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Hi inmatesMaybe the header is a bit misleading. I've worked out how to structure DD into our top analog setup. The problem is finding a suitable processor.
We obtain top analog sound with our biamplified Plinius amps feeding into electrstatic mains & a sub. The sound is also superb on video, laserdisc etc using a Lexicon CP3+ (version 4) processor combined with Rotel amps, various speakers & KEF B139's in transmission lines as extra subs.
So we venture into Dolby Digital and try to use a Technics SH AC500D processor instead of the Lexicon (which only handles pro logic). Result - a dramatic increase in surround sound resolution and a corresponding decrease in fidelity of the mains - back to mid fi!!! Which all proves there is no free lunch.
Now the above is not unexpected. The Plinius M16 + Theta DSP IIIa processor + Lexicon is being replaced with relatively inexpensive Technics circuitry.
So folks what preamp/DD processors do you recommend? I've done a search on AA and there are only 3 reviews and there has been little discussion about DD. Help please - maybe point me to another site where there is discussion on all this?
Thanks
Peace at AA
John
Try looking at the processor/amps provided by Vantas. They work well for movies and are not in the way for 2 channel listening. They also have a neat trick for volume control. They are much cheaper that upgrading to a Classe or Krell. I use one with my Krell two channel system and like it very much. They have a web site www.vantas.com.
I am using a Classe pre/pro primarily because the analog stereo is kept separate when music CDs are played. Sounds like a great normal preamp. Then when the source is DD it does the digital thing for HT. Best of both worlds. Relatively cheeeep too $3K. FWIW
I bet the Classe sounds great. I'd consider one but it doesn't have flexible bass management (it is fixed at 80hz....argh), I'd have to add a phono preamp and a Rf demodulator for LD's. It is always something! :D
Then again, it may be the best way to go for music lovers and HT lovers if you have mains you can run large or you have a sub sat setup.
I'm now looking at replacing all three processors (Theta DSP IIIa, Lexicon CP3+ & the Tecxhnics) with a high quality processor which might break the bank but hopefully not my ears.This investigative process might take some time & will not be finalised before mid June as it is then I expect to return from the States with something.
The net is proving invaluable for info & I've made contact with some very helpful people (one in New Zealand & the other in the States). It is hard to remember what it was like before the net & come to think of the audio mistakes made then I'd rather not think about this too much!!
Thanks again, your input has been appreciated.
Peace at AA
John
John,How did you have the Technics SH500 setup?
Did you use the "Large" speaker definition for all the speakers?
FYI, the crossover to a sub for any speaker defined as "Small" is somewhere around 100Hz, a little too high in my estimation and tends to muddy the sound.
Could this be part of what you heard?
How did you have the pieces connected?
Here is my reccomendation:
- DVD digital out > > > Technics SH500 digital in
- Technics main L&R analog pre-out > > > High end preamp analog Aux in
- Technics center, surround L&R, sub analog pre-out > > > multi-channel amp
- High end preamp L&R analog out to High end amp -- if no analog pass thru from preamp, you must mark the preamp volume knob for correct speaker calibration position when calibrated from the Technics.Will use the Technics master volume control for all HT viewing.
Your CD and high end DACs can feed the high end stereo pre-amp and amps, without even turing on the Technics. The Technics DACs don't render PCM from a CD very well, but do fine with compressed DD and DTS.
bstan
John,Save yourself a few bucks and go for the Sony TA-9000ES preamp/processor. Probably the best bang-for-the-buck preamp/processor out for HT. It is the only preamp/processor, at its price point, that can be software upgraded via RS-232 connection. Many of my friends have this unit and swear by it for HT use. Good luck.
It all depends on where you want to spend/save money.I have a hybrid system also with an Alchemist Kraken driving my mains (JM Lab Spectral 913.1) and a Marantz DP 870/SR 870 HT system providing the left and right input into the Alchemist and driving the centre, sub, and rear speakers.
I am quite happy with this because the amount of information in the left and right speakers for HT is limited and often mostly sounds as opposed to music where fidelity and tranparancy are a must.
I suspect you would hear a difference with a better decoder. Before forking out big bucks for a Lexicon or Theta, you may want to try a Marantz DP 870 (on ebay for low $200's) or the Sony ES (can't remember the model number).
Good luck
Depending on budget: a used Lex DC-1. You can pick one of these up fairly cheap, and they are great performers. Sounds like you like Lex, why not stick with it? Or go for the new MC-1.There's Theta, EAD, Proceed, Krell...
Question about your receiver: does it have pre-outs? Do you think it sounds ok on movies? If yes, why not daisy chain pre-amps?
what I am doing is not to daisy chain preamps but to switch between them. The Plinius M16 is a straight audio pre so I'm switching output from this to the DD pre/processor, something which could be done with any unit.I have shied away from the more expensive DD pre/processors but admit I have to swallow hard & look at them if I want top sound.
Yes I really do like the Lexicon CP3 and have wondered about the Lexicon DC-1 & MC-1. Do you have any opinions about these units or Meridian or ..... Any comments gratefully received.
Peace at AA
John
What about the Sony DSP-EP9ES? That is much better than the Technics and should do great.
John, what I've done in the past: take the Front R+L pre-out from surround processor, and run into Source 3 (or whatever) on the 2 channel. CD/DAC out goes into 2 channel. That way, when you listen to music, the HT pre/pro is bypyassed. The following comments are based on limited demoing at my friend's store; I've played with these, watched snippets of movies, etc, but have never brought them into the house for an extended demo. I'm also basing the comments soley on performance with movies; like you, I have a separate 2 channel pre-amp.I think Lex is great; the DC-1 is superb on Dolby Digital/DTS. It's big drawback was two channel performance. The MC-1 improves, but, IMO, the improvement is not worth the extra $$$$ when you can find a used DC-1 for $1500 if you look around. The DC-2 uses the same chassis as the DC-1; that's why Lex did the trade-in thing.
The Meridian will equal the sound of the Lex. The Meridian does give you way more setup flexibility for big custom installs.
The expensive Krell sounds fantastic, but is very pricey. If you have balanced inputs on your amps, it might be worthwhile. => I <= haven't heard anything that sounds better.
Theta comes in with excellent sound at an attractive pricepoint with their "lower-end" model.
Honestly, if I was buying today, I'd find a used DC-1. YMMV.
I have had a listen to the most of the processors mentioned above and many not mentioned. I would agree almost to the T w/ what Bob stated. John, sounds like you need only a nice DD processor and to my ears Lex would fit you fine. Terrific dd/dts processing with ok stereo performance, but since you're only looking for surron sound processing- I'd highly recommend a used dc-1. Yes, the krell,ead,& meridian maybe somewhat better at dd/dts but you'll pay greatly for it. Give the lex a try
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