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
capnizzy OP
12 posts
 
Wowza !!!
Thanks for all of the input !!! It is very much appreciated!
I guess my title was a bit misleading. I am just a mere mortal when it comes to $$$ also (johnmcelfresh) : )
Out of the pre/pro's I was considering, I wanted input on performance only. The reason being; if the Krell HTS7.1 was the best of the pre/pro's performance wise... I wanted to know that. I didn't want feedback such as... "I was considering the Krell, but at more than twice the cost of "xyz" pre/pro... I am happy with what "xyz" does in it's price range "
Those type of posts, tell me nothing about the true performance of a piece of equipment. If the post said "xyz" gives you 95% of the Krell HTS7.1 performance with music & movies; such as it's imaging, tonality, etc,etc.. at 50% of the cost." Now that's a statement.
In short, I guess I just want to know what people have experienced with certain components in regards to performance first. Then I can decide if the money is worth the difference, or buy used vs. new, or take advantage of Krells $3k incentive towards an HTS7.1 (which puts that piece in my range, that otherwise (at 8K) would have been out of my reach. Or a used Lex MC-8B, or new Bryston...

Thanks again Audiogon'rs !!!!

DISTORTION: You said you heard both the Krell Showcase and HTS7.1. You decided on the Bryston because it "easily beat the Krell Showcase" among others. Do you feel the Bryston was still better than the HTS7.1 ???
lowrider
32 posts
 
I figured out how to add my system to the forum...
distortion
571 posts
 
Capnizzy, 2 channel was my main consideration.

I only heard the HTS 7.1 instore. Clearly not the best place for a comparison. It was out of my price range as well. I set a limit at at about $3750.00 for a new unit. (The Bryston was 3500.00 Shipped with a CC payment)

From what I heard, the HTS7.1 was a fine unit.

Having compared more than a few processors and a few dedicated 2 channel preamps, I must say that I am quite impressed with the Bryston.

It does have that irritating pop when watching DVDs, especially if, in the beginning, when going from preview to menu and so forth, the sound engineer keeps swapping formats. Also at the layer change. I found all the more expensive units locked signal fast, and are just as quick to unlock, and so have a tendencey to pop. Not really a concern for me at 90% music to movies ratio.

Bryston has NO video switching, you have to buy a seperate video switcher for that. This I like, you may not.

I would definately give it a listen if you can, but to answer your question "is it better." Thats very relative, better to you may not be better for me. I would recommend you give Krell, Classe, Sunfire, and EAD among others a listen. I was quite impressed with all these makes. In home if you can.

I hope I have been helpful.
keithr
1,306 posts
 
Distortion- which 2 ch preamps did you compare?

Re: HTS7.1, my dealer (who does not upsell AT ALL) says the 7.1 is light years better sounding than the showcase. It's all in the discrete output stages apparently, which are based on the KCT preamp.

My recommendation is get a sub 2k pre/pro (B&K, whatever), and a dynamite 2 ch preamp for the best of everything.
distortion
571 posts
 
Keithr...

Only a few direct comparisons. I admit that I decided previously, on a one box solution. I feel that we will better serve Capnizzy by keeping our discussions to Processors. But to satisfy your curiosity, Adcom, Conrad Johnson, Bryston, B & K, Krell, Aragon, Audio Research, Rowland, Marsh, Pass, and some others, were all available for demo.

Ultimately it was the Processors that went home for evaluation. I had shortened my list, before I started getting serious. I wouldnt want to burden a dealer by toting home Preamps knowing that I am looking for a Processor. Although it would have been fun.

I agree about the Krell HTS, it sounded really nice, but only in passing. I wasnt going torture myself. I knew I couldnt afford it, and that was that.

I also agree that piggybacking a preamp is a great solution and probably has the greatest chance for the best sound, in 2 channel at least.
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