I currently have a Adcom 5400 amp & HK Citation 21 preamp with ESS heil AMT-1 speakers. I want to upgrade my preamp. I am looking at Adcom 715, NAD 162, Rotel 1070, B&K Reference 5 S2, and Parasound Halo P2. The ESS speakers have excellent mid and high frequency. The Adcom 5400 has improved the bass over my previous Hafler 220 amp. I want a preamp that will add some warmth while keeping the light airy, alive feeling the ESS speakers bring.
Make sure you add the Outlaw to the mix, Kenneth.(what's the frequency, Kenneth?). The 990 is right there. Outlaw uses DVI awaiting hdmi furballs and is compatible for video, no problem. The 970 has most of the features(the most important being quality build and Outlaw on the phone), except dual zone bass control for subs.
Nuck I recently purchased a Classe' CP-50 to go with my Adcom 5400 and ESS Heil AMT-1's. The sound is absolutely magnificant. I cannot believe what a difference the CP-50 made in this system. The sound is as close to live as I have ever heard from a home stereo system.
Congratulations, that is certainly the goal when we play with their interesting hobby, although way too many people think the goal is something else, e.g., soundstage, imaging, blah blah blah. I'll take correct reproduction first and then we can talk about all the other things that just makes it sound "more real." Dave.