2. home-theater
  3. 1357341557

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
 
My theory is "Why compromise on 2-channel if you don't have to?" Its worked well for me as I'm in 2-channel 90% of the time.
martykl
3,578 posts
 
I've had the 180 degree opposite experience. I found the audio performance of my HT system so compelling that I ditched my ARC and Joule preamps in favor of an Onkyo pre-pro and switched from highly regarded full range audiophile speakers to a set-up that uses Ohm 100s (sometimes MMGs) with a pair of Rythmik subs.

I'm not going back any time soon, but I know that for other folks...YMMV.

Marty

PS The Onkyo features Audyssey XT32 Pro and I suspect that this software is a major factor in my satisfaction with the system's performance.
jafant
19,080 posts
 
Theta.
seditious3
184 posts
 
Fplanner2000 - Can you please be more specific about how you have your system wired up? Thanks!
bbogan
2 posts
 
Yes there is a high-end pre/pro still out there that is the only truly fully balanced end-to-end topology from input to output on all channels. It has just been discontinued after 6 years in production and is still ranks "king" level on most reviewer lists which is the Denon AVP-A1HDCI. I mistakenly had mine listed here not too long ago but have sobered up and will never sell it. Denon has supported this flagship for years with every possible upgrade support (most free). The latest upgrade (not free) included Audyssey XT 32 and a new board with 3 new Sharc DSPs. I use mine for 9.3 HT and for analog 2-ch. My entire rig totals north of $100k and my speakers are Revel Ultima Salons, Ultima Voice and 2 sets of Revel Ultimate Embrace surrounds ($45k alone). My 2-ch setup is a PS Audio Perfectwave Dac MK II cabled into the AVP's balanced inputs and routed out to my amp with MIT Magnum M2 XLR sets on both sides of the processor.

If you are looking for the proper component to set off your rig for multi and 2 ch do not overlook this statement HT pre/pro. Nothing, (repeat) nothing does both duties in a single box better. Hurry up before last upgrade window closes.
More to discover