Video Asylum

Posted by John C. - Aussie (B) on December 20, 2002 at 16:03:10

In Reply to: John C: I am considering a Pre-Processor... posted by Estes on December 20, 2002 at 05:28:11:

... I agree with cfraser & would not ditch your preamp for a couple of reasons -

1. It gives you greater flexibility for minimal extra outlay (used items are doing well to achieve half the initial cost so keeping the pre is not an expensive proposition)

2. It gives you more analog inputs.

Your preamp can then feed the processor or be switched to go direct as I suggested to wctug below.

Processors are improving but, living in remote Tasmania, I have had little experience with other makes besides Theta and Meridian (+ a brief but awful flirtation with a cheap Panasonic). As I've posted before, even Meridian, in 861 version 2 guise, made a mess of the soundstage etc in their artificial surround from 2CH modes. Version 3 is much much better due to upsampling in all channels & probably improved software.

However, upsampling by itself is no guarantee of a good result and I suspect the software, rarely spoken of, is as important as any factor and its effectiveness can only be ascertained by listening.

So, tread carefully. I'm sure there are acceptable processors around which will do what you want but, in your situation, I'd certainly hang on to the present preamp. One final thing I would expect with any processor is the ability to feed in at least two digital sources (e.g. CD player & DVD player) so I guess we are talking about a pre-processor as you describe.

Good luck in your hunt and please let us know if you find something which does what you want.

John