Temporary Pre-Amp for 803S

[Pookie007]

I need a pre-amp for my B&W 803s powered by an Audio Research 300.2

My "crappy" receiver (the funding approvals from the wife has been slow) I was using as a pre-amp just quit. I need to replace it with something $1000 or less until the fall when I get the big check from work that will fund a proper replacement. It will also be used for 5 channel now.

Has anyone been happy with a product in that price range for the 803s? I have been checking Audiogon for something used, but haven't seen anything yet. When this unit is replaced, it will be the control piece for the second theater I am building. This system will use B&W 703 and mostly play 2 channel music. I am starting to lean towards the Outlaw.

[GregLett]

A Rotel pre would be a nice temp. The are pretty good for the price.

[Pookie007]

I looked at Rotel, but they don't have HDMI of DVI. Sound quality I think I would be happy. New they are out of my price range. I have been tracking used ones on Audiogon.

[DM3000 Owner]

I need a pre-amp for my B&W 803s powered by an Audio Research 300.2

My "crappy" receiver (the funding approvals from the wife has been slow) I was using as a pre-amp just quit. I need to replace it with something $1000 or less until the fall when I get the big check from work that will fund a proper replacement. It will also be used for 5 channel now.

Has anyone been happy with a product in that price range for the 803s? I have been checking Audiogon for something used, but haven't seen anything yet. When this unit is replaced, it will be the control piece for the second theater I am building. This system will use B&W 703 and mostly play 2 channel music. I am starting to lean towards the Outlaw.

If you are going 2 channel, spend a few hundred more and get a Musical Fidelity A308CR.

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?preatran&1181939949

$1200 should pick this up. I use one with my Bryston 7B St's and N801's. Very happy with this setup.

[DM3000 Owner]

Here is a great piece that $1000 to $1100 should fetch.

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?dgtlplay&1181596874

Integrated CD player too. Not wuite up to the A308, but a great value if you need a CD.

[Pookie007]

The problem is I need to use if for 5 channel HT until October (check day). Then when I move it to the second system in the basement, I will use it for 2 channel music when we hang out down there, but my daughter will still use it for movies and video games when she has friends over.

Since I will be living with this for about 6 months as my primary pre-amp (803s system), I'm just trying to maximize my performance. The ceiling on the budget is $1000.

[shep]

denon avr-3806 will make a nice sub-$1000 pre (not as nice as the separates) but will give HDMI switching to boot, and can be a nice basement addition when you get your stereo replacement.

I moved to all Rotel for the stereo, but still using my trusty old AVR-3801 with the tv in the family room.

[DM3000 Owner]

The problem is I need to use if for 5 channel HT until October (check day). Then when I move it to the second system in the basement, I will use it for 2 channel music when we hang out down there, but my daughter will still use it for movies and video games when she has friends over.

Since I will be living with this for about 6 months as my primary pre-amp (803s system), I'm just trying to maximize my performance. The ceiling on the budget is $1000.

If you need HT, try one of these:

http://www.jr.com/JRProductPage.process?Product=4032234

Before you laugh, just try it. I have two digitally amplified receivers and a three digital amps outside of my main system. This is the best $200 you will spend in audio. If you don't like it, you should be able to get most of your money back ($200, not a big risk - email me before you put it on ebay, I could use another for my office).

This receiver will not blow away high end equipment, but will compete very well, way too well for $200.

[recall]

classe

Get a used Classe or Meridian. These units will beat a Denon in sound quality. You can't go wrong with 2-channel music and it will do 5 channel for movies. Just run your HDMI/DVI directly from source to TV. You won't be able to find a decent switcher in your price range.

A used Meridian 561 can be found for $700, and Classe SSP-25 for $800-1000. I personally think the classe beats Meridian, but can't tell if that's because of my balanced connection to the amp. My friend and I both use the SSP-25 as our processor/DAC. He uses it for B&W Nautilus 802. I used it for B&W N804, 803S, N802 with good results.