Anyone try and compare the Halcro SSP 100 or 80?

EandJ,

What are you using the SSP-100 to scale? I tried to let is upscale the Component signal from my SA 8300HD cable box, and it looked miserable.

That may be because it had to go from component to HDMI out of the Halcro, and to up-res from 480a to 720p. MY TV and cable box, both do this conversion better than the Halcro.

Can you share your positive experiences? I would love to get better scaling from my cable box.

Thanks,
Darrell

The Meridian G68 has no HDMI switching but I believe they have a switcher that can be added for video only. I don't think the 861 has HDMI yet but I would suspect them to have it this year since Meridian owns Faroudja.

I have a Toshiba HD DVD player and a PS3 I use for Blu-Ray and both work perfectly with the Halcro. I also have a DirecTv HD DVR connected via HDMI and get great results.
I have not encountered any problems using HDMI with the Halcro.

I have tried using the scaler but it really is not very good. The SSP-80 is a smart choice if you can live without the preview screen and 1 less HDMI input.

I heard the upgrade to multi-channel LPCM HDMI is coming this June which would allow DTS-HD and Dolby Tru-HD to be played back by the Halcro. I have also heard that the upgrade will take the 2 channel high-res. to 7.1 channel high res. were the Lexicon will only do 5.1 channel high res.
A Halcro Tech told me that we should not expect HDMI 1.3 in High End pre-pro's until January. The HDMI 1.3 developer kits were just sent out about a month ago for High End Mfg's.

I have had my Halcro SSP-100 for about 2 months now and it still makes me say WOW at times. I really love this pre-pro.

Also interesting to see new pre/pro from Krell has come out...with same styling as their evolution series, and I guess above their showcase range...says HDMI capable but did not look into details....yet

The Lexicon (the new HD version), Halcro, Anthem are the HMDI capable ones I have seen so far though scaling as u say may differ in real abilites.

I starting to wonder whether I should get a separate HDMI capable scaler/switch and just use the pre/pro for audio. Choices would certainly widen then...for example there are the more analogue oriented multi channel pre such as CJ, Theta, etc

this is getting more confusing each time I think about it (how to build a sep home theatre from my current 2 channel system as I move houses)

Henry,

The new Krell only does HDMI video, no Audio. It does sound very nice and I think your idea of using something like a Zektor switch would open up your possibilites.

My Halcro SSP-100 is in the shop right now, but when I get it back, my delaer says I can home demo the new Krell. That will allow me to hear them head to head.

Based on hearing them seperately in different environments, but with the same speakers, I THINK it will be pretty close sound wise.

The Krell is cheaper than the Halcro so Halcro better come out with their HDMI Audio upgrade if they want to keep the advantage.

Regards,
Darrell

thanks Darrell...let us know how things compare once you get a chance