New or Upgrading Pre - Pro

With a 7.1 analog input and a BluRay player like Oppo BDP-95, you can still enjoy the new Hi-Rez formats, just not decoded in the pre/pro. All you really give up is the room correction, which the Mac doesn't have anyway... The Mac should really be seen as a great preamp that also happen to include processing for HT

If you are planning to use the pre/pro as a multi channel preamp only, rather than getting an older Mcintosh, you are better off scooping up the used Bel Canto MCH pre that is currently listed. What this will not give you is decoding of MCH coming in on your satellite receivers. If this is not a factor to you AND 2 channel analog performance is more important than MCH, the Bel Canto + Oppo is a good option. Keep in mind though that a modern 2K pre/pro has room correction, which may be beneficial for your 2 channel system as well. It will also give you bass management if you have a sub. So you would get an inferior preamp, but with more features. The benefits of room correction, could offset the lower grade preamp. If your soom sucks it probably will. So tough call - many variables.

A variation on Edorr's thoughtful post:

If you are using a (or a pair of) subwoofer(s), this is IMHO a no-brainer: find the best digital bass management/room correction you can afford. If you're not using subwoofer(s), then I'd agree with Edorr - it's a tough call.

Marty

Thanks for the responses.

My system is currently composed of - an Emotiva XPA 5 amp, Emotiva UMC - 1, as a pre-pro, an oppo 95 and Sonus Faber Cremona M's for the mains and center.

I have the upgrade bug. What is the next step?

A pre-pro? mono blocks for the mains?

Leave the 5 channel alone and doing something to maximize the 2 channel sound?

I have been out of the game so to speak for many years and don't know where to best spend to upgrade my system.

Again thanks for the advise.

If your budget is 2k you have lots of options. You didn't mention your speakers or amp, so I'll assume if 2 channel is your priority then you have full range speakers or great monitors with a sub. In terms of new, you have the Marantz ($1600) and Integra (at just over your budget at $2,600). The benefit of both is that you get 2 channel and room correction that is very good. I personally am not a Rotel fan. Good value overall but I don't like the sound and no room correction. This I feel that the Marantz is the best value in its class.

If you choose to go used, then yes you could get a "higher end" brand but I'm not quite sure what your goals are. What are your sources? If your sources are digital then the DAC in the unit make a difference. If you are using the DACs in the source then that is less of a priority. Example: A Parasound used is fantastic value but also analog only. The Anthem units have great overall quality from the DAC to room correction to output and offer separate settings and cross over for music and movies. You can have one set of settings for your CD player and another for for your BluRay.

There are also some older Lexicon preamps that have hit the market.

I cannot emphasize enough not to buy for brand or price but for your ears. If you can demo units at a dealer then do that. If you can't go new see
What they have used or as demo units. That way you also support your local dealer. Finally, the preamp is part of the sum of your system. I suggest you think about it in light of your speakers and amp and try and match that up with what appeals to your ears. Remember it is all about what your tastes are and what you like.

But before closing I cannot over emphasize the difference quality room correction makes!!!