Need a preamp - Give me your opinion about the rest

[Jim Addy]

Let me tell you where I'm coming from and where I'm going to.
I currently have an NHT Super1 HT including a NHT Sub1 subwoofer. It's being driven by an Okyo TX-DS575 reciever which has about 65 watts power and a Pioneer DV333 DVD player. All my equipment is about 10 years old.

I want to take the next step in sound quality.
I plan to buy B&W 805S as fronts and B&W 685 for rears. Center channel the B&W
HTM4S. I will combine this with a Dennon AVR-1907 reciever (for now). I plan to leave my NHT sub intact.

Next step will be to add a Rotel RMB-1075 amp and use the Dennon as a preamp.

From here, I don't know what to purchase as a 'real' preamp. I want to stay in the less than $1500 price range (a little higher if neccessary). Give me some ideas including brands and models that will mate well with these pieces.

Tell me what you think of these combinations and steps.

Also, I plan to always use bookshelf speakers as my fronts. Is 125watts enough for most bookshelves and especially the B&W 805S?

I use my system 50/50 for home theater and music. My musical taste varyies from classic rock to modern vocal jazz.

Thanks for your help

Jim

[basite]

why do you need a preamp when you're going to get a new receiver? there is one that's already built in.

[Jim Addy]

My current Onkyo reciever does not have pre-amp capabilites. And the Dennon amp will be used in another room of the house.

I want the better quality sound you get from a true dedicated pre-amp.

Jim

[basite]

Ok, I get yer point now

you could also get a rotel preamp, or a parasound, adcom too...

however, you could also get a good surround receiver now and when nessecary you could add a poweramp later on...

[bobsticks]

Are you planning on jumping into HD formats and how many sources are you planing on processing?

[musicman1999]

I use an Anthem Avm-30 and have been very happy with it,very flexible and sounds great both in HT and for music.Does not have HDMI however,so if you want that you would need tha Avm-50 or Statement D2 but you are getting near 6k-8k.

bill

[Mr Peabody]

To stay on top of the HD video disc formats just make sure you get a 5.1 or 7.1 analog input.

It does seem a shame to buy a new receiver to have to do something with down the road once you buy your preamp but other than that your steps look good. Your options are limited for A/V preamps in your budget but to keep close to it and synergy with your amp I'd recommend just getting a Rotel. You will need to assess what features you are going to need. Arcam makes a good preamp at about $2,500.00. The Anthem is good but it gets higher than that. If you are only going 5.1, you could pick up a killer preamp on the used market, Going with an older model you'd have to go directly to your TV with the video feeds unless you can use component or below video switching.

Have you considered a Rotel receiver and maybe eliminating a few steps? I'm not saying it will perform like their separates but it's an option. I've heard good things about their digital multi-channel power amp.