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Doesn't matter much for HT

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In Reply to: EAD Encore advice vs other processors posted by daleda on March 19, 2002 at 18:54:02:

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?

Follow Ups:

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)
      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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