I'm heading to CES to check out Peamps - nothing to exceed $3500.
I'm hoping to get something that is supported for years to come. My old Sony had firmware updates for 3 years after I got it.
I want plenty of quality inputs - optical and RCA (I can't believe some expensive preamps put cheap steel rca connectors) -
I don't care about video switching (I prefer to avoid extra connections that can degrade the video signal) - although I won't rule out a unit because it does or does not have this feature. (I have 2 DVD's, a recorder, a tuner, a HTPC, and of course I want room for more just in case)
I would like something firmware upgradeable more than having to buy a hardware upgrade for new DTS and Dolby formats. So something with the processing power to support future formats.
I'm only interested in preamps that have been out for 1 year or less. Technology changes too quickly for me to look at something that is going to be replaced soon.
I want something with a volume knob - I don't want to search for a tiny button. I would prefer an all black unit so it doesn't stick out from the rest of my equipment.
I want something with bang for the buck. My old Sony was $1000 and had adequate sound and plenty of control (for the money). Granted it won't compare with a new $1000 preamp but for 5+ years old it is still a good unit. I'm looking for something I'll want to keep for 5+ years and still think it sounds good and has adequate control. Granted if it weren't for the firmware upgrades this unit wouldn't cut it.
Ideally I could select between balanced amp outs and regular.
I'd like to know more about the new dolby headphone jacks. That may be important to me in a year or so.
I'm definitely checking out the Anthem. The Halo didn't have enough of anything to keep my interest. I've heard completely mixed reviews on the Rotel but the 1098 is too old for me to consider as a new preamp. Hopefully they'll have something new.
I realize each persons needs and goals are different so not everyone will agree but I would imagine I'm not that unique in this list.
Thanks for your suggestions. It has been a while since I've seriously looked at preamps and I've never considered anything over $1,000 so your advice is appreciated.
I'm hoping to get something that is supported for years to come. My old Sony had firmware updates for 3 years after I got it.
I want plenty of quality inputs - optical and RCA (I can't believe some expensive preamps put cheap steel rca connectors) -
I don't care about video switching (I prefer to avoid extra connections that can degrade the video signal) - although I won't rule out a unit because it does or does not have this feature. (I have 2 DVD's, a recorder, a tuner, a HTPC, and of course I want room for more just in case)
I would like something firmware upgradeable more than having to buy a hardware upgrade for new DTS and Dolby formats. So something with the processing power to support future formats.
I'm only interested in preamps that have been out for 1 year or less. Technology changes too quickly for me to look at something that is going to be replaced soon.
I want something with a volume knob - I don't want to search for a tiny button. I would prefer an all black unit so it doesn't stick out from the rest of my equipment.
I want something with bang for the buck. My old Sony was $1000 and had adequate sound and plenty of control (for the money). Granted it won't compare with a new $1000 preamp but for 5+ years old it is still a good unit. I'm looking for something I'll want to keep for 5+ years and still think it sounds good and has adequate control. Granted if it weren't for the firmware upgrades this unit wouldn't cut it.
Ideally I could select between balanced amp outs and regular.
I'd like to know more about the new dolby headphone jacks. That may be important to me in a year or so.
I'm definitely checking out the Anthem. The Halo didn't have enough of anything to keep my interest. I've heard completely mixed reviews on the Rotel but the 1098 is too old for me to consider as a new preamp. Hopefully they'll have something new.
I realize each persons needs and goals are different so not everyone will agree but I would imagine I'm not that unique in this list.
Thanks for your suggestions. It has been a while since I've seriously looked at preamps and I've never considered anything over $1,000 so your advice is appreciated.
Comment