2. home-theater
  3. 1326834063

2 channel priority in HT Processor...who's is best

Thank you for input, guidance and help.

I have:

Sunfire TG IV processor

Pass Labs X-1 Preamp

2 channel system is PS Audio Classic 250 amp into ML Prodigy via the Pass preamp

HT is two Sunfire 400 x 5 amps into 3 pair Script I and one pair Clarity.

Sources are primarily Logitech Transport, Oppo 95, Video signal from cable company via HDMI.

I like to utilize the Prodigy in the HT system, and also incorporate the HT system into multi-channel listening sessions (via OPPO 95), music is PRIORITY...movies secondary.

I have no HDMI switching capabilities, but use a 61" Mits DLP tv and for movies and NFL i have a Mits HC 4900 projector to Firehawk.

I would like to get a pre-processor that can replace BOTH the Pass and the Sunfire and allow me to have a single point of control over the whole system. Other components i would like to replace would be the PS Audio DAC III i use off the Logitech Transport. It seems that The Classe (800) seems to allow different configurations to be stored, which would be wonderful, but after spending a good deal of the last 48 hours reading the forums, it seems that the INTEGRA 80.3 may be a good (and $6000) less costly alternate.

Do you know of any pre-processor that can deliver 2 channel as good as the Pass X-1, with HDMI pass or switching (two outputs required).

Classical reference is symphony we go to 8-10 times per year, some jazz, some rock, no rap. Just about anything well recorded.

Thank you so very much!

Loren
128x128lcouplin
mateored
258 posts
 
Dbphd - the dealer on Topanga is Shelley's Stereo. They carry Anthem, McIntosh, Arcam, Linn and others.

Loren - if you're still looking for a 1-box solution under $8k, there aren't tons of options. Most obvious ones I can think of are
Cary Cinema 12 (if they have worked out the bugs from the 11a)
Arcam AV888
Anthem Statement D2

Not sure how big a drop in sound these are, if any, from the McIntosh, Theta and Classe mentioned above, but they are worth looking into.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
dbphd
1,631 posts
 
I couldn't recall the name Shelley, but I recall it as a major dealer of hi-fi gear in western LA in the 50s.

As far as I know, the Cary Cinema 12 treats 88.2 LPCM as DSD, and thus with no bass management. That's the only bug in my 11a that really bothers me. I can live with the occasional clicks and pops that never occurred with the Proceed PAV/PDSD. OTOH, surround sound with the 11a can be enthralling.

db
hooper_ke
37 posts
 
I would recommend the Theta Casablanca HD. I had a Casablanca II in the past and it was better than either B&K Ref 70 or the Lexicon MC12B I have had. The CBIII HD will be even better. I can't wait to get my hands on one myself.
sailcappy
57 posts
 
Has anyone listen to or have any experience with the Halcro PRE/PRO. Same price range.
edorr
714 posts
 
additional benefit of the casablanca route is you can upgrade to an external DAC (GenVIII) using a digital output card with the CBIII HD. The CBIII controls volume on the DAC, which is also used for mains in multi channel application. Not cheap, but probably by far the best solution available for seamlessy integrated 2 channel and multi channel.
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