Video Asylum

Posted by Larry on October 06, 1999 at 18:26:39:

In Reply to: Enlightened Audio Designs OVATION Preamplifier (HT) posted by Miguel Avila on October 06, 1999 at 09:23:27:

Good review. I enjoyed the Ovation myself, but I found had some reservations about the design.

These included:
1. The truly terrible remote it ships with (supposedly being replaced).
2. The LCD display, which whines loudly on some units, before giving up the ghost altogether (lots of posts about this problem).
3. The insufficient number of inputs/outputs (This is after all a HT piece. Most people will find themselves in search of an external switching device).
4. The lack of component video input/outputs.
5. The lack of a sophisticated matrix surround format (EAD's doesn't quite cut it).
6. The unit's tendancy to "unlock" from a digital signal (i.e., if fast forwarding a DVD), requiring switching to another input, then back to restablish the lock.
7. Having to give up video switching altogether if one choses to upgrade to Signature status.
8. No onboard RF demodulator for LD AC-3 (it can be done, and without creating RF noise, despite EAD's claim).
9. The lack of on screen displays (neither EAD's display, nor any other unit's, is readable from across the room, or, more likely, if it's in a cabinet with doors). EAD has been promising an outboard box which will go between the unit and display to add OSD for almost a year now (still not available to my knowledge).

On the plus side:
1. The Ovation sounds good.
2. Is a bargain compared to EAD's old Theatermaster models' prices.
3. Looks are killer, especially when combined with their Powermaster amps (has anyone auditioned those amps?).
4. Other than the defective LCD displays (mine died after 4 months), the unit is built like a tank (wonderful binding posts).

My point is NOT to slam either EAD or the review. But there ARE some areas in which the unit falls short. How important those are all depends upon one's needs. This is ALSO TRUE for other processers. Technology marches on (for example, no unit I'm aware of has Firewire capability, and very few have 5.1 audio or component video inputs).