2. home-theater
  3. 1012714071

Help needed to make processor decision.

There are no dealers in my area that carry any of these processors:

Meridian 568
Classe SSP 75
Bryston SP-1
California Audio Labs CL 2500 SSP

I have read many good reviews about each but, since I can't audition any of them I need your help to decide which one would work best in my system. I am hoping to reduce the brightness I hear from the tweeters on my NHT 3.3s. Here are the components in my system to consider:

Classe 25 two channel amp (250 watts)
Wadia 20 CD transport
Wadia 25 DAC
NHT 3.3s
Cardas Golden Cross XLR Interconnect (DAC to Classe amp)
Cardas Golden Cross bi-wire speaker cable

I plan on removing the Wadia 25 DAC and routing the Wadia 20 CD transport to the new processor.
The video inputs on the Classe 75 would be nice but, not necessary.

Thanks for your input.
mnhgolf
danielk141
489 posts
 
Why don't you try a B&K REF 30? I own a B&K 3090, I purchased it from a fried who has NHT 3.3s front & rear, also their latest center channel. It is definitely not a bright sounding processor. It also has excellent bass-management...

Daniel
rap
58 posts
 
I agree, Lexicon should be considered seriously as well as Theta Digital Casanova. Both are available pre-owned at great prices. I had a Lexicon DC-1 then moved to the Casanova.
potrzebie
1 posts
 
6 years ago I tried a Lexicon and although it was good
for surround sound it sucked for 2 channel music.
I just got a classe spp 25 3 days ago and I am amazed.
Brand new, half price on ebay.
As for your brightness problems I took care of all that and more by putting a z-systems rdq-1 in between the transport and preamp.
This is a great music preamp, and it does sorround sound.
The 75 is suppost to be better yet.
If multi channel is more important to you than music, your mileage may very.

http://www.audioreview.com/A-V,Preamplifier/Class%C3%A9,SSP25/PRD_118239_2719crx.aspx

Thats my 2 cents.
Hope this helps.
mnhgolf OP
20 posts
 
Jimmy,

Thanks for the input. I probably need to consider the EAD Signature 8 since it has the Burr Brown PCM 1702 24 bit DACs. I have a cheap NHT SA-3 amp which I use with the Classe 25 to bi-amp the mains. I run my center channel and rear surrounds with an inexpensive Acurus Three Channel Amp 200 x 3.

Mike
mnhgolf OP
20 posts
 
Daniel,

Thanks for the input but, I want balanced outs which the B & K Ref 30 doesn't have.

Mike
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