Good used surround processors??

I'd stay very basic on the features you look for - good Dolby Digital decoding, DTS support if it matters to you, Dolby Pro Logic. I wouldn't worry about anything more than 5.1 channels as, once you do, you start creeping back into features that draw you closer to a current processor, and therefore more $$$. Map out what you're going to connect to it and be sure you have the right connections (inputs) to support it. I'd make sure that there is switchable S-Video support, as you don't have to go back very far to find this NOT on a processor, but S-Video is a dramatic improvement over composite. I'd also check out the bass management functionality, as many pre/pros don't have very flexible options. I would not worry about THX certification, though that's a big marketing item.

To be honest, if this is pure HT and you're really going for mid-level, I'd look for a slightly later model, but used, Denon receiver - you'll get performance that is definitely at least mid-fi, decent looks, more features, excellent build quality and a less complicated set-up (and therfore cheaper). If you really want to go the separates route, for $1000 (give or take) you should be able to pick up an Accurus ACT-3, a B&K 4090, or a Lexicon DC-1 (probably a bit more). -Kirk

The reasoning for sticking with separates versus the simplification advantages of a receiver is I'm already more than half way there in terms of amplification. Remember, I'm reassembling a home theater system and I still have a lot of what I need.

Here's the full picture--I always had a high end two channel system, which I branched out into HT via a tape loop and a Fosgate Model 4 (and equipment orphaned by upgrades.) In the end, I was driving NHT 3.3 speakers with a bi-amp set-up using VTL 225 vacumn tube monoblocks and a solid state Aragon 4004MK11 (to drive the woofers.) That part is going into the living room for 2 channel only listening. I used to have a pair of (British) Cambridge Audio 250W monoblocks, which drove the NHTs until one of them blew up--leaving me with with a perfect center amp, which is what it's doing--it's driving an NHT center channel amp.

My first amplifier, the B&K EX 442 200w dual monoblock amp, was pushed back in the chain as I upgraded, to ultimately drive my rears. I never bought dedicated rears--I used to drive a good pair of Energy 22.1 slightly-larger-than bookshelf speakers (~$1k in 1995)as satellites for another room. When I moved several years ago, they became my rears (driven by the B&K).

Long story short, after dismantling my two-channel rig (the DAC goes, too), I'm left with:

200w B&K EX 442 dual monoblock amplifier(s)
250w Cambridge Audio monoblock amplifer (1)

22.1 Energy speakers (2)
NHT VS-2 center channel

I'm thinking I simply need one more 2 channel amp to either drive my primaries or my rears (depending on how well I do finding a used one--if it's better than the B&K I'll put it up front, you get the idea...) I'm not sure what I'm doing with the speaker situation. The Energys were never meant to be rear speakers and it's been several years since I've listened to them critically. I'm thinking they were pretty good speakers (and as I have wall mounts for them from their prior duty in the rear)--I may very well use them as the primaries up off the floor on the wall mounts, which leaves me replacing the NHT center with a matching Energy center, and looking for dedicated Energy surrounds. OR, I may stick with the NHT center and go NHT all the way around but I'm skeptical about new NHT equipment since Ken Kantor is no longer affiliated with the company. I just moved last week and everything is still boxed other than the TV, the Tivo, and the DVD player. I need to break out the Energy speakers and give them a listen, but I wouldn't be surprised if they work out up front.

So, I (think I) need:

-digital surround sound processor to upgrade the Fosgate processor

-one more 2 channel amp (and I'm anticipating a ~200w mid-fi 2 channel amp can be had on the cheap since everyone's after multi-channel)

-a sub-woofer

-rears

-some more cables

-maybe a DAC

There's not much anyone can suggest in the speaker department until I evaluate the Energys, so the immediate mission seems to be the processor.

Am I on the right track?

1. Get a Lexicon DC-1 THX AC-3 DTS v4 for $1200-$1700 or a DC-2 for $2000-$2500. Logic 7 is a substantial improvement over the stock AC-3/DTS/Prologic decoding algorithms especially if you run both side and rear surround speakers (I really recommend this). The DC-1 was also a pleasant step up from the DACs in my $700 Adcom GCD700 CD player and DC-2/MC-1 owners suggest similar quantum improvements from the DC-1 are possible.

2. Many digital surround sound processors lack an (accessable - you can rig up a switch box on the Lexicons to use the analog zone 2 outputs) analog pass-through; so if you use an external DAC you'll be converting digital to analog to digital to analog.

3. If you have the shelf space, I think stereo amplifiers are a fine idea. On paper, many two-channel amplifiers are biased hotter than their multi-channel brethern and should therefore avoid cross-over distortion.

Hello Bismarch1

If you are going the used route to put together a home theater system (which is not a BAD idea when you stop and think about it. I got both of my VCRs that way, a JVC HR-VP638U VHS/Hi-Fi deck and a 1991 vintage Sony SLV-R5UC S-VHS/Hi-Fi "Prosumer Type" deck. The TV and the rest of my gear was purchased brand new), then I would definitely look for a 2 or 3 year old Fosgate with Dolby Digital Decoding, Dolby Pro-Logic, DTS (if that's what you want), and THX (again, if that's what you want). It should also have enough jacks in the back to connect all of your gear, and it should have a lot of S-VHS Jacks. I believe that some of the newer high-end standalone processors have "Component Video Jacks". If that doesn't concern you all that much, this would be a feature I would bypass if you happen to have these jacks on the back of your TV.

Now, about DAC's. I don't know what kind of DVD Player you have, but if you have a player that is equipped with good DAC's in the beginning, then I would forget about getting a DAC at this point. If not, then I would hunt down a used Theta Chroma for about $300.00 to about $450.00.

And finally, as for amps. I would say that you should listen to your Energy's first with both of your existing amps and see which amp sounds best with them, and then I would pursue a used stereo amp that either like one of your existing amps or one that is strikingly similar to it in sonic signature. Since everyone seems to be going for "multi-channel" sound right now, a good stereo amp may be had on the cheap. I would look here at "Audiogon" or at a site like "Audio Shopper", "Audio Review (if you are willing to put in the time)", or "E-Bay" to see if any bargains exist. If you see one that fits your ideal, jump on it then.

As for cables and a subwoofer. I think I will reserve comment until things on the speaker/amp front are resolved. I hope this is helpful enough for right now.

Good Luck,

--Charles--

My big relief was being able to use the amps at all. As I _thought_ I understood digital surround, you had to have equal power all the way around--a local dealer told me much like my dolby pro logic processor, the digital processors can compensate, as well. Good thing because the Cambridge Audio amp I described is a giant killer, and way more powerful than the B&K, doubling its output into 4 ohms.

What is the difference between DTS and Dolby Digital Decoding? In reference to your question about DVD and DACs, my DVD player is a Circuit City-grade Sony given to me as a gift this past Christmas. I have to check to verify it has a digital out, but I suspect it should. The DAC would be a later upgrade, nonetheless--I'm also buying dryers and hedge trimmers and furniture and, etc., etc.!

I'm in good shape for shelf space--I have to add a new rack upstairs for the high-end rig, but that's another story. From what I'm reading, S-video is better than component video jacks?