bryston sp 7.1 or ead 8800 pro?????

I have the EAD 8800pro in the system right this minute comparing it to a Bryston.

Lately I am 70% 2-channel, 25% Movie (Dolby Digital), and 5% DTS:neo6 music.

So far the Bryston/Jolida CDP bypass combo is the superior 2 channel sound (Soundstage, dynamics, and very black). Though the EAD's internal DACs are better than Brystons in 2 channel 44.1khz. Dont misunderstand me though the EAD in bypass is very good. Conclusion--- 2 channel with a decent or better CDP goes to Bryston. 2 channel with built in DACs goes to EAD.

The EAD sounds warmer with Movies. Some soudtracks are better warmer, some are not. Dynamics seem equal. Conclusion--- seems a push to me.

DTS:neo6 music seems more dynamic at lower wolumes with the EAD. But as you get to a mid volume the Bryston seems to open up. The center width control on the Bryston may give it an advantage. I prefer the least signal removed from the left/right. The EAD is a tad warmer here too. The Brystons 5hz increments with sub Xover helps me to better tune bass in my troublesome room. Conclusion--- if you like low volume, then EAD. If you like a little wolume with your multichannel music, well, I say a either one.

The EAD touchscreen remote is the coolest. Thought the solid metal Bryston remote is no slouch.

The full functioning interface on the front of the Processor is a nod to Bryston. My wife to be scoffed at the interface on the EAD.

These are just my very subjective opinions. I suggest auditions before you buy.

Distortion- I am not even involved in this, but I must commend you on an EXCELLENT posting- extremely comparative, and fanatastic little comparison- well done!

that being said, my vote also would be EAD all the way. After enjoyin a Sim Audio Attraction for years (EAD digital board internals), I can heartily recommend EAD, and would move to their latest pice myself if I were to get back into HT...

Distortion:

I'm glad to see you got a hold of an 8800pro for some serious testing. I've avoided running my 2 channel path through any processor. Instead, I run the L and R front outputs from the processor into my 2 channel path. I'm not convinced that ANY processor is totally transparent in bypass mode.

I do use the multichannel bypass for my SACD/DVD-A path. I assume it is quite transparent, but have never a/b'd it to the SACD/DVD-a player outputs straight to amplification...so I can't really say.

Bottom line for me is that the EAD was superior to Bryston for 7.1 use...which is what I'm using it for. For other uses, experience may vary. I would be interested in you describing what you mean by "warmer" since it means different things to different people.

Also, I should point out that the Center Width and Panorama adjustments are going to be in the next software release for the 8800pro.

harry

Distortion,
Try using the 8 channel bypass as a linestage. I am using my Scout turntable with the 8800. I think the 2-channel anolog inputs on the 8800 convert to digital and back to anolog. I use my DVD players coax output for 2-channel digital so the dac's can be used in the 8800.

Tim