2. amps-preamps
  3. 128692-95257

Help please upgrading my old Pre/Pro..

IBackground:

I've been running my current system for almost 20 years and it consists of the following: It is a 5.0 system as I am not running a sub for either music/HT and I'm pretty happy with the Stratus Golds job on the bass as they go down to about 36HZ.

PSB Stratus Golds - Front Main
PSB Status C6 - Center
Niles Audio In-Walls - Rear Surround

Acurus ACT-3 Pre/Pro
Panasonic BMP-BDT 300 Blu-ray player
Aragon 8008x3 - L, R, C
Aragon 8008x2 - Rear Surrounds

Luxman 10 band Equalizer (+- 10db equalization)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

While I am very happy with this setup and it does sound great for both HT and 2 channel stereo I am looking to upgrade my PRE/PRO (Acurus). MY ACT-3 was bought in 1997 and has 24 bit Crystal DACS. It does Dolby Digital and DTS but does not have the newer decoding formats. I am also looking for a unit that will provide bass/treble adjustments as I like to boost both and is the reason I am running the Luxman in line for the Front Mains (Stratus Golds). I'd like to remove the Luxman if possible if I gain the tone controls and/or 10 band EQ in the PRE/PRO.

So my wants in a new PRE/PRO come down to this:

1) hopefully a bit better sonic quality than the Acurus ACT-3
2) new surround sound decoding that HOPEFULLY a new pre/pro can down convert to my 5.0 system? Will this sound better or just about the same as my old pre/pro processing and at that point not worthwhile to upgrade?
3) be able to adjust tone/EQ to boost the bass and treble like I prefer
4) not an absolute want but gaining wifi streaming to play music off my desktop PC and Spotify would be nice (without purchasing separate unit like SONOS connect etc. to do the streaming)

Someone mentioned to check out the new Marantz AV7703 or possibly bump up to the AV8802a but I didn't think that Marantz sound quality was on the same level with say Acurus/Aragon but I may be mistaken as I haven't listened to any of the Marantz pieces?

That said, can the "sound gurus" on this fine board provide some opinions/options on my pre/pro upgrade wishes?

venom

Showing 11 responses by venom

venom OP
11 posts
 
Thanks Bob.

What do you think of the new AV7703. I can get a great deal on that unit as opposed to getting the AV8802. Do you think I’d be giving up alot sonically going with the the 7703 vs 8802? The dealer is telling me that he thinks the sonic quality is about the same between the units but I’m not sure I believe him?

What’s your opinion? I can save quite a bit going for the 7703, I just don’t want to take a step backwards in the sonic department going from my Acurus ACT-3 to the Marantz..

Also regarding the suggestions to add a sub to my Stratus Golds. I just bought a REL-328 used to augment my 2 channel system running Magnepan 1.7is and LOVE the way that sub sounds. It is quick and tight and matches the bass of the Maggies. Does anyone think that a REL sub would blend well with the PSB Stratus Golds? And if so would they recommend running the Stratus "full range" with the Neutrik connector on the amp (have it running this way on the Magnepan 1.7i's and sounds awesome) and blend the crossover on the REL into the bottom range of the Stratus Mains (like up to 45hz or so)?
venom OP
11 posts
 
friendly bump...
venom OP
11 posts
 
Auxinput thanks so much for your advice and research as well as from everyone that responded to my post. Exactly what I was looking for.

Getting built in EQ is a major WANT for me and I'm looking hard at the both Marantz pieces: AV7703 and AV8802a. I did see that Classe' makes the Sigma SSP which retails for about 5K. Should be able to pick one up used close to my budget. 

What do you think of what that unit offers compared to the 7703/8802a?
venom OP
11 posts
 
Thanks Bob and Auxinput for all your additional advice feedback and commentary. Truly appreciated!!!

That said I've more or less turned my sights on Marantz. Now it's whether to get the AV7703 or the AV8802A?

Obviously the 8802a will sound better but by how much? It's going to cost me about an extra 1K to snag a new 8802a. The dealer says the 7703 has the latest audyssey, built-in HEOS, and onboard DTS:X support. He thinks that the 7703 will sound much better than my Acurus and that I will most likely be satisfied but it's a gamble buying sight unseen and not having auditioned any of the Marantz pieces.

So the question is to spend 1K more for a bit more sonic superiority, or save the 1K and gain the few added features (above). 

Tough choices....  
venom OP
11 posts
 
Aux,

What pre/pro are you currently running?
venom OP
11 posts
 
ah I missed that, sorry Sir! You are lucky, as Krell is a fine choice. Wish I could afford one but just not in my budget right now
venom OP
11 posts
 
Right good point and thanks. Will open new thread for the sub.. Thanks again for your input/advice!  :)
venom OP
11 posts
 
Thanks for the awesome feedback and opinions/suggestions guys!! This forum is awesome..

I didn't overlook the 7002MKII, mainly because I can get a screaming deal on a "new" 7703.

Ultimately for my budget and what I'm looking for right now I think the 7703 is the best choice. Like you said if it's great and I totally LOVE it, I can always upgrade to the 8802, 8804 etc.  down the road ooooorrrrrrrr I can just hold onto the 7703 for a long time like I did my Acurus ACT-3.

Ordering the 7703 today. Will post back when I get it hooked up and adjusted.

venom OP
11 posts
 
Hey Thanks Bob and wow that HSU offers a lot for a little. 

What do you think of the JL F110V2 and SVS SV13 Ultra? I know they are much more $ but they also get a lot of great reviews
venom OP
11 posts
 
So the AV7703 and BJC-FE HDMI cable ordered.

Last piece: now to add a subwoofer per suggestions and I've omitted RELs based on the feedback/comments received thus far.

I only have room to place 1 sub and the location ha to be on the front left side of my family room in the corner (left of my Left Front Main speaker)

Any suggestions? My max budget is no more than 1K / I've seen some JL Audio F110s for close to that price. Also hear good things about Rythmik (F12?) and SVS?
venom OP
11 posts
 
Thanks Bob. Looking for a used sub (JL, SVS etc)

What is your recommendation for implementing one sub with my Stratus Golds (Heavy Full Range 3 way floor-standing speaker 36hz to 20khz)?

Should I run my Front Mains full range and then blend the subs at about 45-50hz? Or should I high pass the fronts at about 45-50hz and set sub to about 55-60hz to blend the crossover point?
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