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I'm thinking of setting up a 2 channel system. If so I would want a stereo 2 channel pre-amp with a subwoofer connection. A remote control is a firm requirement, and my budget is around $1,000 max. I'm considering Emotiva, Cambridge and Parasound brands, but open to other brands. Are there any other brands that fit my requirements? Any recommendations of those 3 brands, or general thoughts. Used is acceptable to me.
Phono inputs and/or an optical (Toslink) inputs would be nice but not a requirement.
Thanks,
Smoketest: plug it in, see if it smokes.
Bonus comment: why, oh why, do so many manufactures make a manual that does not include an illustration showing all the inputs and outputs of a piece of gear, esp. a preamp? Many have multiple illustrations showing how to connect this type of equipment to that type of equipment, but it's not the same. Oh well.
Follow Ups:
Thanks everybody. I'm coming from old school, before there were subwoofers. Or you made your own and used an outboard crossover. I was naive and confused; every other piece of equipment seemed to have incompatible subwoofer hook ups!
I would have liked a simple answer that everyone agreed on: buy this one. But, life ain't like that.
So, a regular stereo pre-amp with y-adapter(s) out to the sub. I kinda knew about that but didn't know exactly how to wire that up. In fact I spent over an hour googling how that would work, just looking for a simple diagram. I discovered again that there is a high signal to noise ratio on the internet. Finally found a diagram on Polk's website.Here is what currently I have:
Sources:
Broadcast Television, not really concerned about great sound quality thereCD/DVD: an older Oppo OPDV71H
I send an optical out to the receiver. My guess in there are better DACs than the Oppo has, which is over 10 years old. But if you find the 'secret' code you can convert it to region free in about 1 minute.I may add a turntable at some time.
Receiver: Panasonic SAXR55 This is one of Panasonics early 'digital' amps. It is the weak link in the system, soundwise. And it has no preamp out.
Subwoofer: HSU LTF-2
Speakers: Linaeum 10 These are pushing 18 years old.
What started all this was a desire to try the JBL LSR 308, or maybe 305. These are powered monitors with trickle down tech from their M2. With no preamp out from my receiver, I need a preamp to feed the powered JBLs. And also to get a signal from the preamp to the sub.
I'm hoping the JBL may be an improvement, but won't be disappointed if it isn't. Half my motivation is curiosity over how good they are. And I can use them in another location if the Linaeums are better.
I currently run the speaker wires from the receiver to the sub, and then from the sub to the speakers. The receiver has one single RCA sub out, which after investigating this I figured out how to hook that into the sub (which has left and right channel RCA inputs). And I've also read that doing that and sending the speaker wires direct to the speakers will probably improve things too.
Room: 6'x19' rectangle. 8' ceiling
The Linaeums are rated at 3db down to either 35 or 32hz. The HSU goes down to around 25. I can definitely hear lower bass extension with the sub.
Edits: 06/20/16 06/20/16 06/20/16
Since the sub speaker inputs are probably VERY high input impedance, you could almost run Magnet Wire to the sub and 'regular' wire to your speakers. You certainly don't need expensive or beefy wires from amp to sub.
Too bad, at that point, it would be difficult to low-cut your speakers.
Too much is never enough
You are correct, in that issues about audio configurations are not always so simple to address. If you choose to use JBL pro audio powered speakers, I suggest you find a preamplifier that features balanced XLR outputs rather than a preamplifier with unbalanced RCA outputs only, which would require a pair of unbalanced cables with RCA connectors at the source end, and 1/4" phone plugs or sound-degrading RCA--> 1/4" phone plug adapters at the load end. Besides, I think a balanced interface would be a better optimized method for connecting powered speakers.
It might be helpful if you list what audio gear the preamplifier will or might be mated with. Based on your mentioned maximum price point, I agree with Awe-d-o-file that the used marketplace is likely the best place to look.
Thanks Duster. I didnt want to be hated on for asking the OP to consider other options. There is no doubt where value is concerned Emotiva has the market sewed up.
However at that price point a line stage only will give the best sound quality.
ET
You'll do better in the used market with your budget. What power amp and speakers will it mate with? Looking for one with a built in DAC and phono section too will really make things.......lower in sound quality.
ET
Not that I count, but my Parasound P5 is tops. It fills ALL your requirements including the 'optional'. If you have a local / near dealer, it SHOULD be available even at a slight discount.
It even has (switchable) tone controls which I use as a poor man's 'loudness contour' by bumping bass and treble. Late at night, I'll turn the level way down and the tone controls ON. That restores some of the tonal balance. The iPod input is a way to use your handheld as a music source!
Parasound is a good company, too, with a very good service reputation.
I would Exclude Cambridge on the basis of my dealings with the company. Nothing AWFUL, but some red flags. The EMO XSP-1 v2 might not be a bad choice. The 'version 2' gets decent press and has a following.
The ONE thing I'd change about the Parasound? It has clunky RELAY switching. A little slow, but not a disqualifier. Level control is continuous, with no click stops which means going back to the EXACT same level is difficult.
Too much is never enough
You should find one of these used for well under a grand. It has all the features you are looking for!
You can expand your choices by using a y adapter for the sub. I do that with my Shindo pre. No loss in quality no matter what anybody says
Alan
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