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I'd like some suggestions about pre-amps and processors that tend toward excellent 2 channel music reproduction but still have the ability to provide decoding for DD/DTS/Pro-logic. (Must handle DVD, Satellite, CDP, TT
I'd like a unit that I can send signal out to a 3 ch. amp for the centres and surround/rears and to another dedicated amp for the mains. I specifically want this config. for reasons too convoluted and lengthy to go into now.)
I've been searching for a while and I'm not really getting the answers I'd like.
Any input is good input.
i have the same problem of how to change a 2 channel stereo into a 4.1 system. I have a McCormack 2 channel amp for front and a old yamaha integrated amp for rears and a REL subwoofer. I am currently using a Sony EP9ES which is getting old and does not have DTS. As I have a Sonic Frontiers pre-amp I do not really want a pre/processor with analogue inputs but looking at whats on sale, it looks like i have no choice but to buy a processor with analogue inputs even though I'm not going to use them at all (since i already have a stereo pre-amp).but recently, i stumbled across camelot technologies website and they mentioned that their Uther DAC (i think) is going to have an AC-3/DTS upgrade. This is quite fascinating as i can potentially use it as a DAC for both my CD player and DVD player. Also fascinating is that the DAC has its own volume control so in effect it becomes a purely digital pre-amp. but their website hasn't been updated and they claim the upgrade will be available in feb'00.
its a headache, fortunately, i think my EP9ES has about 1-2 more years before it fails (its given sporadic problems) and I don't need DTS that badly yet. i think i'll just save money for a new projector... :)
This may or may not fit your needs, but look at my review of the AMC AV81HT-DD on audioreview's web site (I'm the guy who really liked it). I think I sense where you're coming from here on 2-channel being very important. Anyway, this unit is analog mostly (no AD followed by DA conversion for analog sources). Only 2 digital inputs, so satellite and dvd may be all you can fit. You didn't specify video switching requirements, so you should know that there is no S-video switching, only composite switching, but I send my DVD video via S-video directly to my TV anyway. No phono stage, but I added an external one. This unit is (for me) simple and a joy to use and listen to. A bit pricey ($1400 US) but look for a gently used one for half that (I saw one on E-bay recently). Just a thought.
I don't understand your amp issue. All preamp/pros have at least 5 separate output channels, plus the sub. Not sure what you're getting at there.Look for a preamp/pro which has the best sound for the component(s) you use most. If it's the CDP, EAD's signature is extreemly good. If it's analogue, Proceed's AVP passes those signals straight through to the amps, avoiding analogue to digitial, then digital to analogue conversions, which can sound better. If it's movies, I'd think most people would be hard pressed to say that one good quality processor is better than another (after all, Dolby is a lossy compression process anyway), but units such as from Lexicon and Meridian do have special effects above and beyond what the EAD and Proceed offer.
Suggest that you think about what your needs are (analogue or digital, music or movies, special effects, ease of use, upgradeability, etc.), prioritize them, set a budget, then listen to units which seem to meet your needs and are in your budget.
Lastly, suggest that you think seriously about buying used equipment. The last couple of years have seen pretty big changes in the preamp/pro category, and I've seen a lot of bargains for people who don't have to have the latest and greatest. If you buy from a dealer, the units usually come with a limited warranty.
One other thing. I was reminded when at the record store today that the EAD has HDCD decoding, which the AVP lacks. Don't know about other competing units. Something else to consider perhaps.
Check out EAD Ovation processor. IMHO beats classe and proceed on 2-ch. sound from digital sources. One problem as with the many of them - it operates in the digital domain , so it converts input Analogue signal to Digital. It still is very good.Check archives for the review and discussion.
It depends on your budget. One of the best sounding, best built, and best value pre/pros out there is the Classe' SSP-25. It lists for $3000, but sounds better than most pre/pros I've heard. If your budget is higher, they have a new SSP-75 which is $7000. It just might be the new reference pre/pro. The Classe' pre/pros have a direct analog bypass which is great if you have a high-end CD player. If not, the Classe's DACs are top notch. If you prefer a slightly more forward sound, Proceed and Krell have some nice $5000 and $6000 pre/pros. I haven't heard Theta or Meridian, but I have heard good things about them. I'd avoid Lexicon as they do not perform well with 2 channel material (great DD/DTS and DSP performance, though).
Hello,
You might try the new Bryston SP-1. It dose not have any video switching. It can decode all current popular music and hometheater play back modes:DPL, DD(AC-3),DTS ETC... I heard the unit first hand at a local dealer back in December. Most impressive. Avalible in black and silver face plate. Also it's modular so it can be upgraded for future formats and last but not least it has the Bryston 20 year warranty.
California Audio Labs Has new set-up out. The CL-2500SSP is the processor and with the CL-2500VSW handles video switching in a seperate chassis. I have no experince wiyh it but CAL has a good reputation.
Proceed Also has the same set up with thier PAV/PDSD. The idea being that the video won't interfear with the audio when in seperate chassis allowing optimum music and audio/video play back. This is not a cheap way to go though.
I personally have own the Proceed AVP thier all in one processor. It allows analog sources to go through with out processing them to digital which allows excellent 2 channel sound. It also handles video switching.
It has been been a all-round pleasure to own. There's lot's of good choices out there,but in the end it comes down to personal choice and no two people agree on everything. Hope this helps good luck in your search!
-Hammer
That Bryston must be new - I can't find it on their web site. Got any idea where there's some details?
Revjac,
Call or E-mail Bryston and they will be happy to discuss the SP1 with you.
They can also send you the flyer that they handed out at the demonstration I attended in December.
-Hammer
try www.bryston.ca
Hi Revjac- I'd really recommend you give a listen to a classe ssp25 as that piece has amazing 2 channel sound for a processor- one of the few w/ an analog bypass. As for your second question about splitting between a 2 & 3 channel amp. Not a problem as any pre/pro out thers will have the 6 anaolg outs that you can can hook up to amps in any way you like. You will definetly experience better 2 channel sound going about it your way (with a 2 channel for fronts and a 3 for c/ss.)
Tough to call; depending on budget and performance goals, I'd suggest giving the Meridian and Theta stuff a listen.If that doesn't cut it for 2 channel-and it may not-why not look at integrating a good quality 2 channel preamp with an OK DD/DTS processor? That's an easy solution--you can go budget on the 5 channel processor, get/keep a good 2 channel preamp for music sources, and have the best of all worlds.
Sending a signal out to a 2 channel amp and a 3 channel amp should not be an issue.
What am I missing here? Am I just being obtuse?
My interpretation of the current scene is that with so many cheap DAC chips around it is easier for designers to process the whole box & dice in digital format & then convert back to analog. The result can never be as good as top analog-only preamps.Also the demands for quality sound for HT are not high as the concentration is diverted to the visual content plus the DD effects of bombs going off behind you etc. I gather the general consensus is that most HT is really mid fi, maybe a little better in some cases, but not close to top analog. Now I am not trying to rubbish Lexicon & others as they make superb digital gear. But that is the point, it is digital.
Our solution is to adapt a top analog system as the expense of the best crash boom surround sound. I'm in the process of experimenting with a switching box which diverts all signals from a DD processor for DD movies but switches back to my present set up for all the rest. I should be working on that instead of spending time here!!!
Peace at AA
John
I tend to agree but my lack of experience entitles me to keep searching (while I watch the "Greg Norman" sponsored golf tourney from Australia on satellite.
However this outfit named "Vantas" have somewhat the right idea, providing gear that turns your "2 channel" or "pro-logic" gear into 5.1 DD. Their idea has provided 2 pieces of equipment that is a processor/amp (100 wpc)that supposedly allows one to utilize your existing 2ch "stereo" receiver or "pro-logic" gear.
Their gear has an amp to drive the centre/rears while allowing your existing amp to drive the mains.
I'm "testing" one of their pieces compliments of my local shop. Unfortunately, my pre-amp is a B&K "pro-logic" piece and the Vantas piece I have is built for 2ch stereo -- But I can see where they're headed. (They do make the piece I need, I just don't have it)
If their gear allows a pure pass-through of analogue to my pre and out to the amp for my "music" listening pleasure, but will still allow me to process a DD 5.1 signal when I'm in HT mode by providing power to the cantre/surrounds - I could have found my amswer.
I played around with it a bit and the sound isn't that bad. My situation is very unique but the "Vantas" did enough to make me believe their intentions are good -- There may be something here (They allow you to set the rears up to "volume-match" the mains) They have a website I'll provide when I can find it again (hey- it's late here - gimme a break)
But my search goes on (under the watchful eye of my local audio shop who think I'm crazy -- but isn't necessity the mother of invention? Anyone living on an island would know that - Right John??
Let us continue the search.
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