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Best All time 5.1 Pre/Pro

I’m working on upgrading my Linn AV5103 Pre/Pro, and am considering several units available. First, let me say I don’t need HDTV Switching, that is already taken care of. Second, I only want 5.1 surround, no need for more advanced formats other than DTS. The speakers/amps are all Linn, 7xAV5105’s, all active to 4xAV5140’s and one AV5120 as a center channel, AV5150 sub. I love the amp/speakers, but would like to change out the pre/pro, for several reasons, the second delay locking on to digital signals is annoying. Love the sound, but it has no multichannel inputs.

I’ve got several units I’m considering, and would love more input as to recommended units…

Several things I’ve considered are;

1) Cal Audio SSP 2500
2) Theta Casablanca I/II with superior DAC’s
3) Meridian 8 series…though probably out of my price point..
4) Proceed PAV/PDSD…still love the classics..
5) EAD theater Master 8000
6) Chiro 800/5.1
7) Classe SSP-75

I don’t particularly like Lexicon…to digital for me, and don’t like the harshness of Bryston/ B&K (probably annoyed several folks putting these two together but…)

I’m curious what else you all would recommend…….5.1 channel inputs are a big plus….though this system is mostly used for HT.

Ken
128x128kennyt
hbrandt's avatar
hbrandt
272 posts
 
Henryhk:

Specifically, which models did you compare? The reason I ask is that there has been tangible evolution in the sound of the Thetas and the EADs. For example, the EAD Theatermaster 8800pro sounds SIGNIFICANTLY better than the 8000pro. Similarly, while I haven't heard it yet....i would wager that the Casablanca III sounds much better than the Casablanca II. So it is very hard to compare processors at this level unless you are comparing apples to apples.

I would LOVE to see a review of the 8800pro to the Casablanca III. Of course, there price points are different too.

Harry
blw
147 posts
 
Having owned one, the Classe SSP75 is a *VERY* good sounding piece. However, I don't think I could recommend it, as it proved to be quite unreliable. I thought I just had an early unit that was an outlier, but when I sold mine I got several notes from other owners asking to compare experiences...

Somehow I had the nerve (foolishness?) to replace the SSP75 with an SSP60. I've now had it for about 9 months, and it has been bulletproof, so it seems that they've got it sorted now. The SSP60 is *almost* as good as the 75 - the main difference in my room is a slightly less silky smooth treble.

I have only heard the previous generation Theta, and I preferred the SSP75 to the Theta for a better soundstage.
darrylhifi
498 posts
 
I just got a Classe SSP-60 and love the analog pass through via the XlR inputs on two channel. Impressive.
Personally I could not live with the SSP75 because it has no pro logic II . I would not have believed this to be an inportant feature until I heard it on my previous Integra Research and cannot live w/o it when digital Movie channel flipping. I love Classe as a company, sometimes the first 100 or so releases of a product have a future fix {ususally for the power supply}. They are very upfront when you call them. So anyone buying new or used always get the serial number and check it out with Classe. I got a "steal price" on a new SSP-60, found out it was a unit prior to the power supply upgrade and the dealer shipped it to Classe and Classe upgraded the power supply at no additional charge.
henryhk
648 posts
 
Harry,

Theta was Casbalanca III. EAD Theatremaster 8000 pro, unforuntately not the 8800 pro.
mart61
5 posts
 
Never cared much for Meridian sound fields. It was far too BOSE-an for my particular tastes. It suceeded in blowing away the walls. It was big, bold & expansive to be sure. It just didn't "sound" convincing to me. I never managed to "suspend my disbelief".

However, I do agree that the Meridian "sound" doesn't suffer from digitalis, nor does it exhibit "pumping".

I was looking for steering stereographic rock solid imaging around the room as well to engulf the entire room. A more "there" there if you will. An elusive goal to be sure, but an enjoyably honorable quest.
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