Unfortunately, even the new AVP-2 does not use as good of quality D/A conversion in all other channels as it does the front two channels. Also it does not provide balanced/XLR outputs for the rear channels. For me, I have decided that these shortcomings are unexcusable in the AVP-2's price range. The Theta Casablanca II has better sound, can be "custom configured" for your needs, and will likely be more easily upgraded over time, but it is not the most "user friendly." You should also consider the Lexicon MC-12B which is simple to deal with & is of very high quality. As for the Classe SSP-75, it has an analog section that is beyond comparison, far better than any other surround processor on the market, however, it is lacking considerably in its digital processing capabilities. Again, at the Classe's price range, you should be able to have nearly everything approaching state of the art. There are others to consider as well, but to keep this short, I would simply suggest a detailed investigation of the Theta and Lexicon, and make a choice (or you could wait a little while for developments in this product category as it is changing rapidly...I would be willing to bet that Classe has a new surround processor in the works that will add state of the art digital processing to their excellent analog section). Good Luck!
Proceed AVP-2, Did they fix the glitches?
I'm considering upgrading from my B&K Ref 30 pre/pro basically just to get better overall sound quality, adding the ability to use balanced connections (not included on the B&K). However, the B&K bass management, speaker configuration and memorization for each source is very cool and something I don't want to be without. Through recommendations from dealers and fellow audiogoners, I've narrowed it to the Proceed AVP-2 or the Theta Casablanca 2. I want to keep the cost under 10K.
The Proceed seems great and user friendly but I'm not quite clear if its got the capability to do the things I've mentioned above. I also noticed comments of glitches on the original AVP i.e. cutting off the first bit of each song on a CD with digital sources, losing the DTS output when putting your DVD on pause (causing you to go back to re-set up the audio from the start and then relocate where you were in the movie). My B&K has been flawless. I don't want to spend more money for those type problems. By the way, I only intend to use 5.1 surround. Also, I am extremely into the audio part and am forced to use my system for both (no room for two)
I would love your input about any of this and would welcome suggestions for better pre/processors out there.
The Proceed seems great and user friendly but I'm not quite clear if its got the capability to do the things I've mentioned above. I also noticed comments of glitches on the original AVP i.e. cutting off the first bit of each song on a CD with digital sources, losing the DTS output when putting your DVD on pause (causing you to go back to re-set up the audio from the start and then relocate where you were in the movie). My B&K has been flawless. I don't want to spend more money for those type problems. By the way, I only intend to use 5.1 surround. Also, I am extremely into the audio part and am forced to use my system for both (no room for two)
I would love your input about any of this and would welcome suggestions for better pre/processors out there.
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- 6 posts total
- 6 posts total