Let's talk PREPROs $900-1500: what would your choice be?

[Ricky]

I would like to start a discussion on prepros available in the $900-1500 price range. Please tell us what you would buy or did buy in this price range....and why? We all have various needs and desires: 2 channel vs HT, 5.1 vs 7.1, new vs used, brand/cosmetic preferences, etc.

I'll list a few and count used prices too; of course there are many more choices out there:

$900-1500 PREPROS:

Outlaw 950: good sonics, full 7.1, lowest price.
Rotel 1066: good sonics, full 7.1, looks really good
EAD Encore (used): good dacs for 2 channel; only 5.1 and DPL1
Lexicon DC2 (used): great HT with full Logic7 (same audio innards as MC1), no analog bypass or 5.1 inputs, so-so for 2 channel
Aragon Soundstage (used, without the $800 upgrade): has "inside" Aragon best analog preamp, the $2k Aurum. Only 5.1 and DPL1
Acurus Act3 (used) with the $950 upgrade: has most of Aragon Soundstage features and processing, and near sound quality

These are all great choices and can be confusing :P

[Andrew Pratt]

For a pure HT environment where you can do 7.1 I'd pick the DC2 but if you can't take advantage of Logic 7 and audio is important the Rotel is my pick.

[Claude D D]

I love my Rotel RSP-1066.For the money it's tough to beat.Sounds great in HT and 2 channel.

[SiliGoose]

We should add some of the other soon to be released (or so we hope) pre/pros in this class. The Outlaw clones:

ATI ATP-7500 (might have that model # wrong)
Sherbourn PT-7000 http://www.sherbourn.com/products/PT-7000.html
Atlantic Technology P-2000 http://www.atlantictechnology.com/system_P-2000.htm
Others??

The only unique pre/pro with a release not far away (that I'm aware of) is:

Sherwood Newcastle P-958 http://www.sherwoodusa.com/2002produ...HTML/P958.html

I don't think the minor differences offered by the Outlaw clones really distinguishes them from their source. However, the Sherwood is very interesting to me (especially if they price it right). A hopeful Spring release is all I've been able to find out for sure.

Anyone know of anything else? Will Sony's long rumored follow-up to the 9000es ever come out? (if so, it'll probably come in slightly out of this price range)




-Sili

[RedStep]

For the Money, I do not know how you could beat the Rotel RSP 1066...(DD, DTS, DPL2, DTS ES, Neo 6, 7.1) And I think it even does the laundry And the sound quality, not to mention the build quality. Then ease of operation & upgrade ability. We always have to say "for the money" But this component rivals the coveted B&K Ref 50




RedStep
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