2. home-theater
  3. 1344698512

Pre pro-go balanced or not nad v. Onkyo


I have a bryson 9B multi channel amp which i believe is "true balanced."  I am in the market for a new pre pro to replace my AVR.  Is there any REAL benefit to going balanced with the pre pro?  The set up does NOT involve long runs of cable and frankly use of RCA's will probably be make both the amp and pre and easier install depthwise inside my cabinet.

RE pre pro choices: The onyko 5508 has balanced and Audyssey MultEQ® XT32 while the NAD T187 uses AUDYSSEY MULTEQ XT.  All in all historically id prefer the NAD due to looks simplicity and historic like of NAD sound.  However, the onkyo offers balanced and the more advanced adyssey.

Any thoughts would be appreciated
kbuzz
elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
Yur Bryston 9B is not balanced internally.
martykl
3,563 posts
 
A little over a year ago, I did the same comparison between Onkyo/Integra, NAD, Denon, etc., that you're now doing. My system is 2 channel, music only - so no comments from here on the video side of the equation.

I went with the Onkyo (in part) because my ARC VT130SE power amp lacks a phase splitter and requires a true balanced signal and (in part) because Stereophile was so enthusiastic about XT32.

Even when using other power amps - and I have several - I am delighted with the choice I made. The system sounds great. I suspect that it would sound really good with the NAD, too, but I have no complaints and can recommend the Onkyo for 2 channel music without reservation.

Marty
willland's avatar
willland
750 posts
 
I came very close to pulling the trigger on an Integra DHC-80.2(Onkyo PR-5508) but happened upon an incredibly priced used NAD T175HD that I had been waiting to pop up at a price I could afford. I am totally satisfied with the musicality and HT processing of this pre/pro. Yes the Integra has XT32, balanced connections and networking capabilities but the NAD sound was more important to me after my experience with my NAD T773 receiver.

Spearit Sound has their refurbished T175HD's for $1599.00. You could replace the VM200 module with the VM150(1.4 3D) and get virtually the same thing as the T187. Not sure which route would be more cost effective. 3D for now, is not important to me so I won't be switching modules for some time if ever.

http://www.spearitsound.com/Surround_Pre_Pros-NAD_T175HD_Refurbished.html

http://www.spearitsound.com/Surround_Pre_Pros-NAD_T187_Refurbished.html

Bill
More to discover