In article ,
"Harry Lavo" wrote:

"MINe 109" wrote in message
...
I'm think about theater again. I have a bit of a dilemma because my
current setup is good enough presenting a stable centered soundstage
that I don't need a center channel speaker for movies, but I'm curious
about three-channel golden age recordings. To add to the complication,
my front speakers are active, so I need a receiver with pre-outs as well
as an analog multichannel input.

Can anyone recommend: a cheap ($800) receiver; or a similarly priced
center channel that stands a chance at matching Linn Kabers?


If you just want three channels, consider Linn's match and simply add a used
preamp.....this will let you hear SACD's at their best running in direct
mode..then take the output from the player via analog. Once you decide how
MUCH you like it, you can then expand further and/or add a reciever.

I had my Linn Majik de-amped some time back. It might be worth the
experiment to reactivate it. I have inexpensive rear speakers already
that could be powered that way.

Just my opinion, of course. But I do operate a 5.1 system via three analog
preamps.

They're all the same brand, IIRC, so not a multiple remote nightmare? I
don't suppose any inexpensive preamps use Linn's code?

Stephen