2. home-theater
  3. 1378521286

Building HT, 2 channel audio guy needs help

I’m an old audio geek – vinyl and R2R are still my preferred sources. Always had my system for music only in its own room and a separate (decent, but consumer-brand) “theater-like setup” with a 52” flat screen. Well, just moved to a new house and lo and behold, the house has a real theater room (also ideal sonically) with 100” screen and ceiling mounted (obsolete) front projector.

So now, it looks like my audio system will have to do double duty – switching back and forth between audio and theater modes as needed. Need some help on a new preamp or processor for the audio system to serve the theater needs. Here’s my audio system at present:
Oracle Mk I TT (upgraded to Mk II suspension) w/ SME arm and Benz Micro cartridge
Revox A-77 R2R
Conrad Johnson 2200 power amp
Conrad Johnson PV5 tube pre
Magneplanar 1.7 Speakers
Infinity powered subwoofer
McIntosh MI-3 maximum performance indicator

My inclination is to get new/used preamp or processor capable of handling the theater needs –
- (HDMI or RCA) input from cable box for audio
- Center speaker and surround speaker output (powered or otherwise) – I have an old Threshold CAS2 power amp that could be used for the rear speakers
For the video, I plan to use the cable box directly into the projector in order to make it possible to stay with a more audiophile friendly preamp.

Of course, I am not looking to break the bank given that I have been happy with what I have (sonically speaking) – maybe $2k-$3k (new or used) – or perhaps that much plus whatever I would get selling my PV5. Then I can still buy a projector to replace the out of date one that came with the house as well as a center speaker and surround speakers for the theater.

First things first – can I humbly ask the community for some ideas on the pre/processor for this system?

Thanks – Jim
[email protected]
jmarki

Showing 1 response by martykl

martykl
3,578 posts
 
Notwithstanding Audiooracle's opinion to the contrary, IME, if you're using a subwoofer (or subwoofers) when you listen to music, you are FAR better off ditching any tube pre-amp (specifically including your CJ) for a pre-pro. Seamless subwoofer to main speaker integration is a snap with the modern bass management software found in any good pre-pro and (again IME) next to impossible without it. This delta will - as far as I'm concerned - swamp any other benefits of a good tube pre vs a good pre-pro. OTOH....

Your particular circumstance is complicated by your (apparently) exclusive use of analog source material (which would see both ADC and DAC in the pre-pro), as you have no CD player listed in your system. Also, while your 1.7s provide good bass performance without a sub, you already have a subwoofer. Given that fact, I gather that you prefer to use a sub with your 1.7s for music. If true, I suspect that you'll be happily surprised by how much better the system sounds when you switch out the CJ for a pre-pro, even for 2 channel listening.

In any case, you've assembled a quirky hybrid arrangement - an all analog rig that begs for audiophile style treatment (including tubes) and a multi-channel rig (including a subwoofer) that begs for a more high tech pre-pro with bass management. Personally, I'd use a pre-pro every time were I in your shoes, but I also understand how weird that might seem with for a vinyl centric listener.

Marty
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