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New reference Dolby/DTS preamplifier

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Tommy

(A)

Audionet's newest device is out now. The MAP is a multichannel/multiroom audio/video preamplifier. Of course with Dolby Digital and DTS decoding.
In German magazine 'Heimkino' MAP shares the reference position with the Theatre decoder, but the Audionet costs less than half the price. Audionet has translated test summaries on their pages.
I have already listened to MAP: Simply overwhelming. Could be worth a visit.
Best wishes
Tommy

English website of Audionet (Germany)

Follow Ups:

On the subject of MAP upgrades... - John McCullough 00:56:37 12/13/01 (1)
Tommy,
I skimmed through the AudioNET English pages. It looks like MAP will get a hw/sw upgrade in Feb/2002.
Based on your previous experience with ART, how do they handle upgrades? Self-installable? Expensive? Included in the price?
Personally I can't see any reason buying MAP right now, if they come up with an upgrade in 3 months, unless of course MAP + upgrade costs less than the new MAP after Feb/2002.
Wouldn't it be wise just to limp along with current gear untill February comes along and the readily upgraded MAP is for sale? I wonder if it will it be called MAP V2 :)
Comments?
- Re: On the subject of MAP upgrades... - Tommy 01:13:38 12/14/01 (0)
  Hi John,
  you are right. There will be an update at the beginning of the next year. It is easier to get information here because of the German dealers:-)
  The ART upgrade was very extensive. The complete D/A unit and analog filters were replaced. So this upgrade had to be done at Audionet.
  To my knowledge, the upgrade on MAP will be: 2 EPROMs with new software and a small circuit board with a new decoder. The circuit board only has to be pluged in. This and the exchange of the EPROMs is not difficult, but I'm sure you know this.
  I don't know what this update will cost, but as only small parts are replaced, it will probably not be expensive.
  Hard to say, if you should wait until February. Depends on how reliable your local dealer is. Perhaps you can make a special price for the MAP if you plan to do the upgrade, too.
  I hope this information helped you. Otherwise just write again.
  Best greetings
  Tommy
What ??? No DPLII?? - Jim Fosgate 17:33:03 12/05/01 (1)
They are already behind.....
Good luck dumping this line. Maybe a closeout sale for xmas would help..
They are in trouble
JF
- Re: What ??? No DPLII?? - Tommy 22:28:19 12/05/01 (0)
  You should have read the Audionet website properly: Of course MAP offers Dolby ProLogic II. Go to test report summaries and see what magazine "Stereoplay" wrote.
Re: New reference Dolby/DTS preamplifier - bstan 09:49:09 12/05/01 (5)
Seems to be a bit behind the times with regard to analog input and bass management.
bstan
- Re: New reference Dolby/DTS preamplifier - Tommy 22:44:16 12/05/01 (4)
  The device offers six stereo and an 8-channel analog input. It's a question of what you prefer: Masses of analog inputs (which most users don't need) or best possible sound and video quality.
  An advanced bass manager along with other fine features will be available soon. The upgrade can be done at your local dealer or even by yourself. This manufacturer offers real product support with the possibility to always be up-to-date for small prices. I made this experience with the upgrade of their CD player from ART to ART V2: The price for the upgrade was exactly the price difference between ART and ART V2.
  Best greetings
  Tommy
  - You misread the specs - bstan 11:32:17 12/06/01 (3)
    All the analog inputs are put through an additonal A/D and D/A cycle which is not good.
    bstan
    - Re: You misread the specs - Tommy 03:05:09 12/07/01 (2)
      On the one hand, with respect, you are wrong regarding the stereo inputs, as Audionet uses the circuit board of their preamplifier PRE I G2 for the main channels.
      On the other hand you are right regarding the 8-channel analog inputs. These signals pass A/D-D/A converters. The sound quality depends on how good their converters are. If one believes in the test magazines, the converters must be excellent. I myself can agree.
      Greetings
      Tommy
      - Yes, I read too quickly - bstan 11:47:46 12/10/01 (1)
        
        In Reply to: Re: You misread the specs posted by Tommy on December 07, 2001 at 03:05:09:
        
        Tommy,
        You are correct on the main channels, and I am wrong.
        Still if I was going to get this processor and use SACD or DVD-A, it would probably not work too well with the other analog inputs going through the A/D/A cycle.
        Are you currently using this processor? Do they expect to sell it in the US?
        bstan
        
        Re: Yes, I read too quickly - Tommy 23:44:47 12/10/01 (0)
        
        In Reply to: Yes, I read too quickly posted by bstan on December 10, 2001 at 11:47:46:
        
        Hello bstan,
        I'm not yet using the MAP. Though it costs less than half of the Theatre processor it is still a little bit too expensive for me :-)
        I have listened to the MAP and I am deeply impressed. I also like the plain design that hides the high functionality.
        Just like you, I wonder how it sounds using SACD or DVD-A. The A/D-D/A cycle could be a disadvantage. But with respect to their other devices I think that this cycle is very well constructed.
        I know that Audionet HAD a distributor in the US, but I don't know if they still HAVE. Try the website www.blinkhighend.com
        Greetings
        Tommy

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