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Marantz AV-550 Preamp.....Opinions please...

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Shane Sangster

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Feb 6, 1998, 3:00:00 AM2/6/98
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hey everyone on RAO!!
I have been away from the stereo gear scene for a while now,
mostly enjoying my system that you guys helped build with your opinions
and info....Well I am finally giving in to the itch to go digital....I am
selling off my entire system and replacing it with better, highER end
stuff....I need your thoughts on if you have any experience with the
following components.

I have been reading reviews on the Marantz AV-550 Preamp...Any thoughts on
this preamp for quality and scalability. I will be using most likely
Rotel amps (a RB991 to start and then adding a couple 981's)....the amps
will definitely be driving a set of PSB Stratus Silvers and a PSB C6
center, Mirage sub (BPS-150i) and some speaker in the back yet to be
decided.....

So what are your thoughts??? Would the Marantz work well with the Rotels
and PSB's?? Or is it better to hang onto some money for now, pick up a
Denon AVR-3200 receiver and buy better pre/processor and amps when this
whole DVD thing seems to sort itself out??? Any help would be greatly
appreciated.....Thanks a lot in advance....

Shane


Shane Sangster

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Feb 6, 1998, 3:00:00 AM2/6/98
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Whoops!! I almost forgot....

My interests are about 50/50 music and movies....the system only gets
pushed to upper limits about 25% of the time...I usually listen at more
moderate levels so imaging and accuracy at these levels are
important....however there are times when I like to hear some good rock
and roll loud and clear too.....so I would like something that is
flexible....does this combo fit the bill??? thanks again!!

"Forgetful" Shane

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Shane Sangster
x94...@juliet.stfx.ca

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx


Avalonav

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Feb 7, 1998, 3:00:00 AM2/7/98
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In article <Pine.A32.3.95.980206...@juliet.stfx.ca>, Shane
Sangster <x94...@juliet.stfx.ca> writes:

>I have been reading reviews on the Marantz AV-550 Preamp...Any thoughts
>on
this preamp for quality and scalability. I will be using most
>likely
Rotel amps (a RB991 to start and then adding a couple 981's)....the
>amps
will definitely be driving a set of PSB Stratus Silvers and a PSB
>C6
center, Mirage sub (BPS-150i) and some speaker in the back yet to
>be
decided.....

So what are your thoughts??? Would the Marantz work well
>with the Rotels
and PSB's?? Or is it better to hang onto some money for now,
>pick up a
Denon AVR-3200 receiver and buy better pre/processor and amps when
>this
whole DVD thing seems to sort itself out??? Any help would be
>greatly
appreciated.....Thanks a lot in advance....


I would also consider the Acurus ACT3 shipping this month (available in March
for new orders) at $1499 with DD and DTS. I will take a guess that ACT3 will
noticably outperform the 550 and you get DTS to boot. Rotel are nice amps. I
would also consider Parasound, Acurus, and B&K in that price range.
Bob at Avalon Audio Video Medford,NJ
Home trials Support locals 609-654-7752 Visa/MC
Lexicon,Chiro,Aragon,Bryston,Sunfire,B&K,Velodyne,Hales
NEAR,Angstrom,Acurus,Hologram,Parasound,Meadowlark
StraightWire,DaLite,Mirage,Seleco,Toshiba,Condor + more

it...@emeraldnet.net

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Feb 8, 1998, 3:00:00 AM2/8/98
to

I own the AV-550 and it is VERY nice for the money... nothing can touch it.
It is about 1/2 the price of the Acurus ACT-3 and have much more video
switching! I will agree that the ACT-3 is most likely a higher quality unit
(cannot say for sure, they are not out yet!) but DTS is only a promise to
the mass market right now (not much encoded material for sale) and you can
always add a downstream decoder when and if it goes full steam.

ACT-3 = $1500
AV-550 = $800

Both very good, you make the choice...

Aaron

Avalonav wrote in message <19980207210...@ladder02.news.aol.com>...

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