Will a Proceed AMP handle LPCM input?

Tim,

I have a number of Proceed units, including a PAV/PDSD pair that does surround sound but not lossless. I still use that pair with an Amp 2 in a secondary system.

One solution might be using the analog output of an Oppo 95 or 105 as input to an AVP-6. The Oppo processes lossless codecs, and has excellent analog output. You would take HDMI video from the Oppo directly to your monitor or TV. The 105 has an HDMI input, so if your needs are simple enough, many would argue for taking the output of the 105 directly to your amps, eliminating the processor for sonic purity.

I input analog from a 105 to Cary Cinema 11a inputs set to bypass. HDMI video goes directly to a projector and a monitor. I need a processor for HDMI from a Sony 5400ES and analog from a Parasound JC-3 phono stage. I use Proceed HPA 2 & 3 monsters in the main system.

Dpphd,

Thank you for your response. I do not currently own a AVP or 2 or 2+6 for that matter. There is currently a +6 here on agon for $2K. At that price, I think I'd probably throw in the towel and go with something more modern.

From what I gather, even the DTS Core track to an AVP/AVP2 track would be an improvement over the DVD DTS; and I have read there is much debate how much better the HD/MA tracks are over the DTS Core track. So that could be an option worth testing out if I come across a great deal on a used Proceed unit.

Out of curiosity, are you using the PAV/PDSD for 2-channel work these days? I've read many people say to go this route as opposed to the AVP's for surround.

Cheers!

The same observation can be made about Dolby Digital. Dolby Digital on DVDs is typically 384 Kbps. However, the core DD on Blu Ray is 640 Kbps, the maximum for the format. I can hear the difference. Dolby True HD is noticeably better than 384Kbps, but less so when compared to 640 Kbps.

Thanks dtc! Yeah so the pondering becomes using the core track audio on the older proceed gear vs something newer that will at least be the proceeds equal for 2 channel sound. I hope that makes sense. And all the threads I've read says that the old proceed gear will still hold its own in this respect. The only other alternative that I can see is something like an Anthem AVM 40 - but I have not read up enough on that unit yet to get my gut feeling for it. But the price and features and sound quality seem to fit what I'm after.

Tim,

I am using the PAV/PDSD for 2.1, because location in the living room makes 5.1 impractical.

To retain Proceed quality sound in a modern fully functional processor, I think you need to step up to a Classe SP-800 or Bryston SP-3. I got a great deal on a Cary Cinema 11a, and the Cary sound had received a rave from Michael Fremer. But the Cary digital is buggy. I use the unit mostly as an analog switch with its inputs set to bypass. Only a Sony XA-5400ES connects via HDMI, and that comes with clicks and pop when a disc is started or a track selected. An Oppo 105 and Parasound JC-3 connect to the Cary via analog. The Cary connects to Proceed HPA 2 and 3 amps via XLR.

db