kse
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Hello me, meet the real me.
Posts: 1,947
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Post by kse on Mar 23, 2014 11:02:17 GMT -5
I got around to setting up my PRE-1 this week....man what a sweet pre amp. The price that these beauties were selling for once discontinued is just unbelievable.
It is a pretty piece. Very clean and elegant, and of course built like a tank. Unlike the USP-1, it has balanced CD-inputs which is nice for those with fully balanced systems. Another nice touch are the Tiffany-style connectors for the unbalanced CD-inputs and audio outs.
The tone controls are wonderful! Where as the USP-1 has none, and while the XSP has them, albeit very narrow with almost indiscernible increments; the PRE-1's controls have much greater impact and flexibility. I really like them. Also worth mentioning is the volume; it has much greater control than that of the USP-1. It is nice and linear, more similar to the XSP.
My PRE-1 is being used as a source switching hub for my whole-house audio system. This is great because it is doing exactly as I intended it, however a bit sad because I wish I was using it in a more discriminating application so I could really hear how sweet it is.
The set-up consists of Squeezebox Duet and Sony 5-disc CD changer as sources > PRE-1 > Sherbourn PA 12-45 power amp > 5pr Sonance in-wall, in-ceiling, and outdoor speakers.
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Post by kauai82 on Mar 23, 2014 11:30:15 GMT -5
I too, have a Sherbourn Pre-1 and it is a very nice preamp. It has a great phono stage, and a really detailed pleasing sound. It is hooked up to a Rega P1 turntable, Marantz Dv6500 universal player, UPA-200 Amp and Amiga DIY speakers. This system now beats my reference system in my Music room. Best $179 dollars I ever spent on Audio gear !
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novisnick
EmoPhile
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Post by novisnick on Mar 23, 2014 11:51:31 GMT -5
I have to chime in here. I have the Pre-1 as well as the XSP-1 and the better deal was the Pre-1, but it is not truly balanced. An advantage to the XSP-1 I, on many occasions have thought about selling my Pre-1 as many on this forum can attest to this. I am very happy with my decision to not sell it. Now I've been blessed with a gift of a. TT and the Pre-1 is so very happy to run analog vinyl through its "Vain's " It sounds so good in my living room. This unit is a keeper for sure.
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Post by sahmen on Mar 23, 2014 12:48:31 GMT -5
Another vote for the excellence of the Pre-1 (and a +1 vote for Novisnick who helped me to set it up). It is doing a great job linking up the DC-1 to my XPA-5 for two-channel listening while also handling HT by-pass duties for my 5.1/7.1 rig. I may replace it in the near future with the XSP-1, but it will find a place in another system in the house... Mr. Pre-1 isn't going anywhere anytime soon.
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Post by sahmen on Mar 23, 2014 13:06:35 GMT -5
By the way, I also have a USP-1 which is meant for another ht system in the house that I have not had the time to set up yet...
Question 1: Does the USP-1 have anything over the Pre-1 when it comes to sq? I suspect not, but I'd like to know what others think. Yes, the USP-1 has bass management, but Pre-1 has a workaround for that, which isn't too shabby either. Question 2: That second rig also has the PT-7030 as the main pre pro... I have been wondering whether the PT-7030 renders the USP-1 redundant for 2-channel music... I have the option of setting up two alternative chains: either xda-2 ==> USP-1/pt-7030 ==> Sherbourn PA 7 150, OR simply XDA-2 ==>Pt 7030==>Pa 7 150. Which of these two set ups would work best for 2-channel music? Question 3. If it should become necessary to sell either the USP-1 or the Pre-1, which one should go ? (Caveat: I am biased in favor of the Pre-1, and would like to keep it. It may not be necessary to sell any of them, as I there might be room elsewhere to deploy either one of them, so treat this as a purely hypothetical question).
Thanks.
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Post by kauai82 on Mar 24, 2014 9:06:47 GMT -5
By the way, I also have a USP-1 which is meant for another ht system in the house that I have not had the time to set up yet... Question 1: Does the USP-1 have anything over the Pre-1 when it comes to sq? I suspect not, but I'd like to know what others think. Yes, the USP-1 has bass management, but Pre-1 has a workaround for that, which isn't too shabby either. Question 2: That second rig also has the PT-7030 as the main pre pro... I have been wondering whether the PT-7030 renders the USP-1 redundant for 2-channel music... I have the option of setting up two alternative chains: either xda-2 ==> USP-1/pt-7030 ==> Sherbourn PA 7 150, OR simply XDA-2 ==>Pt 7030==>Pa 7 150. Which of these two set ups would work best for 2-channel music? Question 3. If it should become necessary to sell either the USP-1 or the Pre-1, which one should go ? (Caveat: I am biased in favor of the Pre-1, and would like to keep it. It may not be necessary to sell any of them, as I there might be room elsewhere to deploy either one of them, so treat this as a purely hypothetical question). Thanks. I also have a USP-1 and the Pre-1. I believe that phono section is better on the Pre-1. I have talked to Emotiva Tech support and the USP-1 and Pre-1 do have slightly different phono sections. The rest of the SQ seems to be about the same between the two. I like the remote on the Sherbourn better. I would like to know, what is the work around to get bass management on the Pre-1 ? Thanks
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novisnick
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Post by novisnick on Mar 24, 2014 9:26:07 GMT -5
Work around for the Pre-1. I've told many friends here for some time now that you RCA out are active at the same time as the XLR s, therefor you can run RCA out to your subs and use the cross-overs and gain controls of the sub. PERFECT! I've done this from day one when I received my Pre-1. I give the unit high praise for SQ and ease of use.
Nick
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Post by repeetavx on Mar 24, 2014 9:34:52 GMT -5
Work around for the Pre-1. I've told many friends here for some time now that you RCA out are active at the same time as the XLR s, therefor you can run TCA out to your subs and use the cross-overs and gain controls of the sub. PERFECT! I've done this from day one when I received my Pre-1. I give the unit high praise for SQ and ease of use. Nick Of course the down side (if you would consider it as such) is that your main speakers don't get any bass relief, and still get the full range sent to them.
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Post by sahmen on Mar 24, 2014 10:08:06 GMT -5
Work around for the Pre-1. I've told many friends here for some time now that you RCA out are active at the same time as the XLR s, therefor you can run TCA out to your subs and use the cross-overs and gain controls of the sub. PERFECT! I've done this from day one when I received my Pre-1. I give the unit high praise for SQ and ease of use. Nick Of course the down side (if you would consider it as such) is that your main speakers don't get any bass relief, and still get the full range sent to them. repeetavx: Not when you have set the LFE/crossover on the sub itself... Mine is set at 80Hz at sub, and unless I am mistaken, that does indeed protect my front speakers... No? By the way I followed the guidelines Nick has described above, and they should include the step of setting the crossover on the sub, but I think he just forgot to mention it. By the way, for ht bass management, I set the LFE/Crossover in my Onkyo receiver, also at 80hz.
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Post by bub on Mar 24, 2014 10:21:06 GMT -5
Set mine up yesterday also.. CD-1 > PRE-1 > PT-7 > new to me Selah Audio Prestigo's... ...Love the look finish and control.. Sub (s) next Thanks kse with your help I wouldn't have it..The balance and unbalance is a plus. I get to run two systems off of one amp.. for the time being..
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Post by sahmen on Mar 24, 2014 10:43:45 GMT -5
I also have a USP-1 and the Pre-1. I believe that phono section is better on the Pre-1. I have talked to Emotiva Tech support and the USP-1 and Pre-1 do have slightly different phono sections. The rest of the SQ seems to be about the same between the two. I like the remote on the Sherbourn better. I would like to know, what is the work around to get bass management on the Pre-1 ? Thanks kauai82: Please see the posts above beginning from the one from Novisnick. If there are any further questions, please ask away.
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novisnick
EmoPhile
CEO Secret Monoblock Society
Posts: 27,208
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Post by novisnick on Mar 24, 2014 10:46:28 GMT -5
Work around for the Pre-1. I've told many friends here for some time now that you RCA out are active at the same time as the XLR s, therefor you can run TCA out to your subs and use the cross-overs and gain controls of the sub. PERFECT! I've done this from day one when I received my Pre-1. I give the unit high praise for SQ and ease of use. Nick Of course the down side (if you would consider it as such) is that your main speakers don't get any bass relief, and still get the full range sent to them. That my friend is where EQ or REW comes in handy!
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Post by repeetavx on Mar 24, 2014 11:54:53 GMT -5
repeetavx: Not when you have set the LFE/crossover on the sub itself... Mine is set at 80Hz at sub, and unless I am mistaken, that does indeed protect my front speakers... No? By the way I followed the guidelines Nick has described above, and they should include the step of setting the crossover on the sub, but I think he just forgot to mention it. By the way, for ht bass management, I set the LFE/Crossover in my Onkyo receiver, also at 80hz. You won't go wrong following Nicks advice.
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novisnick
EmoPhile
CEO Secret Monoblock Society
Posts: 27,208
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Post by novisnick on Mar 24, 2014 11:59:12 GMT -5
repeetavx: Not when you have set the LFE/crossover on the sub itself... Mine is set at 80Hz at sub, and unless I am mistaken, that does indeed protect my front speakers... No? By the way I followed the guidelines Nick has described above, and they should include the step of setting the crossover on the sub, but I think he just forgot to mention it. By the way, for ht bass management, I set the LFE/Crossover in my Onkyo receiver, also at 80hz. You won't go wrong following Nicks advice. Thanks so much guys. i do believe I mentioned the cross over, check again. if not, so sorry
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Post by sahmen on Mar 24, 2014 12:04:42 GMT -5
^^^ Ahhh yes you did (My mind was dead set on the 80 hz which I could not see in your post, Sorry about that)
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Post by kauai82 on Mar 24, 2014 22:31:26 GMT -5
Work around for the Pre-1. I've told many friends here for some time now that you RCA out are active at the same time as the XLR s, therefor you can run TCA out to your subs and use the cross-overs and gain controls of the sub. PERFECT! I've done this from day one when I received my Pre-1. I give the unit high praise for SQ and ease of use. Nick Of course the down side (if you would consider it as such) is that your main speakers don't get any bass relief, and still get the full range sent to them. Let's see if I understand this correctly. I run the balanced pre outputs to my xpa-200 and the RCA pre outs to my sub. Is this correct ?
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novisnick
EmoPhile
CEO Secret Monoblock Society
Posts: 27,208
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Post by novisnick on Mar 24, 2014 22:36:09 GMT -5
Of course the down side (if you would consider it as such) is that your main speakers don't get any bass relief, and still get the full range sent to them. Let's see if I understand this correctly. I run the balanced pre outputs to my xpa-200 and the RCA pre outs to my sub. Is this correct ? Correct! " it's a beautiful thing,,,,man "
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Post by kauai82 on Mar 25, 2014 7:32:10 GMT -5
Looks like I will buying some XLR cables from Emotiva today ! Thanks for this great tip !
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Post by kauai82 on Mar 31, 2014 22:18:47 GMT -5
Emotiva isn't selling XLR balanced cables right now. So I got some from Monoprice. They are not finished as well as the Emotiva, but the price was good at about six dollars each. I got them yesterday and set up the Pre-1 in my main system. I replaced my USP-1 and put it in the office system. I set up the Pre-1 using Novisnick suggestion for adding a sub woofer using the RCA pre outs to my HSU sub woofer and the balanced pre outs to my xpa-200 amp. It worked great ! I had to adjust the volume on the sub some to get it integrated with the MMG's but after I did, boy did it sound great ! I really like the way my vinyl sounds, the Pre-1 has a great phono section. So thanks to everyone on the forum for all the great tips. Matt
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novisnick
EmoPhile
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Posts: 27,208
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Post by novisnick on Mar 31, 2014 22:27:02 GMT -5
I'm so glad you got this system up and running, I'm sure the sound is superb! I do agree with you that the phono stage of the Pre-1 is very nice,,,,,,,,I haven't really done a side by side with the XSP-1,,,,, just too lazy I guess. What system do you use to clean your vinyl?
Nick
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