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Is there such a thing? I keep hearing that good music reproduction and pre/pro's don't really mix.I enjoy watching a weekend DVD, but the primary thrust of my system is music. I don't have room, or the $$$, in my house for two seperate systems, so that's not really an option.
Therefore, I'm looking for suggestions on a used pre/pro. Don't really need Dolby Pro Logic II or DTS Neo, so something from the 1999 - 2001 range that does a good job decoding Dolby Digital and DTS, and has 5.1 analog inputs for my SACD player, would be perfect.
My mains are a pair of Klipsch RF-7's, with an RF-3 center. Primary amplification is a modded Carver Pro ZR-1600. My player is a stock Philips DVD-963.
Thanks!
Follow Ups:
Get the Meridian 565/562v combination and get the updated eprom chip. I have this combo for my second HT and despite the units being nearly 10 years old, they provide incredible musicality and HT performance. The downside is that they don't have component video switching (just composite and s-video) so if you need this, then try something else. The point is that you can get a used set on agon for a pittance and the performance is far beyond Lexicon, Krell, etc. on music AND Meridian supports even this old equipment (I recently had a problem with my 565 and I sent it to Meridian -- not only did they fix it and update the eprom, but they returned it to me first class shipping and didn't charge me ANYTHING).If the component switching is an issue (it isn't for me because I run my dvd player directly into my Sharp DLP projector), then you'll need a more pricey and modern Meridian unit.
Another possibility is the Rotel 1068 -- reasonably priced and it has the component switching. I'm using one of these for a bedroom unit and it is very nice although the music on the Meridian does edge out the Rotel (not by a long distance).
I'm actually very surprise that my Acurus Act III still can keep up with a lot of pre's, very musical and reliable, can be had on Audiogon for $4-500, has all the features that you mentioned.
I like Cary for its musicality. I had the Lexicon CP-2, CP-3, DC-1 and DC-2 in my system over the years and enjoyed the detail while listening to CDs that their processing modes brought out. That being said, my current pre/pro, a Cary P-7, images much better in two channel mode than any of the other Lexicon products and the soundstage is bigger, deeper, and much more seemless. With the Lexicon products, even after careful setup, I could tell which speaker the sound was coming from. With the Cary, the sound seems more like it is between and around the speakers. In 2 channel mode, I often think the center channel is on. I tried the CP-3 and DC-1 as linestage preamps in my 2 channel setup (with a tube amp) and frankly, could not stand the sound - no imaging and tons of digital harshness. The Cary P-7, on the other hand, acquitted itself very well, sounding warm and sweet without any discernable loss of detail. I haven't tried any other pre/pros. Just my 2 cents.
Lexicon makes some nice Pre/Pros. Used MC-1 or DC-1 should work great. Maybe a Meridian, say a 561 for $1200. Outlaw makes a very nice surround processor you can pick up used for about $500.
/*Music is subjective. Sound is not.*/
Am I really missing that much with a surround processor as my preamp? What's the main difference in a CD only system?
mt
The Dolby Pro Logic II or IIx codecs can improve two channel CD sound by adding ambiance and a more musical sound. I prefer the "Music" one for both music and movies. The DTS codecs are not quite as good, just the opposite from the discreet 5.1 Dolby and DTS products where DTS is the better sounding one.
Consider this: More and more universal disc players have excellent DACs. They can be made better with a clock mod. You can then use the analog outputs with an "Audi Refinement Pre-5". This is an minimalist, very low noise all analog 5.1 preamp. With this appoach all DSP is accomplished in the disc unit. From that point on you have just pur analog.
Check out NAD's pre/pro. I have one and it is very musical and dynamic.
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