Pre-amp. Old highend or new lowend?

[McLoki]

I am looking at pre-amps now (will be looking for awhile until my wife forgets about me purchasing some LSi15's. :D ). As I look and read reviews I have a couple of main choices that I keep coming back to....

Requirements:

At least 5.1 - 7.1 would be nice, but not really planning on going to it in the near future
Bass management - must be able to cross over speakers at 40, 60, and 80hz. More choices would be better, but it has to at least have those 3.
must sound pretty good for stereo (2 channel) listening. Not looking for a tube pre, just something that doesn't sound like crap with CD's
Must be under $1,000 (or pretty damn close)

About all I can find are either

Outlaws. (the 950 for about $450 or the 990 (b-stock) for just a touch over $1,000., they also have a new pre out that is the replacement for the 950)

I also have a number of choices for old pre-amps that used to cost $4,000-$5,000 but are now going in the $800-$950 range. Older Proceeds (http://cgi.videogon.com/cgi-bin/cl.pl?prea71ch&1139593174&class&3&4&) Meridians (http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?homeproc&1139733670), Carry Audio (http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?homeproc&1139376079), etc.

My question is, just going on sound for 5.1 (DTS and DD) and stereo listening - which would sound better?

Michael

[criverajr]

McLoki,

I am in the same boat for a second system, I looked at a Anthem AV2, B&K Ref30, and all of the outlaw stuff. You have alot of choices. Take a look at the new Emotiva on AV123.com. This comes with a built in 20 watt intergrated amp for 2 channel work. The outlaw 970 pre seems to be getting some good reviews and has 2 dvi inputs. You could go many different ways, take your time and have fun.

CRj

[madmax]

An older proceed, B&K or Acurus Act 3 would be my choice. I and a friend both have the Act 3. If you went with the Act 3 you would want the bass management module. Of course none of these do more than 5.1.
madmax

[unc2701]

+1 on the B&K ref30 and you might be able to score a series 1 ref 50 for a little over budget (say $1100). yeah, I'm still regretting dumping it...

[TroyD]

I had a Thule preamp that sounded pretty good with all the bells and whistles.....

BDT

[shack]

If it were me, I would probably check out the new Outlaw 970. It seems like a killer deal for $699. Based on their reputation and the first review I've seen http://www.avrev.com/equip/outlaw_970_7075/index.html, it is worth considering.

[sickicw]

Want my advise? I would wait until January to see what companies anounce pre-amps or receivers with Dolby True HD decoding and High Def THS. I hear the licenses for the new decoders will be issued starting january and so we should see some products by spring when all the new next generation HD hardware roll out...

[faster100]

funny, on the end of the review they have a hyperlink for outlaw and it takes you to Denon usa.com :D