Oldie1 Posted February 24, 2020 Share Posted February 24, 2020 Hi, I recently purchased my first Klipsch speakers, RP-160 M’s. I also added an SVS SB 12” subwoofer. Shortly after, my 40 year old Apt Holman preamplifier croaked. I’ve become addicted to high resolution Tidal and my Bluesound 2 node. I’m in the process of evaluating preamp options and found that the speakers sound better using an 80Hz high pass filter for the main speakers and 80Hz crossover to the sub. Auditioning a preowned Sunfire Symphonic Reference preamp vs a Parasound Pre200. The Sunfire sounds “sweeter” on the high end, while the Parasound has more detail, particularly in the lower midrange and bass. Anyone have any experiences with either? Recommendations for other preamps to try? I’d like to stay under $1k. Sunfire reliability? I’d be replacing a 40 year old preamp with a 15 year old preamp if I go this route. Thanks! Oldie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
willland Posted February 25, 2020 Share Posted February 25, 2020 @Oldie1, Welcome to the forum. Have you considered a modern integrated amp with digital connections and a subwoofer output? https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/marpm7000n/marantz-pm7000n-integrated-stereo-amplifier-w/heos/1.html Bill 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rockhound Posted February 25, 2020 Share Posted February 25, 2020 The Emotiva XSP-1 in the garage sale section is a stellar pre amp. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
polizzio Posted February 25, 2020 Share Posted February 25, 2020 47 minutes ago, willland said: @Oldie1, Welcome to the forum. Have you considered a modern integrated amp with digital connections and a subwoofer output? https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/marpm7000n/marantz-pm7000n-integrated-stereo-amplifier-w/heos/1.html Bill I thought the same yesterday but said nothing. I figured the OP preferred his pre/amp/current equip arrangement. Me, i'd go for a Yamaha integrated amp like the link below. Loads of clean power and a built in dac. Sub out too. Next unit up + $100 comes with a digital pc input (usb). https://www.crutchfield.com/p_022AS701S/Yamaha-A-S701-Silver.html 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oldie1 Posted February 25, 2020 Author Share Posted February 25, 2020 4 hours ago, rockhound said: The Emotiva XSP-1 in the garage sale section is a stellar pre amp. Guys, Thanks for responding. I had evaluated the Emo. It sounded nice, but the bass management was imprecise and difficult to dial in with the screws in the back. It upset my OCD half. 🤪 I was going to buy the Sunfire, but there was a very slight hum coming through to the speakers that isn’t present with the Parasound. I discovered that there is an old Sansui integrated amp in the family that was handed down by my late uncle, but my cousin isn’t willing to part ways with it. I have been driving my wife insane with all of my obsession, so I cut to the chase and ordered the Parasound Pre200. It takes enough edge off of the top end and has enough bass management features to allow me to fine tune the system to my living room. If all goes according to plan, I’ll be looking for floor standing speakers later this year 😁 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pzannucci Posted February 26, 2020 Share Posted February 26, 2020 7 hours ago, Oldie1 said: Guys, Thanks for responding. I had evaluated the Emo. It sounded nice, but the bass management was imprecise and difficult to dial in with the screws in the back. It upset my OCD half. 🤪 I was going to buy the Sunfire, but there was a very slight hum coming through to the speakers that isn’t present with the Parasound. I discovered that there is an old Sansui integrated amp in the family that was handed down by my late uncle, but my cousin isn’t willing to part ways with it. I have been driving my wife insane with all of my obsession, so I cut to the chase and ordered the Parasound Pre200. It takes enough edge off of the top end and has enough bass management features to allow me to fine tune the system to my living room. If all goes according to plan, I’ll be looking for floor standing speakers later this year 😁 XPS-1 is made for that setup... throw away the OCD self. You aren't going to hear 2hz 🙂 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oldie1 Posted February 26, 2020 Author Share Posted February 26, 2020 Yes on the Emo, but the Parasound offered just a little more control via the remote which the Emo didn’t have. My room is far from optimal, so having a subwoofer volume control helps. I can adjust on the fly vs crawling around back of the preamp with a screwdriver. I did like the Emo as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
usnret70-90 Posted February 27, 2020 Share Posted February 27, 2020 On 2/25/2020 at 9:56 AM, rockhound said: The Emotiva XSP-1 in the garage sale section is a stellar pre amp. I have to agree with you on recommending the XSP-1. I currently have this preamp in my system and have found it to be exactly what I needed and having to use a screw driver to change a few settings on the back is just part of my addiction to audio. Basically it's just set it and forget it, until you upgrade your subs or speakers. With my military veteran's discount, I purchased the XSP-1 for $1079.10, no tax and free shipping. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pzannucci Posted February 28, 2020 Share Posted February 28, 2020 Yes, went with the XSP-1 since I had a dual sub configuration. Moving it to this configuration soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oldie1 Posted February 28, 2020 Author Share Posted February 28, 2020 That’s a nice setup. The local shop still has that Emo ... I might need a second system! 🤣 I’m good with the one sub - at least for the moment... 🙄 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oldie1 Posted March 21, 2020 Author Share Posted March 21, 2020 Just following up on my system. Bought the Parasound Pre200. Have the bass management dialed in so that I’m not constantly messing with it. Everything sounds great. Music is very detailed. I listen to a lot of 60’s - 70’s music so I need to adjust things every so often. My only complaint (minor) is that some of the female vocals are a little harsh, but I don’t listen to women all that much - as my wife will attest. 😉 It’s almost like I should have different systems/speakers for different music types... well maybe some day. Just got laid off due to the crisis, but glad I got the system to ease the stress 😎 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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