressing that button.

    Thanks :)
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  • AndyGwis
    AndyGwis Posts: 3,655
    edited December 2007
    When I first got the 1430, something similar happened. It would make the start up sound, but no light to the power button or anything.

    Pressed the button, and everything worked fine. Try it out.
    Stereo Rig: Hales Revelation 3, Musical Fidelity CD-Pre 24, Forte Model 3 amp, Lexicon RT-10 SACD, MMF-5 w/speedbox, Forte Model 2 Phono Pre, Cardas Crosslink, APC H15, URC MX-950, Lovan Stand
    Bedroom: Samsung HPR-4252, Toshiba HD-A2, HK 3480, Signal Cable, AQ speaker cable, Totem Dreamcatchers, SVS PB10-NSD, URC MX-850
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  • cokewithvanilla
    cokewithvanilla Posts: 1,777
    edited December 2007
    now the amp is powering on. ii think i will pick up a AVR-247 to test this out.

    Oh, you connect an amp to a preamp using digital coax cable, right?
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  • MADGSF
    MADGSF Posts: 603
    edited December 2007
    No, you use analog cables or interconnects from each pre-speaker out on the back of the receiver to the input for each channel. Remember to set the gain for each channel at maximum and do the channel leveling with the receiver. You may want to use that remote on if you receiver has an output for it. I have my amp hooked up that way so it just comes on with the receiver. Have fun!
    AVR: Elite VSX-21TXH
    Amplifier: B&K 7250 Series ii
    Misc: Velodyne SMS-1
    Mains: RTi-10
    Center: CSi-5
    Rear: Boston DSi460
    Sub: SVS PC-Ultra
    TV: Panasonic TC-P58V10
    DVD: Panasonic DMP-BD60K
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  • AndyGwis
    AndyGwis Posts: 3,655
    edited December 2007
    I leave my B&K amp on 24X7.

    Just make sure it's off when you connect the speaker wire and interconnects so you don't really blow it.

    Glad the button thing seemed to work. It will sound great with the 247, and even better once you get a pre-pro.

    Enjoy!
    Stereo Rig: Hales Revelation 3, Musical Fidelity CD-Pre 24, Forte Model 3 amp, Lexicon RT-10 SACD, MMF-5 w/speedbox, Forte Model 2 Phono Pre, Cardas Crosslink, APC H15, URC MX-950, Lovan Stand
    Bedroom: Samsung HPR-4252, Toshiba HD-A2, HK 3480, Signal Cable, AQ speaker cable, Totem Dreamcatchers, SVS PB10-NSD, URC MX-850
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  • cokewithvanilla
    cokewithvanilla Posts: 1,777
    edited December 2007
    ok so would it be bad if I used coax to connect the amp to the preamp? what are "interconnects" i cannot seem to find them anywhere. Can you post a link to the proper cable?
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited December 2007
    http://signalcable.com/analoght.html
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • cokewithvanilla
    cokewithvanilla Posts: 1,777
    edited December 2007
    ok, it looks like that is just standard RCA cable. As far as I remember analog rca and digital coax were interchangable.

    The only reason I ask is that I had someone going to get me 7 of these coax cables from best buy. If i used coax would I be **** something up?
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited December 2007
    Regular RCA's are 50ohms(I believe), Digital Coax is 75ohm. They are different.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • AndyGwis
    AndyGwis Posts: 3,655
    edited December 2007
    7 of anything from Best Buy is a bad deal, even if they are on super-duper clearance.

    Get some ICs from signal cable or bluejeanscable.com. Either will get you a better product for probably less than best buy.

    Stick around here. You've got some great gear now, and we'll help you fine tune it. . . put it to good use.
    Stereo Rig: Hales Revelation 3, Musical Fidelity CD-Pre 24, Forte Model 3 amp, Lexicon RT-10 SACD, MMF-5 w/speedbox, Forte Model 2 Phono Pre, Cardas Crosslink, APC H15, URC MX-950, Lovan Stand
    Bedroom: Samsung HPR-4252, Toshiba HD-A2, HK 3480, Signal Cable, AQ speaker cable, Totem Dreamcatchers, SVS PB10-NSD, URC MX-850
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  • cokewithvanilla
    cokewithvanilla Posts: 1,777
    edited December 2007
    I know I have been jumping around, I said that I was going to get a HK AVR-247. After looking at prices of higher quality preamps that will do the same things, I have decided to spend a bit more money and get something that will last a bit longer.

    I am looking at the top end B&K, Sherbourn, Outlaw, Emotiva processors. It seems like they are all on sale like mad. Every one of them being around 800-900, some even less.

    I am assuming these models are being replaced by new ones, and that is the reason for them being so low in price. However, their sound quality is still very good, especially compared to the HK. It seems like I would have to go with either Sherbourn or Emotiva to get HDMI (which i need, and correct me if im wrong). I understand that new formats are coming out and what not, but I have put a lot of money into this lately, and I still have to finish the room that it will all go in! So after I get the whole set up (i still need preamp, sub, and 2 more lsifx's) I am going to have to give it a break for a while. I probably wont buy a HD player for a year. So, this being said, I probably do not need the latest HD audio formats.

    What will I lose by going with an older processor? Will HDMI still carry audio w/ an external switch? In your opinion is this a good decision?

    I will also add this, if it helps, I am honestly not impressed by the Lsi's and the 7270 that I am listening to right now. If i compare the price paid (MSRP on my old setup just counting the fronts and the amp = maybe 700, new setup =5500 or so) to the difference in sound quality, it simply doesnt add up. So, i Hoped that by buying a nice processor, instead of a cheapo one, I would gain sound quality which will make me feel better about my equipment, and will probably make me keep the preamp a bit longer

    If you have actually read this far, what do you think? :)
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  • Sami
    Sami Posts: 4,634
    edited February 2008
    cokewithvanilla wrote: »
    If you have actually read this far, what do you think? :)

    Whatever processor you get, I would at least make sure it has inputs for external decoder. That way you are able to get all the latest codecs in from the source regardless of what is built in to the processor.

    As for the disappointment in sound, it could be several issues (placement and room being the biggest I can think of). I'm afraid if you're disappointed now and tweaking won't help, a new prepro isn't going to solve it.

    Edit: Sorry, didn't realize this was an older post. So, what prepro did you end up with and are you happy? :)
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