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Enlightened Audio Designs Theatermaster ENCORE Preamplifier (HT) Review by abdul


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Model: Theatermaster ENCORE
Category: Preamplifier (HT)
Suggested Retail Price: $3000
Description: Dolby digital,DTS, MPEG2, Pro Logic, 20bit crystal DAC
Manufacturer URL: Enlightened Audio Designs
Model Picture: View

Review by abdul on August 12, 1999 at 13:51:54
IP Address: 134.48.158.155
Add Your Review
for the Theatermaster ENCORE


The unit which i got is the most recent version with 5.07 firmware and it does not have the ST glass input which i plan to use
with my EAD T-1000 cd transport. hovewer, EAD promise to exchange the unit in a few week. Nice customer service!
cosmetically, this unit is the most beautiful piece in audio gear i've ever seen. i've seen Jeff rowland gear which has
the exact faceplate and i was inform ed the faceplate was design by jeff rowland! this unit comes with new remote
which eliminates the previous problem. the remote does not come with learning capabilities and too "fancy"!!!
i set up the Encore with my ATI 1506 and Paradigm studio 100 version 2 using kimber hero interconnect and cardas quadlink 5C
biwire speaker cables. digital is interfaced with kimber AGDL from EAD T-1000 cd transport.
as expected, this unit has a very warm and laid back sound. The highs is so smooth and the soundstage is so huge
which make me think from one second that i was listening to hybrid speaker. my paradigm never sounded so good
before. i used to have an Angstrom 200/205 combo which is excellent in music as well as in surround mode, but this
combo is a little forward and bright sounding. the encore is different. it reduces the brightness of my speaker and
added detail and transperancy to the music. all of this were evaluated in stereo listening.
the surround mode are as good as other processor. i only concern about stereo because i listen to music a lot more
than watching movie. this processor i recommended for those who don't care about DSP and modes like usually found in
lexicon,citation etc.
i give 5 star for sound, 5 star for the "look" , 4 star for ergonomic and 5 star for customer service.

for those who want to join the list of encore's owner or other theatermaster users,
join us at http://EncoreUsers.listbot.com/
free!! there are tips and a lot of info about the unit there.
enter you email address and we will try to answer and discuss about this unit.
please spread the words.
thanks


Product Weakness: new remote is cumbersome to use. should provide learning remote, not universal remote.
Product Strengths: sound quality is excellent. you are not sacrificing your stereo listening to move to HT with this unit.


Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier: ATI AT1506 150Wx6
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): EAD theatermaster ENCORE
Sources (CDP/Turntable): EAD T-1000 cd transport
Speakers: Paradigm Studio 100 V.2
Cables/Interconnects: Kimber hero/ silver sonic BL-1
Music Used (Genre/Selections): stereophile test cd 3, days of the new,mariah carey
Room Size (LxWxH): 18 x 13 x 8.5
Room Comments/Treatments: drapes and hanging towel
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner


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