"Harry Lavo" wrote in message
...

"MINe 109" wrote in message
...
In article ,
"Harry Lavo" wrote:

"MINe 109" wrote in message
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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?

Yes, three identical using one remote. That's a big convenience. But I
did use three manual preamps for about two years....I placed little
calibrated tape markings on the volume controls for my low, average, and
loud listening volumes....all calibrated via the speaker calibration tones
of the Sony SACD player. So when I went to listen, I basically just set
up the tone controls for the type of music and time of day....and rarely
had to change much from there (although some SACDs and DVD-A's don't seem
to follow F-R volume conventions very well).

As to Linn's code, I doubt it unles perhaps some of the lower priced
British units use it. Possibly a "learning remote" but that may be a bit
pricey.

As I've mentioned before, I helped a friend pick out an excellent IMO, HT
receiver from Pioneer that includes a learning remote. The Pioneer
VSX-1015TX is 7.1 capable, THX certified, and 120wpcx7. Lots of decoding
capability and features. He got it from an online vendor for $399.00.

Worth a try, especially if you can get it with a money back guarantee.

http://www.nextag.com/pioneer-vsx_-_1015tx/search-html Don't know what
their return policy is, but you can read a review and the price is even
better.