Unfortunately, you don't have many options. I'm using an EAD Theatermaster 8800pro....but waste the video switching.....because all of my video switching is done by a Focus Enhancements CenterStage 2. Oh well. |
The Meridian 568 lacks video switching (it does have an almost pointless S-video pass thru, merely to support its own on-screen setup and configuration menus). I never saw the point to video switching inside a pre-pro. Why introduce that noise, when most/all will use some piece of video gear to perform this function. |
merge-
true indeed....more money....and electronics that add noise. Too bad for those of us that use a scaler or outboard video switcher. Hopefully manufacturers are listening!!! |
Finally! I'm not alone!
I'm going to check out the Meridian 568 but I also heard that the EAD has such capability (or lack thereof) :)
Which EAD would that be? |
Unfortunately, EAD doesn't make a processor without video switching. But the sonics are MUCH better than the Bryston...and I think they are better than Meridian too.
So for me, I just waste the video stuff. |
I wouldnt go so far as to say the EAD is "much better" than the Bryston or Meridian. Different? Yes. Better? Maybe. All are worthy of audition.
Having said that, I should also add that I do not care for artificially colored sound, unless it offers something in the way of synergy with your system. i.e. quashed treble. Some folks will want to impose their opinion of "warm sound" on you. (Personally I like nuetral)
I am not saying EAD is "warm sounding" in fact it is very neutral. The Bryston is most definitely not "colored" sounding and will be quite revealing. Maybe not someones elses cup-of-tea but it sure was mine.
I lingered a little long on "sonics" when in fact you didnt even ask about them. Sorry. As far as the original question about video switching. I think you could use an outboard switcher with any Pre/Pro and gain the benefit of not introducing possible video noise. (Although that doesnt take into account the extra circuits and what-nots inside the Processor itself)
I agree, the lack of video switching was a portion of my criteria when searching for an upgraded Pre/Pro recently. Besides the Bryston and Meridian I cant think of any other Pre/Pros taht dont have video switching built in. I'll probablt think of one about 2 minutes after I hit the "Submit now" button. |
Distortion:
We all love our equipment...and that's great. I've a/b compared lots of pre/pros in my system including Meridian, Bryston and EAD.
You prefer Bryston, i prefer EAD. That's what makes the world go 'round. I think lots of this depends on system synergy, speakers, room, personal tastes etc.
I must say, I do not find the EAD processors to add coloration or be particularly warm sounding. Rather, I find the processor to be quite neutral.
Harry |
HBrandt, very true. But would not AGW have been served better had you said that in the first place?! |
Distortion:
What do you think I should have differently in the first place?? This guy was asking for opinions. I've had the Bryston, a Meridian 568, and the EADs in my setup.
I've done A/B comparison of each.
I prefered the EAD significantly over the Bryston.
That's what I said in the first place...and what i say now.
If you've directly A/B compared them...I'd be interested in your opinion.
Harry |
Hbrandt.
"This guy was asking for opinions. I've had the Bryston, a Meridian 568, and the EADs in my setup."
I thought he was asking about which Processor did not have video switching and later specifically which EAD didnt have video switching. Sonics, video switching, ehh, whatever.
"I prefered the EAD significantly over the Bryston."
I guess that depends on one's definition of significant. I must have lousy ears. Because, I found all of the Processors (even the one's which you obviously you think sound poor) to sound quite good.
"If you've directly A/B compared them...I'd be interested in your opinion."
Actually I have, and they all sound very good. Nevertheless only one doesnt have video switching.
As a sidenote. There must be a serious outbreak of "cotton-in-the-ear" because, many, many movie studios, use Bryston gear to monitor and QC their finished products. I am somewhat surprised that they are capable of putting so much performance in those little disc's, considering how significantly poor their equipment performs.
Here is a list of some music and movie studios who suffer along with significantly underperforming gear. You might notice a few...Dolby, Lucasfilms, Chesky, Polygram, Captital, Chrysalis, Paramount, etc. etc.
20Hz20kHz Studios - Naples, Italy
360 Mastering - London
Abbey Road Studios
Advantage Audio - Los Angeles
Anne & Roger Dudley - UK
Anvil Post Production - UK
Arena Mobiles - UK
Athens Concert Hall - Greece
Baruch College
Basement Floor Prod. - USA
Battery Studios Mastering - UK
BBC Maida Vales 2,3,4 - UK
BBC Radio 1,2,3,4,5 - UK
BBCTV - UK
BBC Pebble Mill Birmingham - UK
Bearsville Studios - New York
BHF Sport
Bobby Fernandez - Los Angeles
Brian May - UK
Capital Radio - UK
Capital Records - Los Angeles
Capsiso - Kyoto Japan
Castle Sound - UK
Cavo Studio - Italy
Chesky Records
Chrysalis Todd A O Europe
Cinesonic
CityTV
Simon Climie - London
Complete Video - London
Crossroads Productions - Portland
Crystal Method-LA
De Lane Lea - UK
Debney Studio
Delos International - LA
Dennis Sands - Los Angeles
Dolby Europe
Dolby Laboratories - San Francisco
Earth, Wind and Fire - Maurice White - LA
Effanel Music - NY
Electric City - Brussels
EMAP on Air - UK
Essential Pictures - London
Final Stage Mastering - Nashville - USA
Fleetwood Mobile
Fountain Television
Fonoprint - Bologna, Italy
Garth Brooks - Nashville - USA
Goldcrest Productions - UK
Golden Era - LA
Granada Television - UK Heathmans Mastering
Herbie Hancock/ Pat Gleason - LA
Hisfolkshome Studios - San Jose
Hillside Studios
BBC Hippodrome
Imagica - Gotanda Japan
Imagica - Skinagawa Japan
James Newton-Howard - LA
Jay Peter Robinson
Jim Carrey - LA
Jon Astley
John Bake Studio
Joseph Magee - Los Angeles
Junior Boys Own
JTM Studio
JVC Aoyama Studio
Kink FM
Longman Publishing Group
Lucasfilm
Lynx Video
Magmasters - UK
Master Mix - Nashville
MasterMind Productions - WI
Masterpiece Mastering - UK
Maxis - Silicon Valley
Metropolis Mastering
Metropolis DVD Mastering
Metropolis Studio
Michael Farrow - LA
Mike Post - Post Productions - LA
Mixers Lab - Tokyo
Molinaire - UK
Muchmusic
Musicplant
National Physical Laboratories
NATS - London
Nautilus - Italy
Nova Sound - Atlanta
Nova Sound - Orlando
Nuphonic - UK
NFL Films
Olympic Studios -
London
Paramount Mastering- LA
Paul Hamblin - London
Paul Klingberg-LA
Perfect Pictures
Peter Frampton
Peter Gabriel - Real World
Peter Walsh
PhaseOne - Toronto, ON
Piccadilly Radio - UK
PlayR Recodring - Pheonix
Polygram - New York
Premier Global Productions - Nashville/Regina
Rak Recording Studios - UK
Ray Charles
Ravenworks -LA
Red Led Studios - Madrid
Respect Studios - UK
Robbie Robertson
Robbie Williams Robert Fripp
Robin Williams
Royal College Of Music
Royal Shakespeare Company
Sadie - UK
Scramble Sound - London
Seal
Shawn Murphy - Los Angeles
Skyline Audio Post
Solid State Logic - UK
Sony Broadcast - UK
Sony Mastering - NY
SoundMasters International - UK
Steve Levine - London
Steve Winwood - UK
Stevie Wonder - LA
Stewart Copeland - Los Angeles
Studio Delfine - France
SVC - London
Swoon Factory
TAP - London
Tape to Tape - London
Taylor Made Films
Tetsuro Oda Films - Tokyo
Thames Television
Threshold Studios - L.A.
The Cutting Rooms - Manchester
Tic Tac Studios - Japan
Tio Pete Studios - Bilbao
Tokyogenzojo - Japan
Tokyo Processing Laboratory - Japan
Townhouse Mastering - UK
Townhouse Recording Studios - UK
Trinity College of Music - UK
TVI - London
TVP - London
Uber Zone- LA
University of Nottingham - UK
Veronica - RTL (the Netherlands)
Will Owsley- Nashville
West Side Studio - Japan
Whitfield Street Mastering
Wonderland - LA |
Distortion:
You don't have to agree with my opinion....but it is my honest opinion.
I'm happy for you that you love your Bryston gear. And I'm well aware that lots of studios have utilized Bryston gear. I have absolutely nothing whatsoever against Bryston gear. I've owned Bryston amps. And I've listened to lots of Bryston based systems.
And they do have the best warranty in the industry
But, the gentleman asked for some opinions about pre/pros. Yes, he specifically asked about video switching. I went through the same process he did in selecting a pre/pro....because I too wanted one without video switching. In fact, if I thought the Bryston sounded as good as the EAD I would have bought it hands down for that reason. I also discussed the matter with a very experienced audiophile friend who also owned the Bryston and swapped it for a EAD TM8800pro because of the difference in sonics.
The post specifically stated, "What do you think? The market does not seem to offer much and while I like what I read about the Bryston, I don't like the look of it and its cost."
I told him what I think.
I'm surprised you find it to be such a big deal for someone to state their opinion here. Isn't that what this forum is for?? Or is that my....distortion??
Harry |
Its just that your opinion sounds very uninformed. Especially the "much better" part. But I digress, who am I to disagree, the "experienced audiophile friend" hath spoken.
Its no big deal, its just wrong. Whether that be by design or ignorance, it doesnt matter. All the processors mentioned sound good, are very capable, and top-notch performers. I am not saying EAD isnt, like you did Bryston and Meridian.
"What do you think I should have differently in the first place??"
If you really want to know. In you're own words.
This.....
"You prefer Bryston, i prefer EAD. That's what makes the world go 'round. I think lots of this depends on system synergy, speakers, room, personal tastes etc.
Instead of this.....
"But the sonics are MUCH better than the Bryston...and I think they are better than Meridian too." |
Distortion:
I can't believe I'm dignifying this absurd thread any further. You seem to have quite a need to defend your Bryston. Why that is, I can only speculate. But, the reality is...that this forum is all about people asking for and getting the opinions of others. The thread asked for opinions about processors...and I gave my 2 cents.
You are now stating that my opinions are "uninformed" with no personal knowledge of how informed or "uninformed" they may be. In this regard, you show your own ignorance and arrogance. I've simply stated my opinions and my basis and rationale for those opinions.
I took a look at some of your own past threads...and noticed that, despite your criticism of me, you seem to allow yourself to state your own opinions rather freely. For example:
"01-15-04: Distortion
I dont want to get too far off my original tube question, but....
When I was using a Rotel Pre/Pro I had some upper midrange glare or harshness, when I upgraded to a Bryston processor it cleared up."
Here's another example:
"07-14-03: Distortion
Thanks for your recommendation of Classe Pre/pros. I gave them a try, but the Brystons dynamics and extension in bypass was superior, by my ear anyway."
I guess it's OK for you to state your preference for Bryston over Rotel or Classe....using words like "superior".....but it's NOT OK for me to state my preference for EAD using words like "much better". And of course I presume your view of the Rotel "glare and harshness" and the Bryston "dynamics and extension" was INFORMED but my view of the EAD was UNINFORMED. Right? You seem to have a vastly different set rules for others than you do for yourself!!!! You really do have a significant problem. i hope you read this post carefully so that you can see it for yourself as I am sure others can.
Also, I should point out that you also have a have a nasty penchant for misquoting. For example, you stated earlier:
"I guess that depends on one's definition of significant. I must have lousy ears. Because, I found all of the Processors (even the one's which you obviously you think sound poor) to sound quite good."
I NEVER said anywhere that any processors sounded "poor". In fact, I agree that most of the processors discussed are quite good. I simply stated my personal preference for the EAD. Needless to say...that's why I bought it. Particularly since I chose a processor with video switching even though I was hoping to find one without it (such as the Bryston). The point I was making, if you could have understood it, was that I chose EAD for sonics even though I would have preferred the Bryston because of the video switching issue.
Next time I'm asked for an opinion, I'll follow your advice and say...
"Gee....I understand you're looking for pre/pro advice....and I've listened to the Bryston and the EAD and several others....but before I tell you which one I think sounded "different" but not necessarily "better" to me....let me tell you that it's a free country...and there may be others (like Distortion) who like the Bryston a whole bunch better.....and it's really a matter of system synergy and other components anyway......and I don't want to offend any defensive Bryston owners (like Distortion)....because they would NEVER EVER state their opinion that they think their Bryston is better or superior.....but having said all of that....I happened to have liked the way the EAD sounded quite a bit more than the Bryston sounded......so much so....that I decided to buy a pre/pro with video switching even though I didn't need or want video switching. And please note that I haven't used words like better, much better and superior!!!!"
By the way...I think you've picked an excellent moniker.
Regards,
Harry |
Better is OK, superior even.
See one of my previous post. I suppose It all boils down to how one defines "much better" or "significantly better."
I defend ALL products when they are being unfairly smeared. Bryston happens to be a regular target though.
"And please note that I haven't used words like better, much better and superior!!!!"
Well done, because that first post sounded as if any who had/have a Meridian or a Bryston might as well have a bowl full of turds.
Thanks about the moniker, it has been around for a long time, I still play the Guitar a little and I love my distortion. |
Wow, aren't you the reigning expert in how to appropriately discuss equipment!!! Thanks so much for the tips. NOT!!!
You wrote:
"Better is OK, superior even."
From now on....I'll say "better" or "superior"...but not "much better."
You wrote:
"See one of my previous post. I suppose It all boils down to how one defines "much better" or "significantly better." "
I'm glad that you can set the standard for how "one defines" these. Perhaps you should publish your standards!!!
You wrote:
"I defend ALL products when they are being unfairly smeared. Bryston happens to be a regular target though."
Well, aren't you special!!? You are the supreme defender of unfair smear campaigns!! That is, unless you're doing the comparisons and critical of other equipment, like Classe and Rotel as noted in quotes earlier. But god forbid someone likes something better than Bryston...and you view it as "unfair" and "smear". It's good that you get to decide what is being "unfairly" smeared. Also, I'm very surprised that you viewed a simple statement that I thought the EAD sounded "much better" than the Bryston as a "smear" campaign......but somehow manage to view your criticisms of Rotel and Classe as valid and fair. You just cannot see or acknowledge how hypocritical you are. You also just cannot seem to tolerate that someone doesn't love a piece of equipment that YOU OWN. God forbid.
You wrote:
"Well done, because that first post sounded as if any who had/have a Meridian or a Bryston might as well have a bowl full of turds."
Not at all. Reread the post. I simply said that EAD sounded (to me, of couse) much better. I never said a negative word about Meridian or Bryston. Isn't anyone (except you) allowed to make a simple comparison here?
You wrote:
"Thanks about the moniker, it has been around for a long time, I still play the Guitar a little and I love my distortion."
I'm glad your happy with your moniker!! I just wish you were a touch more insightful.
Harry |
I see this discussion has you agitated.
Without being gratuitously immature. I would like to say.....
To be honest, having heard all of these Processors on many occasions, in many environments, including my home. I must say (once again) that the Bryston, EAD, and Meridian perform very, very close (along with others). To claim one is evidently superior to the other sounds like Bull$hi* to me. Sorry, you got called on this. You could have left my first post unanswered.
Maybe it is product defense. But, I would rather be defending something I know, than spouting something I dont.
Neither of our post are being beneficial. Obviously we cant settle our differences through typing. So maybe, it would better serve our fellow A'goners if we just leave it at that. |
Ok, sure...let's end this useless thread. I think we'll all feel better. But just let me ask a couple of final questions. How do you reconcile the following comments you have made?:
"08-16-03: Distortion
I compared many pre/pros before settling on the Bryston. It easily beat Krell(showcase), Rotel(1066), Integra(RD7 I think), B & K (Ref30 and 50), Sunfire(TG3), and Acurus. The Classe SSP-30 was very close. "
"04-19-04: Distortion
To be honest, having heard all of these Processors on many occasions, in many environments, including my home. I must say (once again) that the Bryston, EAD, and Meridian perform very, very close (along with others). To claim one is evidently superior to the other sounds like Bull$hi* to me. "
Well, Distortion?? It seems like you consider your own post of
4/19/04 to be total Bull$hi* if we follow the reasoning of your
8/16/03 post. Or are you the only one who is allowed to come to some conclusions when comparing equipment around here? Or are conclusions only valid when they support that your components are superior (as opposed to inferior) to others??
In all my days on Audiogon, AVS forum, and Audioasylum, I've never seen ANYBODY with your degree of persistant arrogance or inconsistency.
Have you really had an EAD processor in your home?? Which one??
Harry |
Have you put in to many hours at the hospital? Or is spring fever gone bad in Maryland?
This is childish and useless but....
If it isnt already obvious, some Processors do outperform others. Usually you have to triple the cost to get a solid performing 2 channel Processor.
Do you see Meridian or EAD in my comparison.
So my inconsistency and arrogance stem from a fictional conclusion that if I think 3 processors perform close then all Processors must perform close. Right. Highly flawed logic.
And of course yours' is so superior that even someone with cotton in their ears could tell the difference.
All I wanted to do was let AGW, yunno the guy who asked about video switching, know that not all A'goners feel EAD blows Bryston (which he did mention) and Meridian away.
You kept revisiting and using my name on each post. Maybe it is persistent arrogance. You requested and received it.
EAD TM 8000, but I have heard just about all the EADs at this point. And.....they are all excellent. |
It's not an issue of whether you specifically mentioned EAD or Meridian or Bryston. Let's forget the specific equipment here. It's your criticism of others for things that you do yourself that bugs me into spending some precious time on this useless thread!!
You readily compare Bryston to Krell yourself.....but get critical when I compare EAD to Bryston. How do you reconcile that????
"08-16-03: Distortion
I compared many pre/pros before settling on the Bryston. It easily beat Krell(showcase), Rotel(1066), Integra(RD7 I think), B & K (Ref30 and 50), Sunfire(TG3), and Acurus. The Classe SSP-30 was very close. "
You're allowed to say Bryston (list $4K) easily beat Krell (list $4k).......but god forbid I say that I think EAD is sonically "much better" than Bryston.........and you start telling me how inappropriate that is.
It's all plain to see....but it is unlikely that you will allow yourself to see it.
Harry |
Oh boy, oh boy what a mess I started!
Well, guys I appreciate some of the insights I got here and I'm sorry to have (indirectly) caused some acrimonies between you too; who knows maybe one day we'll bump into each other at an audio store and we'll laugh about it.
Anyway, going back to MY original topic, thank you very much, I know that Meridian makes an amp with no video switching and that EAD does not.
I'm also under the impression that maybe it is ok to accept the idea of wasting the video switching section.
There is another thread recently started about the best 5.1 pre/pro and I see some other names and opinions.
I guess that if this was an easy decision we wouldn't be here discussing it and where would all the fun be?
Thanks again for your comments (some of them anyway) and if you guys do happen to think of some other names please do post.
Thanks
Andrea |
Agw, no problem I rather enjoy it.
I agree that it is acceptable (to most anyway) to waste the video switching section. You're right it isnt an easy decision and it is a potential financial wash too (A lot of Processors dont hold their value well).
I didnt want video switching either, but I didnt limit myself to those that didnt as far as comparison. Even though a lot of semantics were discussed in the previous post very few specifics were. I specifically wanted a Pre/Pro to do 2 channel well and thats what lead me to where I am today.
Although looking back I probably should have built my two channel around my HT. Though dont get me wrong I am not disappointed. Its just that, after hearing so many Processors it is readily apparent that most of the "good" Processors perform very close when in movie mode (DD/DTS). Its the music modes that set them apart(good from great IMO), especially two channel. But you can easily achieve as good or even better 2 channel with a piggybacked Preamp.
EAD are awesome performers. In retrospect, had I auditioned one when I was originally shopping, I might have one of them right now. But, dont take my word for it. Get out and listen to some. Theres nothing like hands and ears on. |
Thank you again for your comments. I think I'll take a look at EAD and possibly Meridian and Bryston as well.
Maybe I should just stay with my AVP... |
