[daniel]

And sound quality (two channels and multichannels) your primary concern.

Would you rather buy...

1-A used high end processor ( krell hts 7.1, classe ssp-300 or other similar high end processor)

2-or a brand new low end with all the bells and whistle processor?

I really mean processor, not receiver.

3-If you had 2000$ would you do the same thing?

p.s. There is not enough money to buy a high end 2 channels preamp + a processor, or receiver.

 

[daniel]

My listening room is 17 x 27 with 13 feet high ceilling

I have simaudio amp and Martin Logan Vantage speaker (front), in wall surround speaker ( seas woofers and planar tweeters), no sub and no center channel ( I adhere to the no center mono sound school)


I dont' have blue-ray player and I don't plan to buy one this year.
I used an Oppo universal player which has one HDMI output connected to my sharp Aquos tv set, sound through digital output to my preamp-processor

I used to use for surround sound my b&K reference 20 preamp-processor, but is defective, only stereo still working perfectly. I'Ts not worth to send for repair.

The raison I said that sound was my primary concern it's because my main source for music is my Oracle Delphi 4. I've not heard digital that was even remotly closed to the sound quality of this turntable (on the other hand I've not heard all of them).

For me a receiver is out of question.

One aspect to keep in mind, right now, I can afford 2000$ max preamp-processor.
In less than 2 years I will not have to pay morgage anymore. So there will be muych more money available.

 

[daniel]

Before going to separate, I was using receivers. I wouldn't want to down that path again.

In my opinion, no receiver can stand to an amp. Of course you said to use the pre-out function, but I also think that no receiver can stand to a separated processor which, unless paying a fortune ( even then I would have to compare them), can not stand to a separated preamp.

For me buying a used high end processor, or even a high end processor in 2 years, will be a compromise on sound quality. Maybe in two years from now, I will be able to buy something like a Classe ssp-800 or better. Right now, I have to settle for less. downgrading the sound for tv, or movies is out of question.

I like movies, but I really love music.

 

[daniel]

If you insist on a preamp only... wait for the Emotiva preamp processor release... it is priced right. :T

Yes. I'm waiting for the first owner comment. It has nice features..and nice look too (nobody cares .:rofl: )

 

[daniel]

If you're not happy with the curent sound, I would be first looking into treating the space acoustically...

Well, the acoustic is not a problem. It's the defective, and old, processor.

My room is large, and it doesn't have a box shape (or worst a cube shape) prone to troublesome standing waves ( however, any room has some standing waves). It has wooden walls with carved patterns. There's a big unused window behind the sound system. It's been filled with acoustic wool and covered with a big African batik. The nearest wall (right of loudspeaker) has lot of plant and two easy chairs. I also use a big stuffed sofa with big cushion which adsorb some lower frequencies.

Mind you, the next processor will be a temporary solution until my next $$$$ step.

 

[daniel]

Hi Daniel,

Because you're from Quebec, Canada, where do you intend to make your purchase(s)?

* Is $1,500 to $2,000 are Canadian $ or USA $?

** Have you consider the use market for an Anthem AVM 50, or AVM 40? ...Canadian breed.

*** Or if you are shopping in the USA, about the Onkyo Pro PR-SC886P? Sweet Pre/Pro for only a thousand bucks USA.

* Funny, my wife always ask me the same question. USD of course:bigsmile:

** Anthem is on my short list. It's always easier to deal with a canadian based company. Classé Audio and Simaudio are there to. I had to deal with Simaudio, short driving distance, they are great. I heard that it's the same with Classé. There's also Bryston.

***I'm shopping in Canada and USA. I 've read good (when it's working) and bad thing ( we customer need support) about Onkyo/Integra processor. If I buy one, and have problem, how will be the customer support? It might be a great processor, but I will not take a chance (It might be my lost!).

 

[daniel]

While reading about processor, I've noticed that some are great for surround sound but only fair for 2 channels. Since I used a high end turntable ( with phono preamp), I have to take into account the 2 channels aspect.

 

[daniel]

Avm 40 and 50 look great and they keep popping on audiogon and canuck audio mart. They could be fine for now. In 2 to 3 years, I might buy something like "Anthem Statement D4v/ARC2 with HDMI 1.7" or classé ssp-1000 ( I know they do not exist).

 

[daniel]

Update! Update.

I end up buying a Classe SSP-600.
It's far better than what I had before.

 

[daniel]

Avm 40 and 50 look great and they keep popping on audiogon and canuck audio mart. They could be fine for now. In 2 to 3 years, I might buy something like "Anthem Statement D4v/ARC2 with HDMI 1.7" or classé ssp-1000 ( I know they do not exist).

Seems like I couldn't wait.
Something funny:

Few years ago, I used to say that my sound system was the same value as our car.
Then we bought a second car. So I was now saying that my sound system have to be the same value as my car. I have two cars. :heehee: I must do something about this.
Now, it's done!!!!:::bigsmile: