The trick with the ACT-3, is to buy one, but then get the upgrade. They swap out all the internals. I think the upgrade is somewhere between $600 - $900. A lot of info on it on the Klipsch Mondial/Acurus forum.

Costs more than the Outlaw, but then again, might be available now. Plus, to me, has better asthetics.

I looked into it, but the ACT-3 doesn't have a digital record out, and the upgrade won't change that. Also, no bass management on the 5.1 analog inputs.

Thanks Kevin.
Mix
(I think the Aragon SoundStage at $1800.00 is going to be impossible to beat)

[This message has been edited by MixFixJ (edited August 18, 2002).]

Can you get the Aragon SoundStage with DPL II? If not, would you be ok without it?

[This message has been edited by Will (edited August 18, 2002).]

The SoundStage is due for an upgrade to all of the latest formats in the next few months. I was all over the net this weekend. There are even more processors than the Acurus ACT3 and the Aragon SoundStage out there for between 1200.00 to 3500.00 with varying feature sets. If you look hard enough, and that just means access to the right search engines, you can find some interesting options. After chasing and studying a few of these options, I'm finding that the ability to upgrade the software and firmware of the system to be of more importance to me than before. I'll tell you, more choices do not make the buying decision easier! If the Outlaw 950 was the only choice within the 800.00 to 2500.00 price range then it would be a no brainer. That just isn't the case. And considering the lack of availability of the 950, it's going to be hard to stay with Outlaw. As I've stated before, I'm currently using the 1050 as a pre/pro, and it's great for what it is. I am just tired of waiting for a higher grade pre/pro to match my other system components. I listen to music every day and it's important to me. I utilize my HT just about as often. To wait to improve my listening experience out of some sense of loyalty to Outlaw, and to what was a perceived lack of affordable options becomes more ludicrous (sp.) by the day.
With all of that said, I STILL haven't made a final (for this upgrde) decision!
Mix

Mix

Mix,

Another option to put in the mix (excuse the pun) is a used 950. Based on some threads here and elsewhere, some people are selling them. It's probably no more of a hassle for you to upgrade a used 950 than to upgrade a used Acurus ACT3 or Aragon SoundStage. The 950 upgrade would be a one-timer to fix its hiss. But if you want the option of more firmware upgrades over the life of the pre/pro, I imagine the cheapest "current" DPL II pre/pro with that option, may be the Rotel 1066.

Will

Some months ago the Soundstage was being blown out at $1500 new by Mondail on UBID. It's supposed to be an excellent Pre/Pro with one of the best 2 channel amp sections of any pre/pro.

I wish I got in on that deal - it's definitely a no-brainer for $1500 - its MSRP was $4000.

As for DLP2? So far I've been undewhelmed with it and would take the audiophile 2 channel performance of the Soundstage over the newer formats in a heartbeat. It's supposed to be quite an amazing performer in DD and DTS as well.

Hello HT,
You've summed up my impressions about the SoundStage. I missed the last one on Ubid. If I see another, I'll grab it. Or, if the 950 ships soooner, it'll get the nod. If anyone's interested, I'll keep you posted as to my results. Everyone, thanks for your time.
Mix (Jeff)

It may be best to believe the upgrade schedule when it occurs. Talk to the Outlaw upgrade waiters and the Anthem upgrade waiters. A bird in the hand....

Very True. I wish that I had the 950 'bird' in hand. But.............
Mix

Hey guys,
I was just on Audiogon.com and there is an Acurus act3 for sale for $675.00. Just posted today. Thought I'd let any interested parties know.
Good luck
Marc