Best SSP - Upgrade from Integra DTC 9.8

Iplaynaked:
Apparently Audyssey is saying that other smaller hi-end companies like Krell, Mcintosh, Theta, Anthem, etc, aren't in a financial position to do the integration with the MultEQ! - er, something like that. At least that's what the impression I'm getting from chatting with them.
They say they'd LOVE to have these smaller companies incorporate the Audyssey technology into their products, but that it's not fincancially feasible, for whatever reason.

No doubt this is a big issue. However, I note that both Wisdom Audio and Sim Audio have encorporated Audyssey and, although I know nothing of anyone's financials (but my own), I do not think these are massively larger than the ones you list. Anthem, btw, developed their own system which is quite good.

I also inquired as to the issue of their otherwise excellent "out-board" processor, being that you are adding another ANALOG TO DIGITAL TO ANALOG stage in that processing; and would they be adding a digital connection capability to that unit any time soon. I don't think they are, at this point.

I know. The issues are:
1. Digital formats are so varied that a multiplicity of inputs and codecs might be required and constantly updated.
2. There are very few pre/pros that can output a digital signal and very few power amps that can accept them (S/PDIF aside).

Kal

I have no clue with the Audyssey Eq. What I do have experience with is pre-pros. I have had in my system Integra, Onkyo, Denon, B&K, yamaha, Anthem and currently a sherbourne 7010/A.
Quality electronics, quality wiring, great DAC's (dual crystals in the sherbourne) and nice power supplies beat the insane amount of feature stuffed into the Asian gear.
All things being equal, guybguy's system is really nice and will easily benefit from a quality front end. The integra is a nice piece FOR THE MONEY. If you are listening to basic audio or simple 5.1 theater and don't need the gimmicks, I'll take a stripped down high end piece over an Integra with tons of features.

Of course, it is hard to advise since Guybguy never told us what, exactly, he lacks and what he is looking for in sound and/or video.

Kal

I am looking for excellent sound (HT, SACD, CD) and video (SC and HD).
I did not start the thread due to seeking specific audio or video improvements. Have not had time to get upgrade-itis over this component yet. What prompted the question was the phenomenon of having video drop out while watching either Blu-Ray or DVD sources. So long as I am questioning the unit, I am interested in understanding what the alternatives look (or sound) like.
Whether I make a change now or later, I appreciate the thoughts and insights.

Kr4, thank you for the response
Elevick, I totally appreciate where you are coming from, and I too have owned some very excellent AV pre's over the years, sans any EQ and/or processing. I've had the krell 5.1, Macintosh MX130, Mac3, Aragon Soundstage, Upgraded Acurus Act3, and others (I've used/sold many others, including Meridian, Cal Audio Labs, Theta, etc). What intrigues me thought, as an acoutical guy, is the HUGE sonic benefits offered by these newer DSP teqnologies!
Yes, parmateric EQ's can help with issues you could only fix with lots of acoustical treatments, in many smaller rooms. And yet they can only do so much compared to what something like the Audyssey is bringing to the table from my findings! - it makes that much of a difference, as to say it might be a bigger improvement in the sound than, well, quality electronics themselves!!!
So, you put together otherwise funamentally quality hi-end gear with that kind of acoutical advantage (built in), and you have the potential for some mind blowing sound, I believe!
Kr4, thanks for the update (haven't looked on audyssey's website for listings of what's out there recently). I'll loook into the Sim and Wisdom stuff.