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Multi Channel Pre vs processor

Has anybody compared the Multi Channel pre's to processors recently? As we see most multi channel pre's are going the way of the dodo bird, my guess would be they don't sound as good as I hoped they would. We built a new house and I have lost my sound only room. So now my system must double as a surround sound and to channel room. I know buy a preamp with a HT pass through. I have never heard a system like that sound great. I was hoping the Audio research MP-1, Parasound P7 or the Bel Canto Pre6 might solve my problems. But it seems the little that I can find written about it comes from several years ago. I wondered if anybody had done the comparison recently.
tsatalia
dbphd
1,633 posts
 
I've used an Oppo 105 for processing and speaker management, passing stereo through a Parasound JC-2 BP, surround going directly to the amps, and LF going to a Velodyne SMS-1 bass manager. A DirecTV HD-DVR goes to the Oppo via HDMI. The JC-2 BP is shared by an Ayre C-5xeMP, JC-3 phono stage, and Sony XA5400ES. The sound of this setup is excellent.

db
michaela
314 posts
 
db - thanks for the input, i will try a similar set-up! Best,
Mike
weekendtoy
20 posts
 
I just skipped the pre-pro altogether. Oppo 105 direct to an Emotiva UPA-7 amp. Two pieces of equipment for 7.1 system.
dbphd
1,633 posts
 
I put a Cary Cinema 11a in the loop only to get surround DSD from a Sony XA5400ES, but it turns out surround sound and bass management seem better with the Cary in the loop. Stereo from the Cary is passed through a Parasound JC-2 BP. The Cinema 11a will be replaced by a Cinema 12 later today, but the configuration will remain the same.

db
kr4's avatar
kr4
3,719 posts
 
I have used and reviewed the Audio research MP-1, Parasound P7 and the Bel Canto Pre6 (and a few others) in my column, Music in the Round. All can be accessed at http://www.stereophile.com/category/music-round

FWIW, I use the AR MP1.
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