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Pre/Pro Advice for ATC Active HT

Long time Lurker, first time poster - that I can recall!

Gear: ATC C5CA, 2 x ATC 20ASL, 2 x ATC 10-2a, Denon 3803, some blu-ray player or another, Panasonic ae700, home made screen, PSB subsonic 3i. Dedicated room (light controlled) 11'w x 23' deep x 8' high.

I went with the ATC's because I wanted to get as close to live music as I could. I love live recordings. Listen to Jazz/Blues/Vocals/Classical - basically anything that demonstrates the artist's passion.

While I would like the best of both worlds, I would state my preference as awesome 2 channel with great HT capability.

My next upgrade is processor. I've checked out AVS forums regarding the Cary cinema 11a - great reviews for both 2 channel and HT; however, there are issues that have apparently been solved by the upgrade.

After the processore, acoustic room treatment, next would be OPPO 95, then Projector (Panny 4000? don't need/want 3d), followed by screen (stewart 130?)

Does anyone have experience with the Cary 11a feeding ATC actives? Heaven on earth?

Based on buying "previously loved", within that price range are there any other viable alternatives that I should be considering?

Currently only running projector through this system, but will eventually set up cable TV with gaming a long shot except on rare occasions; therefore, I do not believe that the "only 2 hdmi" slots will be an issue.

Appreciate your expertise
haftahavefun
buconero117
2,311 posts
 
Live recordings are almost always captured with and recorded already amplified sound. I've some in studio recordings that I have compared to various recordings of the same music captured 'live'. Never is the 'live' better then the studio version.
haftahavefun OP
3 posts
 
I didn't know that; however, I like the sound of live recordings so apparently I like the "amplified sound" sound! Thanks for the input. I'll keep an eye open for studio sessions of life stuff I own as I'm curious to hear the difference.
kr4's avatar
kr4
3,676 posts
 
Complex. Live recordings that reproduce the sound that was heard at the live event may be "better" if that experience is what the listener wants to hear at home.

OTOH, the relatively unamplified sound from a studio session may not be subject to PA and arena acoustics but is something that will never be heard live by nonprofessionals. So, what is your reference?

BTW, this does not apply to classical music where, even live, the sound is rarely amplified.

Kal
chadnliz
3,736 posts
 
Would a pre/pro with room correction be something you want to explore? While I cant really advise on your question to any degre usable I can say if you have a good room and space to place that gear you your gonna have a great setup. The Pan 4000 is a great value just pay attention to your throw distance because at 130in it can get dim if not optimal. Welcome to the show (((ding ding ding))).
haftahavefun OP
3 posts
 
Thanks KR. Ironically, I don't go to that live events so perhaps I like recording of live events because it gives me the sense of having been there. I like to hear the crowd's response to the music. Most of the live stuff I have enjoyed on two channel has been jazz trio although my all time favourite is probably Neil Young's "live at massy hall 1971". You make a good point, that unless you have the benefit of being in the studio, one wouldn't know what that sounded like.

In terms of room correction, the smatterings I've read about it on Agon and AVS seem to be of two minds not unlike the subjectivist/objectivist dicotomy.

I love the ATC's. Apparently not because it's as close to live music as one can get, but because it's the type of sound I prefer. It touches me.

Does anyone have any experience using the Cinema 11a in an active set up?
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