Video Asylum

Posted by Karl W. on December 13, 2000 at 16:14:26:

In Reply to: Surround Sound Preamp...Which one is for me? posted by bytor on December 13, 2000 at 12:49:58:

There is a lot availible these days. It depends on how much you would like to spend and your preferences for features. Meridian is indeed very good as it Theta. I think the new B&K 307 reciever is excellent for the money. I have just returned from my hi-fi dealer and happen to listen to it while I was there. I personally use a California Audio Labs SSP-2500 which I found to be the best sounding on 2 channel recording using the analog-bypass of all of the units I auditioned. It does not have as many bells and whistles as some but as for sound quality it has no peers. Check out issue 38 of Widescreen Review for a through review of the unit and entire system. Widescreen found it to be the best sounding by a very wide margin of all surround processors that they have reviewed and they have reviewed almost everything on the market. But at 5400.00 with the video switcher costing an additonal 2100.00 it may be more than many are willing to spend. But the combination is tremendous and will offer you a no compromise combination. If you are looking to spend about half of this I would strongly recommend the B&K stuff as they have really been producing some very good stuff lately.