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Here's the dilemma . . . . I have the following:
Rogue 99 Magnum pre with phono
Marsh A400S two channel amp
Sony XA777ES
Technics DVD-A10
Totem Sttaf's
Totem Arro's (not currently in use)
I know I need a center and a sub. I also think I know what to do about additional amplification . . . add the Marsh HT500S (3 channel to match the two channel amp I already have).The big question is what type of processor to get and can I continue to use my Rogue for two channel audio? Thanks for your input.
Scott
Follow Ups:
Some very good advice - I agree with most. I was in this boat last year when I just got "fed up" with how 2 channel sounded thru my HT processor. I finally went with a separate PCM transport, DAC's, separate tube preamp, and ran my HT processor (L/R) into the HT loop in my preamp. Works great and you "can" have the best of both worlds. There are many great deals to be had on older good quality HT processors over at Agon all the time. The Meridian gear is great but very $$$ (even used)!
Meridian offers not just good HT sound, but also has some proprietary music surround modes (specifically Trifield) that actually makes 2ch source sound better than the original, and we are not talking about adding delays and echoes to the rear channel in order to make it sound like you are in some venue. There is all the talk of extracting that last bit of info out of a CD with 24bit DAC, jitter control, upsampling/oversampling (in which the Meridian all have,) but the Trifield processing, which modifies the LCR signal based on the human auditory hearing model, actually re-creates a soundfield more accurate than the original recording (so many recording are plain old-intensity panned, producing something unatural and totally against the way human percieve sound.) You might retire your 2ch preamp after trying the meridian.
I'm not convinced that high-end audiophile signal processing is worth while. If you are watching a movie on DVD and it is good movie you shouldn't be doing a lot of critical listening to the audio. I listened once to an interview with Danny Elfman (score for Batman, Beetlejuice, etc.). He said in essence that if you become aware of the his work, either he or the director (or both) has failed.That said I would suggest a modest cost DVD player and modest cost AVR (WITH PRE-OUTS!). Keep everthing else the way you have it. Hook the DVD player to the AVR. Run the AVR L&R main pre-oute to the Rogue, assuming you have not used up all the line level inputs. Drive the center and rear channels from the AVR.
Result: For two channel stereo use the equipment you know have -- nothing changes. For films on DVD use the DVDP, the AVR and let your present system handle the L&L mains. I'd bet this will give you better sound than most ground up pure HT systems.
The Primare P30 has far exceeded any sonic expectations I had a for pre/pro and retails at $4k. I've been using in my 2-channel system for the last year. Has a 100% analog by-pass mode. A very simple design with no tone controls. In addition to the rca outs, it has xlr outs for the 2 main channels. Every indication sonically, controls, and feature-wise is that the P30 was designed with a music first priority. Good luck finding reviews on it though.I've had a burned-in Ayre k3-x preamp in my home over one weekend performing side-by-side sonic comparisons with the P30. The Ayre was a tad sweeter and more musical but the Primare was much more transparent and detailed, as well as having a more appropriate midrange bloom when compared to a recessed midrange in the Ayre. IMO.
In addition to the Primare P30 I have a McCormack DNA-2 LAE Limited Anniversary Edition amp, Aerial Acoustic 10T speakers, Sony SCD-1 SACD/CD player, Triad Platinum 18 inch subwoofer, Harmonic Technology Pro Silway II interconnects and Pro 9 bi-wired speaker cables, and Foundation Research LC-1 and LC-2 in-line power conditioners for each component.
-John
...and run it's two main outs into your Rogue. I'm in the opposing boat; I have a decent pre/pro (Rotel) but I will be getting a better 2-channel pre (perhaps the Rogue 99) and will have them in the same system until I get more space. I have tried several preamps (Coda, CJ, Bryston)and only the CJ had the "ht loop" that does not alter the pre/pro signal strength (therefore facilitating speaker settings). The Rogue does not have the loop (does it?), but I did read somewhere (on this board, I believe) that a loop can be retrofitted > > > definitely worth looking into.
Why do you need a loop? I use a passive pre and all I did was to find where I need to set the volume control in order to have the L/R match the other three that were adjusted with the pre/pro.It's simple and best of both worlds. Most of us would rather have a great two channel, and a pre/pro that is decent, but not great. Or so that's my assumption, right or wrong.
So I change the input on passive to "Video" and run the L/R outs from the pre/pro into the passive and onto my main amp. Other channels are from pre/pro to surround amp/sub.
-- Greg
.
Larry Dunn
Hi ScottYes it can be done and you will have flexibility with what you intend. I suggest you look at Meridian as one of the few DACs which reproduced music & HT nicely. You might get some pointers as to which model by looking at posts on
http://www.softronix.com/cgi-bin/Ultimate.cgi
There are some excellent used units available. Maybe other inmates can give specific recommendations. If you have a deep enough pocket the Meridian 561, 568 and 861 are the best choices as they can be upgraded to handle Pro Logic II - great for music & older movies.You do not indicate if you wish to have vinyl as well as digital. If you do there is a post on that board from me ("Tassie Devil") which days how it is done here.
Your dilemma is appreciated. There is not much choice if you want both music and HT. General opinion is that recent Lexicon DACs were not good in the music dept but I do not know about their latest incarnations.
Good hunting
John
Peace at AA
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