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Are there really any high end pre/processors at a

I am playing with HT and have been into 2 channel for many years. I finally find a 5 channel amp that I can stand listening to but I am back to what has stopped me from setting up 5 channel; the crappy sounding processors.

I have tried several older processor (Lexicon MC12, Cary Cinema 11, Parasound P2 ECT) via analogue out to my Cambridge 751 and although interesting certainly not close to a really good preamp. I did try a newer Onkyo and I will leave the model number out because it was the worst sounding but I did get to try direct HDMI connection with that unit.

To clarify I do use very high end signal cables when going analogue so it is not the cabling. My HDMI cables are also very high end so again not the problem. I am using about $40K worth of very good speakers so let's eliminate them. For me it comes back to the processor. I really do not want to spend huge money on a processor because next week it will be worth nothing with technology so one thought was the Marantz 7005 but I am real open to any suggestions.
liveaudio
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
It's been about a decade since I gave up trying to integrated a SSP with a high end stero system. In my opinion, a good preamp is one of the hardest things to find and put into a system, no SSP I ever tried even came close. I gave up and went to using a Denon receiver for my hometheater and seperate stereo gear for music.

I haven't heard any of the latest batch of high end SSP's in my home, but I haven't heard from anyone who has said they found a great one either.

Warning: If you are going to recommend one, I need tubes in my preamp. LOL!
fplanner2000
616 posts
 
I also have a high-end 2-channel system, with a VAC Sig mk2 preamp and VAC Statement 450 monos. I watch movies through the system with an Oppo-95 to an Integra DHC-80.3 processor using usb connections. The VACs drive the front L and R channels through cinema bypass and the center and rears are also controlled by the Integra through a 5-channel Sunfire Signature amp, bridged. I have a Velo sub also tied to the preamp than can be easily adjusted remotely.

Once everything is balanced the first time(not as tough as I thought, with Audyssey software provided w/the Integra), the settings hold and movies are a blast. My thinking was that I would try to integrate my high-end 2-channel components into my movie-watching experience, if I could. While its not perfect, for my living room, its working quite well. The Integra was also quite reasonably priced and does everything I need for now.
raks
468 posts
 
The Casablanca III with Extreme and Superior DAC’s that’s listed on AudiogoN right now for $3,000 might be just what you’re looking for in a processor.
soix
9,492 posts
 
There are very few decent SSPs out there, and even of those chances that one works optimally for your tastes/system are slim at best. Sounds like you should do what Fplanner did and integrate a decent SSP into your analog system so that it controls processing, center, and surrounds for movies/TV but your stereo pre remains the sole preamp in the chain for critical 2-channel listening (HT bypass helps here, but not necessary). Best of luck.
kbuzz
214 posts
 
Ahh tell us which onkyo -dont be shy. This is not a magazine you can be honest
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