2. home-theater
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Surround processor with stereo analog outputs

My current system:

Wharfedale PI-10 powered by an Acurus A250
Custom Subs (2) powered by a second Acurus A250
Center and Rear speakers (Wharfedale) powered by an Acurus A200x3
Processor = Acurus ACT-3 (which has stereo sub outputs)

I bought the ACT-3 used and it�s starting to develop issues when using DTS and it�s also a little on the harsh side sonically. I�d like to upgrade but I�m having a hard time locating a good Surround Processor with stereo analog sub outputs. This is my main music system as well as the Home Theater system and I can live with mono subs for Home Theater but not for music listening. I know; �low frequency sounds aren�t directional and stereo subs aren�t necessary� (I�ve been hearing that for 2 decades) but I disagree. I�d also like something with a built-in crossover as the active crossovers I use for my subs aren�t the greatest. It looks like the Meridian 568 has the capability to utilize 3 separate channels for the subs and would hopefully be an improvement sonically. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
ctmorsejr
martykl
3,578 posts
 
I'm not exactly sure about the "stereo analog" part of your requirements, but...

You will get two, line level, analog sub outputs from any 7.2 or 9.2 pre-pro...and there are many from Denon, Onkyo, Integra, Marantz, NAD, Anthem etc. These will also provide an internal x-over function (and room correction, to boot), however...

I don't know if the two sub signals are usually summed (i.e. not stereo) or stereo, and I do know that the x-over and room correction is usually managed in the digital domain. Therefore, I'm not sure if any of these these meet either of your requirements. If the digital x-over works for you, you might want to check w/the manufacturer to see if the sub outs maintain stereo integrity. It's quite possible that some do and others do not.

If you use primarily/exclusively digital source material, it's been my experience that the Onkyo/Integra units produce excellent results for music.
kr4's avatar
kr4
3,677 posts
 
None of these are "stereo" or derived from independent sources. In all of these, the two sub outputs are driven from the same signal, even though some will permit different distance and level settings for each output.

There are some processors that will support true stereo sub outputs but they are pricey. In addition to the Meridians, the McIntosh MX150 and some "professional" processors have this feature.
jdodmead
257 posts
 
I think Arcam's have 2 sub outputs.
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