2. home-theater
  3. 1060947576

Which Pre/Pro regardless of $$$

The more I read about, or shop for a Preamp/Processor, the longer the list is getting. I currently have
* Sony TA-E9000ES
* Parasound amps (220W x 5)
and want to upgrade the whole system:
I've started with speakers...

*** (1st part of upgrade) JM LAB 936 Electra Speakers w/matching center(c901) and surrounds (906).
Now I need my pre/pro.
Want to achieve a system that will shine for both Movies and Music.
However, since I already have a dedicated 2ch system; if I had to choose music vs. movie performance in this system, I would give the nod "slightly" towards movie performance .

On my list (so far)....
* Bryston SP1.7
* EAD TM 8000 (is their a sound benefit w/ the PRO version ?? will the new 8800 be worth wait/$$ ??)
* Krell HTS 7.1 (does this model still "pop" when locking onto a digital source ?, does it still miss the first few seconds of sound from cd/dvd while locking onto digital source? I ask only because the older HTS models had this problem)
* Tag Mclaren AV32R bp-192
* Lexicon MC-8B

I've already auditioned Sunfire, Anthem, and Aragon; and am working on the above. I would like (and appreciate)feedback and/or recommendations on any of the Pre/Pro's listed above.

I would like
* Analog pass-thru for SACD/DVD-A
* Bass Management (for the SACD/DVD-A as well; if possible)
* DPLII, DTS,DD, etc.., etc..
* The ability to listen to stereo sources with the Front L/R main speakers set to Large and still be able to use (or not use) the sub when I want.
**** MOST IMPORTANT - Excellent SOUND !!!!

THANKS IN ADVANCE !!!
Paul
capnizzy
distortion
571 posts
 
I compared many pre/pros before settling on the Bryston. It easily beat Krell(showcase), Rotel(1066), Integra(RD7 I think), B & K (Ref30 and 50), Sunfire(TG3), and Acurus. The Classe SSP-30 was very close. My decision was based on 2 channel performance.

The big Krell and Classe were out of my price range, while I didnt check out the Classe, I have heard the Krell and it sounded very good.

The Bryston gives you the option to play 2 channel pure (analog w/ no sub) via its piggybacked analog preamp. Or, in stereo w/ sub via its DSP. It was this analog section that, I feel, gave it the advantage over the others.

You can easily see that my comparison was not "money no object," But nontheless, I hope the info helps.
johnmcelfresh
97 posts
 
Regardless of price? the Meridian 861 is certainly among the best available.
lowrider
32 posts
 
The Showcase has those options too, did you try an used unit, they sound lousy until they work at least 50 hours, even more...

The difference in sound quality to the "big" Krell, (they share the case, chips and much more), is not supposed to be that much...

Having said that, I have Bryston powers, and wanted to listen to the SP1.7, but the local distributor doesn´t have any demos...
avguygeorge
2,300 posts
 
I'm down with Meridian. Maybe not as many setup options for sacd etc.--but,for sound quality you don't have to spend for an 861 to beat anything listed above. (568, or 568.2)
johnmcelfresh
97 posts
 
Avguygeorge,

I agree on the 568 (and .2) If you look at my system, you'll see that's what I have. Since the thread title said "regardless of price" I figued that Capnizzy had so much money, it didn't matter to him. (unlike us mere mortals). ;-)
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