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EAD Encore advice vs other processors

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I'm considering upgrading my current processor (Sony TA-E9000ES w/ 2.5
firmware) to an EAD Encore (with current firmware, current display,
better remote, and Rowland face). My needs for a processor are only DD
and DTS decoding. My HT and 2 channel PCM is an "intergrated" system
with separate transports and preamps using the same amps (Spectron's).
I have no interest in DVD-A or SACD as my PCM side is better than anything I have yet heard in those formats (and multi-channel in my humble opinion belongs only to HT). This brings me to "why upgrade"? While the Sony sounds good with current firmware it is still a mid-fi
processor and with all the good deals on used equipment currently, it
seems an appropriate time for an upgrade. I've been considering a Theta Cassanova, or the Classe SSP30, or even possible the Proceed AVP. But the EAD keeps coming up as probably the perfect match for my needs.
There are also some good deals on Ovations (+ or not) and the "digital flywheel" jitter reduction device intrigues me (but may be out of my budget) which is $1500 - $2000. Any experience with this processor would be greatly appreciated. I don't have much use for DSP processing either (which the Sony does well) but it is still a little gimmicky. So for a straight ahead well designed and well built processor - the EAD sounds right - I'm just wondering if it is?

Follow Ups:

Re: EAD Encore advice vs other processors - DA 14:53:05 03/22/02 (0)
It's a very good processor. Personally I�m more than satisfied with it�s performance. However, as chris pointed out early versions had some problems including incompatibility with some DVD players.
If you want to research it further, check out EAD User group:
http://eadusers.cjb.net/ (especially Bug fixes, tips)
- EAD User group
Re: EAD Encore advice vs other processors - Larry S 12:46:51 03/22/02 (3)
Two years ago I had an EAD. Was right after they replaced the original EAD Theatermaster lineup.
I thought it had outstanding sound on digital sources (it ran analogue sources through an A/D converter), and the build quality was very solid. However, some of the units back then (including mine) were plagued with faulty lcd displays and it did not have an on screen display. I also disliked the remote, and the requirement to double click commands. Finally, the lack of inputs was what killed it for me. You don't think you need many, but when you consider a tuner, tape deck, phono, DVD/CD, VCR, Cable or Satellite, you find it's a fairly large number.
Anyway, traded in my theatermaster on a Proceed AVP. It resolved most of my issues. It its own way, the build quality was just as good (except for the RCA jacks - Theatermaster's were much better), sounded better on analogue sources and just as good on digital ones, and had ample inputs. However, given that it hasn't been upgraded in years, it's not a wise choice right now (theres a promised upgrade, but I won't believe it till I see it).
I hadn't heard that EAD was being sold. That makes it undesirable to me. Why don't you look at a Lexicon. They have similar sound (much better choices actually), an outstanding reputation for standing behind their products with frequent upgrades and trade in programs. The build quality is not as great, but it's not too bad. Personally, I'd avoid Meridian - - especially used. Every review I've read praises its sound quality, but goes on and on about how difficult the set up is, and how you need a dealer to do it right. I don't know many dealers that would do house calls on a used piece of gear, especially if you bought it on line.
- Re: EAD Encore advice vs other processors - lwang 22:31:07 03/22/02 (0)
  Lexicon is a no brainer for HT. But I wouldn't avoid Meridian. It is not that complicated, maybe it is not straight forward. The only confision might be the speaker layout, but that just gives you more flexibility in speaker configuration. And if you are still all thumbs, you could just call up Meridian's technical support and they will gladly help you with any problem.
- Here's a copy of the email sent to me by Proceed about two weeks age re: the AVP upgrade. - j_thunders 21:12:57 03/22/02 (1)
  The AVP2 is scheduled to start shipping at the end of this month, with the upgrade about 4 weeks behind that. The pricing isn't set yet, so please stay tuned. Our dealers will be able to perform the upgrade, so the turnaround time will be minimal.
  - Re: Here's a copy of the email sent to me by Proceed about two weeks age re: the AVP upgrade. - Larry S 12:45:37 03/26/02 (0)
    That's good news, but I'm really concerned about the upgrade price. If they're charging in excess of $2,000 as I've heard speculated elsewhere on the net, it's going to be a difficult decision for many. $2k and your AVP in trade would go a long way towards to cost of a brand new unit, such as from Lexicon.
    Given that the upgrade is not going to provide component/HD video switching (I still think Proceed's logic regarding putting component switching on their DVD player is highly questionable), it's a tough call.
    Still, am looking forward to hearing more about this.
Re: EAD Encore advice vs other processors - chris 10:15:33 03/20/02 (0)
Have the Ovation+ and it is absolutely and without a doubt the best sounding pre/pro I have ever owned or heard (Classe' SSP25, Tag, B&K, etc.). Pair it with a Theta Intrepid.
Doesn't matter much for HT - lwang 07:29:59 03/20/02 (7)
If you are just using it for HT, the processors that use off the shelf decoding doesn't add any enhancement compared to generic stuff. Sound quality, that might be different, but not much people gives a hoot about microdynamics and ambiance when watching movies. Their main concern is flyovers, dialog clarity & reference level.
If you get a processor that utilizes custom coding for the movie DSP modes, then that is different. The panning might be better, the steering might be smoother, side spekers might be utilized independently from the rears...
One thing better processors offers (whether it uses off-the shelf or custom decoding) is bass management. They might offer stereo bass, adj crossover for different sources, bass multi-routing, bass enhance...
Is it the Encore 7.1 that you are thinking about or the 5.1?
pre processors that is good for HT:
Lexicon: Can use Logic 7 as a substitute for DD/DTS for better sound, has bass enhancement.
good for HT and music:
Meridian: Has unbelievable music modes, jitter reduction, DD/DTS upsampling capability
Proceed
good for music:
Theta: Killer DAC, jitter reduction
Others (like Classe) offers off-the-shelf decoding and std digital architecture, so it is does not differentiate itself much from others. Of course, the analog section could be different, but the ones that are drastically different are the ones from BAT or CAL.
I myself got a Meridian, after looking at many of similar processors (in addition to Anthem AVM-2, Aragon soundstage..) The Trifield music mode makes the 2ch CDs sound so much better that I retired my Audible Illusion preamp instead of doing a dual setup (which was my original intention.)

I think EAD is in limbo, being sold and sold again?
- Re: Doesn't matter much for HT - daleda 08:33:59 03/20/02 (6)
  It is the 5.1 Encore. I haven't really considered the Meridian processors since they are out of my price range. Truly great design though!
  - Re: Doesn't matter much for HT - lwang 08:48:34 03/20/02 (5)
    Are you getting it used?
    Meridian 565 could be had for less than $2k. Although it is limited in switching (2 digital, 1 analog, no video switching)(need a 562 for Audio switching, 562V for A/V switching.) You do get 7.1, DD/DTS, custom DPL with discrete 7.1 & steered side and rears. It was their top of the line unit ($5k for the 565, $2k for the 562v) until a couple of years ago, where they decided to go all out with the 800 series.
    It might not have the latest and greatest DAC, but the addition of Trifield makes 100x the difference compared to whatever DAC there is out there. Plus is has ambisonic decoding. Made me dig out all those Nimbus CDs and hear how those recording were meant to really sound. Trifield brings the performers to your room, Ambisonic brings you to the performance.
    If you just want it for HT, lexicon would probably be a good bet.
    EAD would make a fancy looking unit with a neat remote, but the nice-sounding part that differentiate it from other processors is basically its analog stage, and mfgs rarely puts so much emphasis in the quality of analog stages when there are 8 channels to deal with.
    - Re: Doesn't matter much for HT - daleda 09:37:20 03/20/02 (4)
      Defintely looking for a "used" unit. I need "minimal" input capability.
      Only use one digital coax in from DVD transport. Video switching is a joke (why degrade the signal) - I have never understood that one! I have not seen a 565 for anywhere near that price! At Agon? I'd like the 7.1 capability (my room is set for that) and I currently use an ADA 6.1
      matrix decoder for the rear speakers. Great advice - thanks.
      - Meridian 565 has same decoding technology as their current line. - lwang 07:37:18 03/21/02 (3)
        
        In Reply to: Re: Doesn't matter much for HT posted by Daleda on March 20, 2002 at 09:37:20:
        
        Save for DPLII and EZ, which is their implentation of 6.1 with 7.1 speakers. But you don't need that if you have a 7.1 setup on the 565.
        So if you want to listen to how the Meridian sound, maybe your nearby Meridian dealer has it set up for people to demo. Either the 561, 568 or 861 should provide similar sound to the 565 in terms of soundfield reproduction, including Trifield mode. You might want to buy their unit if you feel obligated to do so.
        If you look around for the 565, be sure it is 7.1 channel version and has firmware 6.0 or higher.
        
        Re: Meridian 565 and 7.1 - bstan 12:57:21 03/21/02 (1)
        
        In Reply to: Meridian 565 has same decoding technology as their current line. posted by lwang on March 21, 2002 at 07:37:18:
        
        Doesn't the 565 only support 7.1 if you use two digital speakers?
        I didn't think it had 7.1 analog outputs.
        
        Re: Meridian 565 and 7.1 - lwang 14:03:49 03/21/02 (0)
        
        In Reply to: Re: Meridian 565 and 7.1 posted by bstan on March 21, 2002 at 12:57:21:
        
        I think that is the 561, which traded for the full analog outputs for A/V switching capability.
        
        Re: Meridian 565 has same decoding technology as their current line. - daleda 09:28:15 03/21/02 (0)
        
        In Reply to: Meridian 565 has same decoding technology as their current line. posted by lwang on March 21, 2002 at 07:37:18:
        
        Thanks for the suggestion. I'll keep an eye out for a 565 (presently none to be found).

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