bryston sp 7.1 or ead 8800 pro?????

There have been contentious threads about this subject which you can find with a search.

I believe the EAD 8800pro is sonically superior to the Bryston and to the Krell. This is based on lots of listening and comparing.

At the time I decided on EAD over Bryston....I actually WANTED the Bryston to sound better, because I was looking for a solution without video switching because I use an external video processor and let it do the switching.

But, quite simply, I believe that the EAD processors are sonically superior.

Also, the EAD folks have been incredibly responsive to customer input as they have refined the 8800pro software.

If you want more info, feel free to contact me at harry@brandtmd.com.

Distortion:

I'm glad to see you got a hold of an 8800pro for some serious testing. I've avoided running my 2 channel path through any processor. Instead, I run the L and R front outputs from the processor into my 2 channel path. I'm not convinced that ANY processor is totally transparent in bypass mode.

I do use the multichannel bypass for my SACD/DVD-A path. I assume it is quite transparent, but have never a/b'd it to the SACD/DVD-a player outputs straight to amplification...so I can't really say.

Bottom line for me is that the EAD was superior to Bryston for 7.1 use...which is what I'm using it for. For other uses, experience may vary. I would be interested in you describing what you mean by "warmer" since it means different things to different people.

Also, I should point out that the Center Width and Panorama adjustments are going to be in the next software release for the 8800pro.

harry

Distortion.

I have my 2 channel path and my HT in the same room. Unless you want separate rooms, it is a breeze to isolate your 2 channel path so it never travels through a processor.....even through a bypass!!!

I also do primarily 2 channel listening, but I love it that my HT takes advantage of my 2 channel path.

Harry