Pre/Pro for $2K


...new to the site, first time posting. I'm upgrading from a Yamaha pro logic receiver and am having trouble deciding among the B&K Ref 20, Acurus ACT-3, or the Marantz AV-9000. (I'm leaning toward the Acurus as I've heard they've corrected the "hum" problem). I'd like to keep it under $2K but could sacrifice and add a few hundred for great value. (B&K Ref 30?). I'm primarily a music (jazz, reggae, & R&B) listner, but enjoy high impact movies. My system consists of the Adcom GFA6000 5-channel amp, B&W DM604 3-way floor standing mains, Boston center channel and remotes, and a Paradigm PS-1200 sub. Any advice would be appreciated. Also, any suggestions on good but inexpensive ($50 - $60) interconnects would be a tremendous help. THANKS!!!
herbl4

Showing 2 responses by jsbail

You are better off buying a Sonic Frontiers Line 1 with processor with pass feature-$1500 and a HT reciever; I got a Denon 3300 from an internet seller for $565. Your two channel sound will be far better than any prepro.
Herb14, I owned a Classe ssp25, which is one of the better sounding processors for two channel. When I bought it I compared it to B&K ref 20. Classe was much better. As good as the Classe is it does not even come close to the sound of a good line stage preamp for two channel. Several companys have units with a processor by-pass loops , Sonic Frontiers, Audio research, Vac, VTL, C&J, and others.