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Who makes a pre/pro with SACD Input?

I have a Sony DVP-NS999ES DVD SACD player that I recently tried to hook up to my just purchased used Parasound P/DD 1550 and P/SP-1500 preamp/processor with Parasound FM tunner.After being told by the seller that I would need to purchase a $150.00 adapter cable and would then be able to use the SACD portion of the Sony unit I found out differently.When hooked up I had no volume control.Useless for practical puposes.I realize this is my fault! Incidently the Parasound units are now for sale for someone that wants to have a system without SACD.
My questions are these:
1)Why is it necessary to have a seperate processor when the Sony DVD SACD has decent quality DAC'S allready?
2)Would it not be better to have a preamp that just controled volume and seletable source switching for audio and audio/video components?
3)Is the reason for a additinal processor for Dolby decoding for a VCR,satelite receiver or HDTV audio signal?
4)If so,are there units that allow you to use the processor for just these functions?
My system consist of a Sony 36" HDTV ready monitor,the Sony DVP-NS999ES,a Nakamichi PA-1 high current 100 watt per channel 5 channel amp,RBH Sound 1266SE's full range towers for LR main ,a RBH 661SE center(goes down to 35Htz),RBH 61SE's for LR and RR(goes down to 45Htz) and a RBH 350 watt 1010SEP sub,a JVC Svideo VCR,a RCA HDTV receiver.
A pre/processor with 5.1 capability that is very clean and non-coloring is what I think I am looking for? Additional sound field processing is not necessary.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.Thank You in advance,
Steve
455gearhead
darrylhifi
498 posts
 
Dollar for Dollar my highest rating. Integra Research RDC-7
treyhoss
287 posts
 
I don't know your budget but for between $800-$1100 you should look at the Audio Refinement equipment. There is a Pre-2 DSP (which I own) that has an excellent 5.1 analogue input and 2-channel stereo input. It keeps the signal all analogue - no A/D to D/A conversion like in most models. The Pre- 2 DSP is a pre/proc and the other Audio Refinement model is the Pre-5 which is only a 6 channel/ 2 channel preamp with no HT processing. It would be used primarily for connecting an SACD/DVDA player or outboard HT processor along with good 'ole stereo inputs (again no A/D-D/A). I have not heard that unit personaly but I have read great things about it! If it is as good as the Pre-2, it is a winner. The (realistic "street") prices are $1100 for the Pre-2 and approx. $700-$800 for the Pre-5. Happy hunting. -Tony
bpape's avatar
bpape
25 posts
 
For a bit more, you can look at used Classe SSP30's. Nice analog section, 6 channel inputs, good A/D and D/A sections, etc.
taxman
2 posts
 
To add my two cents. In an effort to simplify what you might be looking for, look for a processor that has "analog pass-through" capabilities. This would allow the signal from the SACD player to flow directly to the volume control of your processor. This would preserve the use of the Sony DACs. Of course, if you purchase a $3000+ processor, the DACs in the processor will most likely be superior to that of the Sony in which case you would want to use the digital output on the player. Processors with analog pass-through are likely to have more bells and whistles because they skew more towards state of the art, it's the nature of the beast. A processor such as the Classe SSP-30 while having plenty of features focuses more energy and design to sound quality therefore it might make a better choice for you, if it's within your budget. It retails at approximately $3000 new.

I have had personal experience with some of the proceesors above. The Integra Research ($4500) is an excellent unit and I owned the Rotel 1066 ($1499) for a year before trading up to a Krell Showcase ($4000), these units are excellent as well. The Rotel may very well be the best value in HT utilizing features found in much more expensive components. Sound quality is very good though not as good as Classe, Integra and Krell but certainly nowhere near as expensive.

I would suggest you audition a Rotel and move on from there. Most of what I stated had been stated before but I thought saying it a different way might help reinforce the information. And I hope that it helps you.
chucke
3 posts
 
I just bought the Outlaw Audio Pre-Pro. It is $799 new and you can try it out for 30 days to see if you like it. If not, then you can return it. It has analog pass through for your sacd player. I have nothing to compare it to, but I liked the price. I could not find a "best" processor in the $2500-$3000 range. The technology and models have been changing. This allowed me to set up my new system. I am still in the process. Good luck
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