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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
kr4's avatar
kr4
3,670 posts
 
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.
But if you have it, you can decide for yourself by listening to the alternatives. If you do not have it, how do YOU know?

Does anyone have any experience using the Cinema 11a in an active set up?
I do not see why passive or active would be any determinant in choosing a pre/pro.

Kal
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dbphd
1,628 posts
 
I bought a used Cary 11a because of its audio quality. As you probably know from reading the 11a/v thread at AVS, the room correction on the chip Cary uses has been a major source of complaint. My 11a manual recommends a tape measure and SPL meter. Cary does provide for manual equalization. I use a Velodyne SMS-1 to manage my pair of HGS-15s. I think the LF region covered by the subs is the most critical for room correction, but if I find a used Aydessey (sp?) with XLR at a reasonable price I'll add it to my system.

db
haftahavefun OP
3 posts
 
Valid point regarding room correction, Kal. I'll search the forums to find out how to go about that - based on your experience, where does that slot into the mix in terms of priority?

Valid point, again, on active/passive, I think. Just showing my inexperience/ignorance on the topic. So what you are saying, is that the cinema 11a, which has received solid reviews as a 2 channle pre/pro in a passive system, would be equally adept in an active set-up. Sounds like common sense to me, thanks. So then one of my main determinants is balanced connections.

Next question, what is the downside to going with an older pre/pro with balanced outs but with no HDMI. Any downsides to connecting the projector directly to my player?
kr4's avatar
kr4
3,670 posts
 
IMHO, HDMI is essential today. Audyssey (or other effective EQ) is very important.

Kal
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dbphd
1,628 posts
 
The Cary 11a has balanced outputs for 7.1 and a balanced input for analog that can be either passed through our digitized.

db
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