Hi there,
I'm currently using something like this
Source (FLAC, CD, vinyl)->Outlaw990->Sunfire Cinema Grand->Vandersteen 3A Sig
I'm using four channels of the Sunfire to biamp the Vandersteens, and using the Outlaw's DACs when listening to a digital source.
It's also set up for HT, but I'm interested in 2-ch at the moment.
So............
I'm disappointed with the Outlaw. I recently discovered that bypass mode doesn't work the way it's described. It implemented some type of HPF on the mains when they are set to "small", although the crossover point is NOT that as dictated in the setup. It seems to be about 100 Hz, regardless of the value set in the OSD. Anyway, that's a different issue; let me know if you want to hear more, and we can start up a thread elsewhere. So, I'm disappointed with the Outlaw.
Cut to the chase -- I'm looking for a pre/pro that will handle HT and 2-ch duties. I find the Krell HTS 2 and HTS 7.1 to be interesting. Are these actually identical with the difference being that the HTS 2 does 5.1, where the HTS 7.1 adds two more channels?
Opinions on sound quality? How about the DACs for 2-ch duties?
I recently inserted a Benchmark DAC-1 using "bypass" mode at the Outlaw. I found a reasonable improvement, especially in bass and soundstage. Anyone have a comparison between the DAC-1 and the Krell equipment?
I'm also considering the Channel Islands VDA-2. Anyone ever play with one of these?
Of course, I want to keep costs down as much as possible, so I think the best approach would be to buy a nice pre/pro such that I don't have to add in a DAC as well.
Some requirements for a pre/pro:
* Bypass mode
* 2 Zone Capability
* Separate crossover points for each channel (or for each "type" of channel-- i.e., mains have a crossover point, center has a crossover point, rears have a crossover point, surrounds have a crossover point).
* Channel trims accessible from the remote (esp sub)
* 5.1 or 7.1 inputs
Some things that would be nice on a pre/pro:
* Balanced input/output
* Different crossover setup for different input (e.g, the "CD" input migh crossover at 40 Hz, and "DVD" input crosses at 80 Hz).
* LFE channel trim
* MM phono stage
Basically, I'm looking for a sweet 2-ch preamp that also does HT. I listen to varied music, from Ethel to Zombie.
Let me know what you guys think! Of course, I'll take opinions on whatever other products/brands that fall in these categories.
I think my budget will be about $3k max. I'm currently authorized for $2k, so would prefer to keep it around there. I have no problem with used equipment.
Thanks!
I'm currently using something like this
Source (FLAC, CD, vinyl)->Outlaw990->Sunfire Cinema Grand->Vandersteen 3A Sig
I'm using four channels of the Sunfire to biamp the Vandersteens, and using the Outlaw's DACs when listening to a digital source.
It's also set up for HT, but I'm interested in 2-ch at the moment.
So............
I'm disappointed with the Outlaw. I recently discovered that bypass mode doesn't work the way it's described. It implemented some type of HPF on the mains when they are set to "small", although the crossover point is NOT that as dictated in the setup. It seems to be about 100 Hz, regardless of the value set in the OSD. Anyway, that's a different issue; let me know if you want to hear more, and we can start up a thread elsewhere. So, I'm disappointed with the Outlaw.
Cut to the chase -- I'm looking for a pre/pro that will handle HT and 2-ch duties. I find the Krell HTS 2 and HTS 7.1 to be interesting. Are these actually identical with the difference being that the HTS 2 does 5.1, where the HTS 7.1 adds two more channels?
Opinions on sound quality? How about the DACs for 2-ch duties?
I recently inserted a Benchmark DAC-1 using "bypass" mode at the Outlaw. I found a reasonable improvement, especially in bass and soundstage. Anyone have a comparison between the DAC-1 and the Krell equipment?
I'm also considering the Channel Islands VDA-2. Anyone ever play with one of these?
Of course, I want to keep costs down as much as possible, so I think the best approach would be to buy a nice pre/pro such that I don't have to add in a DAC as well.
Some requirements for a pre/pro:
* Bypass mode
* 2 Zone Capability
* Separate crossover points for each channel (or for each "type" of channel-- i.e., mains have a crossover point, center has a crossover point, rears have a crossover point, surrounds have a crossover point).
* Channel trims accessible from the remote (esp sub)
* 5.1 or 7.1 inputs
Some things that would be nice on a pre/pro:
* Balanced input/output
* Different crossover setup for different input (e.g, the "CD" input migh crossover at 40 Hz, and "DVD" input crosses at 80 Hz).
* LFE channel trim
* MM phono stage
Basically, I'm looking for a sweet 2-ch preamp that also does HT. I listen to varied music, from Ethel to Zombie.
Let me know what you guys think! Of course, I'll take opinions on whatever other products/brands that fall in these categories.
I think my budget will be about $3k max. I'm currently authorized for $2k, so would prefer to keep it around there. I have no problem with used equipment.
Thanks!
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