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Are there really any high end pre/processors at a

I am playing with HT and have been into 2 channel for many years. I finally find a 5 channel amp that I can stand listening to but I am back to what has stopped me from setting up 5 channel; the crappy sounding processors.

I have tried several older processor (Lexicon MC12, Cary Cinema 11, Parasound P2 ECT) via analogue out to my Cambridge 751 and although interesting certainly not close to a really good preamp. I did try a newer Onkyo and I will leave the model number out because it was the worst sounding but I did get to try direct HDMI connection with that unit.

To clarify I do use very high end signal cables when going analogue so it is not the cabling. My HDMI cables are also very high end so again not the problem. I am using about $40K worth of very good speakers so let's eliminate them. For me it comes back to the processor. I really do not want to spend huge money on a processor because next week it will be worth nothing with technology so one thought was the Marantz 7005 but I am real open to any suggestions.
liveaudio
fplanner2000
616 posts
 
I also have a high-end 2-channel system, with a VAC Sig mk2 preamp and VAC Statement 450 monos. I watch movies through the system with an Oppo-95 to an Integra DHC-80.3 processor using usb connections. The VACs drive the front L and R channels through cinema bypass and the center and rears are also controlled by the Integra through a 5-channel Sunfire Signature amp, bridged. I have a Velo sub also tied to the preamp than can be easily adjusted remotely.

Once everything is balanced the first time(not as tough as I thought, with Audyssey software provided w/the Integra), the settings hold and movies are a blast. My thinking was that I would try to integrate my high-end 2-channel components into my movie-watching experience, if I could. While its not perfect, for my living room, its working quite well. The Integra was also quite reasonably priced and does everything I need for now.
raks
468 posts
 
The Casablanca III with Extreme and Superior DAC’s that’s listed on AudiogoN right now for $3,000 might be just what you’re looking for in a processor.
soix
9,456 posts
 
There are very few decent SSPs out there, and even of those chances that one works optimally for your tastes/system are slim at best. Sounds like you should do what Fplanner did and integrate a decent SSP into your analog system so that it controls processing, center, and surrounds for movies/TV but your stereo pre remains the sole preamp in the chain for critical 2-channel listening (HT bypass helps here, but not necessary). Best of luck.
kbuzz
214 posts
 
Ahh tell us which onkyo -dont be shy. This is not a magazine you can be honest
srosenberg's avatar
srosenberg
209 posts
 
there are several pro/pros from a few years ago that are very highly regarded for audio performance - theses were in the 'cost no object' price bracket, but now can be had for a fraction of their new prices.

amoung those often cited for exemplary audio performance are Theta Casablanca, Proceed AVP2, Meridian 861 and 568, EAD, and Krell. of these, i've personally owned the Theta Casablanca, Proceed AVP2 and Meridian 568. to my ears, there was no comparison - the Theta Casablanca was hands down the best for audio. great sound steering for theater, and very near the equal of a dedicated 2 channel preamp for audio.

like the previous post, i've also gone back to using a dedicated 2 channel preamp and HT bypass for the processor, but if i was looking for a single box solution, the theta casablanca was the best i found.
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