Hey Mat, we're looking in the same neighborhood. If you are talking MC1 with the 7.1 software<< It's a couple of zip codes away --as in 2500 to 3000. The Krells are even more / If my memory still works. I guess I'm lookng for giant killer / with most of the features/ for cheap.Although, I'm willing to have fewer features as a compromise, with better sound.WHAT'S out there?? |
Yes, I have found all of the above processor for around 2000. |
Is music important? I don't think the Lexicon (I think news it is around 5k) will give you the sound quality your equipment can put out. The Classe would probably be a good match for your amps. I'd also look at the B&K Ref-30 (2700), and right now some stores are posting close-out deals on the Aragon Soundstage (line is getting a make-over for next year). I own the Proceed AVP, but its about 5k new so not sure if you're willing to spend this much. Check out Integra Research also--for anyone looking at home theater processors this is a must. |
I am looking at these Processors for their two channel audio as well as their HT performance, since this will be my only preamp. thoughts about this?
Thanks,
Mat |
B & K is competetive with Lexicon. Maybe a Ref. 25 or 30 would be a good alternative. |
I looking to purchase used, so anything around 2000 used is what I am budgeting. Music is important. All three of these processors retail for 6000 new. |
Please don't focus on the price of these three processors that I have mentioned, I am able to find all three of them for around 2,000. So if you had the choice which one would you pick? I know very little about these three and would like your feedback on not only their HT performance but their two channel Musical performance as well. |
Hi,Mat. You must have gotten/ seen the better prices elsewhere. I have a CAT3 so 2ch. is of no importance to me. As in we all have different needs.
Argent; Those Integra's don't come up used, to often. The last one I remember seeing was in my early stages of looking. --Say about 4 weeks ago. Like the least expensive processor to get AAA rating at SGHT. This does impress me.-- But, because we each have different priorities ,it makes things more complicated. |
If you like your Classe amplification, I suggest you give the Classe processor a serious look. If you can find the SSP50 for $2k, you've found a real steal. The HTS will be closer to $3k. The Classe SSP30 might be worth a look, at around $2k used. Good luck. |
If you are sold on one of these three processors because of the price, I would have to recommend them in this order: Krell, Classe, and Lexicon last. One other processor you might try, as it is used for around $2700 is the Bryston SP-1. Arguably one of the best for 2ch music. Good luck. |
A couple of years ago, I was in the market for a processor under $10K. I considered the Theta Casablanca with superior cards option, Proceed PAV and surround piece (sorry I forgot the name of it), Proceed AVP, both Krell units, the Lexicon DC-1, EAD Signature, and the Classe' SSP-50. I spent months comparing the units' features and auditioning as many as I could. I was mostly interested in sound quality; I wanted a zero compromise "audiophile"-grade 2-channel pre with the ability to produce top notch DD and DTS performance. In the end, I chose the SSP-50. The only thing that seemed to come close was the EAD Signature (followed by the SSP-25 which I auditioned after my selection) but at that time, the EAD had some glitches. Surround performance was similar among the processors, however the Classe' stood out as the best 2-ch pre I've ever heard -IMHO.
There are some drawbacks with the '50; while it has top-notch audio performance, its video performance is by far the worst! I have a 10yr old Pioneer receiver with much better video performance! Luckily, my Sony XBR TV has enough inputs to accommodate my video sources - otherwise I would rate the Classe's video performance as unacceptable.
(Video sources should be plugged directly into the TV or monitor for best performance, anyway)
If audio performance is all you're looking for, by all means, give the SSP50 an audition (if possible). If you plan on using the pre as a video switcher, it may be wise to make another selection.
At only $2K!?!?!?!?!?!!!!, you can't go wrong with any of your $6500 MSRP choices!
Good luck. |
Thanks Argonaut,
Actually I can get the SSP-50 for 1850, and I also have a Sony XBR 36". So I will plug my video sources directly into my TV. I have a few other options, that I have also been looking at but, can't quite get that good of a price on these units, B&K ref 30 for 1795, Integra Research RD-7 for 2200, Proceed AVP for 2300, Proceed PAVw/DAP for 3250, Bryston SP-1 for 2500, Classe SSP-50 for 1850, Krell HTS fro 2225, Lexicon MC-1 2000, and finally the Parasound 2500u for 1950. These were the ones that I looked at and narrowed it down to the Classe, Lexicon, and Krell. I have recently found alot of info saying the Lexicon is a great HT performer but doesn't do well with 2 channel audio. So now my top choices are Classe, Krell, and the B&K ref 30 or the Integra research. |
If you find a Krell HTS for ~$2K, I would ask what is wrong with it... the cheapest I have seen this processor for is $3K on the used market... I just bought one new for $4K.
The Krell is a fantastic HT processor but its 2 channel doesn't match its HT performance. I use mine strictly for HT and pass its front channel outputs to an input on my preamp.
If warranty is important to you, if I remember correctly the warranty will be void on Krell if you buy it 2nd hand. |
You might also consider the Myryad MDP500. Stereophile gave it an A rating, but I haven't heard it personally. |
I second the Krell HTS - but recommend the HTS-2. The HTS is a fantastic product although it had some (major) problems with 2 channel audio. Krell quickly fixed the problems and released the HTS-2. The HTS-2 has separate "preamp" inputs which bypass the Krell processor.
As for warranty - all the "older" Krell HTS - KAV (the ones with the gray faceplates) have a 5 year transferable warranty. The new "silver" Krell's have a warranty which is not transferable. However, Krell builds an ultra-high quality product and is typically willing to go out of their way for the customer.
For instance - I once purchased a Krell CD player from someone on Audiogon. After I received the unit, I found it had no serial number - the serial number was also blacked out on the box. I called Krell and explained. They offered to take the unit, and re-issue a serial and do any repairs required - for free. Now.. that's service!
I expect that down the road, Krell will help owners of 2nd hand 'silver' units in a similar way.
Lexicon has bad - REALLY BAD - 2 channel audio. |
The HTS-2 won't get the analog bypass till the 7.1 option comes out for an additional fee (around $1500) which brings the HTS-2 to around $8K. The HTS-1 is upgradeable to it as well (but not the cosmetics). The only difference currently between the HTS-1 and HTS-2 is cosmetic and the on screen display. |
Thanks for all the input guys. The HTS-2 is a little out of my league (price wise). And if it sounds anything like the HTS, then I probably won't enjoy it. I never liked the sound of Krell and thought they were buggy but It has gotten alot of great reviews. Bryston is built real well, but I never cared for the sound (very bright). The Lexicon is a great processor, but so-so for 2 channel. I think I am leaning towards the Classe SSP-50 or Proceed AVP. That and I can get these units at unbelievable prices. I think these units will match much better with my existing equipment. Further thoughts? |
Hi Biggytaz,
Well.. given that you have Classe amps, the Classe processor seems like the obvious choice. Perhaps the synergy between your components will be better if you say inside the family.
The HTS-2 is not buggy. The original HTS was. Krell fixed the problems with the new release. The sound of the new HTS-2 is a bit smoother than the original. While I used it, I primarily had it on 2 channel (didn't have the funds for a complete HT setup at the time) the preamp section left very little of the typical Krell signature sound but did reinforce the bass nicely. |
Hey Biggytaz,
I have a B&K ref 30. Have you compared the proceed to the B&K? What sold me was the simplicity, direct pass thru for stereo and quality of the HT. I am told that all HT preamps will not compare to a seperate Pre amp for music. I just plan on picking up something like a Adcom GFP-750 (used is probably$700.00), which was an A rating in stereophile magazine. Let me know what you think! |
