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Ideal Preamp/Processor for 2-Channel & Phono Stage

My speakers (Zu Definition Pro) require bi-amplification becuase the front speakers are not wired to the rear speakers. Please don't focus on this, or the merits of Zu speakers, or room treatments. I'm looking for advice on a Pre/Pro to use in a 2-channel set up. No video necessary.

I need to equalize my room/system, so I am going to use a pre/pro. This is the only viable solution I'm considering because of the separate signals going to the front and rear speaker arrays.

Right now I'm using a Rane PEQ 55 for the rear array, but having the Rane in the signal path to my rear speakers can't cover the full tonal spectrum because it is only in the path to the rear speakers.

So, why am I only considering a "high-end" Pre/Pro in a 2-channel set up?
Inherint in the models I'm considering is the ability to equalize the front speaker array separately from the rear speaker array. How? By using the "front" speaker outputs for the front array and the subwoofer outputs for the rear array.

The Pre/Pro filters the low-frequency signal for subwoofers, so I would use that signal for the woofer array on my speakers. The front speakers output could be filtered for the front array. Then I can use the controls/software in the Pre/Pro to properly equalize my system/room.

The Integra DHC 80.1 has two mono subwoofer outputs, and the Classe SSP-800 has two stereo subwoofer outputs. Mono bass below 80Hz is not a problem since we cannot localize bass at that frequency or less.

My goal for this post is to get feedback from people who have listened to some of the high-end Pre/Pro equipment for a 2-channel system. Meridian is really nice, but outside my price range and I'm pretty confused with all the cards and versions. Other manufacturers would be greatly appreciated. If you're selling something, please contact me using my email address.

My turntable set up is really important to me and I don't want to sacrifice any (or at least as little as possible) of the benefits from it, so I'm looking for a Pre/Pro that also has an awesome phono stage.

I'm trying to stay away from using the word "best" because "best" is subjective and means different things to different people and threads with "best" spin out of control with questions like what are you trying to do, what do you want out of your system, etc... All helpful questions, but not the goal of this thread.

The only practical solution I'm willing to explore right now is to find a Pre/Pro that will allow me to equalize my room/system (using a mic would be ideal), has two subwoofer outputs (can be two mono or stereo outputs) with a great phono stage so I don't lose the benefit of my analog rig. Pretty straightforward.

My system:
Yamamoto A-08S driving the front speaker array
Berhinger EP2500 driving the rear woofer array
Canary CA-903 Line Stage
Canary CA-400 Phono Stage
Ayre CX-5e CDP
Avid Diva 2 TT
Zu Definition Pro speakers (MTM front 20kHz-50Hz, & 4-10" woofers rear 1kHz-15Hz)

Regards,
Mark
aceboympk

Showing 4 responses by dan_ed

dan_ed
2,451 posts
 
I think you may do much better with an active line-level crossover. I can see EQing below 200Hz but why do you think you need to equalize higher up. Or did I read that wrong?

"Mono bass below 80Hz is not a problem since we cannot localize bass at that frequency or less."

Oh, I beg to strongly differ with this statement.
dan_ed
2,451 posts
 
Mark,

take a look at this article on the Definition Pros. If they are bi-ampable, you can run a line-level crossover.

6 moons review

A bass guitar can reach down to ~30Hz and I'm sure we've all heard a bass player move around the stage. There are plenty of spatial clues in these low registers. You should be able to hear that also with the Zu's if you feed stereo signals. Localize bass? I'm not sure what you mean by that.
dan_ed
2,451 posts
 
I apologize. I have no idea why you're trying to do what you're doing with your phono stage. Thanks for the link and the education. I don't agree with everything he says, but I'm obviously coming at music reproduction from 180 degrees out of phase.
dan_ed
2,451 posts
 
I hear what you're saying. I'm debating something similar in regards to my analog playback. I'd like to add active crossover and EQ for the bass to improve my horns, but it seems counterproductive to process that signal much. I guess buying some used gear and giving it a shot is the only way to know.
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