2. amps-preamps
  3. 990470064

HT vs. stereo pre-amps again

I've currently got both a Sunfire Theatre Grand MKII and a Perreaux SA3 stereo preamp, both of which are feeding the amp that powers my fronts (bryston 4B-NRB). It's an inconvenient setup (neither has a pass-through). Several threads here have discussed whether there are HT preamp/processors which can compete with a good stereo preamp, and if I read them correctly, the consensus is probably not. Bryston has a new processor out (SP1) which has completely separate analog and digital sections. Anyone have any experience with this unit? It's analog section is just their BP25 preamp. Alternatively, anyone have a surround processor (I'm looking maybe CAL CL2500) that really keeps up with a good analog unit?
dbw1

Showing 2 responses by sean

sean
6,231 posts
 
I'm still in the same boat as you in the fact that i'm looking for a preamp / processor that does both HT & music at a reasonable price. I've tried several of the "mid-fi" processors ( Parasound 1800, Marantz 9000, Denon 8000, Carver, etc..) and had no luck so far. In order to get the results that i'm looking for, i think that i'm going to have to break down and spend more than i was hoping to.

Out of curiosity, how does you Sunfire Mk II perform on 2 channel ? I was thinking about giving one of those a try. Besides the fact that it has a phono, the cosmetics ( like that's a big deal ) would actually match my two Sunfire Sig's that i'm running for amps in that system. I assume that you like the Perreaux better in this aspect, otherwise you wouldn't have it still hooked up. Then again, i've never really liked any of Carver's preamps in the past and that is what is holding me up from taking the plunge.

I'm currently using my Marsh MSD-P2000 in place of a surround processor in that system and so far, i'm not really missing the effects. The 2 channel and movies sound better than ever with this combo even though it is only running on the mains. Sean
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sean
6,231 posts
 
Doug, i've been "halfway" looking for a decent processor to try with the Marsh via the tape loop. I am aware of having to do the "dual volume balancing act" using this method. Given the results that i've gotten using this preamp for two channel use as compared to the other processors that i've mentioned, there is NO comparison. This is not to say that the Marsh is the "end all" for preamps by any means, but that it simply works quite well in this specific system.

Dbw1, thanks for the feedback. I too would want to go lower than 80 Hz on the subs if possible. The "new and improved" Sunfire HT preamp will probably be out by the end of the year from what i was told by the factory. Maybe that will give us what we are looking for.

As to Dhodges and Sounddood, thanks for the tips. I was somewhat interested in the Anthem piece but was unable to find one locally. I've since found a shop that has got them in stock and may need to give them a shout. As to the YBA piece, i would be quite interested in that piece also. Maybe it has been a good thing that i haven't jumped the gun on anything yet. Could be bigger and better things on the horizon. Then again, isn't there always... : ) Sean
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