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Multi Channel Pre vs processor

Has anybody compared the Multi Channel pre's to processors recently? As we see most multi channel pre's are going the way of the dodo bird, my guess would be they don't sound as good as I hoped they would. We built a new house and I have lost my sound only room. So now my system must double as a surround sound and to channel room. I know buy a preamp with a HT pass through. I have never heard a system like that sound great. I was hoping the Audio research MP-1, Parasound P7 or the Bel Canto Pre6 might solve my problems. But it seems the little that I can find written about it comes from several years ago. I wondered if anybody had done the comparison recently.
tsatalia
7 responses Add your response
kr4's avatar
kr4
3,678 posts
 
I have used and reviewed the Audio research MP-1, Parasound P7 and the Bel Canto Pre6 (and a few others) in my column, Music in the Round. All can be accessed at http://www.stereophile.com/category/music-round

FWIW, I use the AR MP1.
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dbphd
1,628 posts
 
I put a Cary Cinema 11a in the loop only to get surround DSD from a Sony XA5400ES, but it turns out surround sound and bass management seem better with the Cary in the loop. Stereo from the Cary is passed through a Parasound JC-2 BP. The Cinema 11a will be replaced by a Cinema 12 later today, but the configuration will remain the same.

db
weekendtoy
20 posts
 
I just skipped the pre-pro altogether. Oppo 105 direct to an Emotiva UPA-7 amp. Two pieces of equipment for 7.1 system.
michaela
314 posts
 
db - thanks for the input, i will try a similar set-up! Best,
Mike
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dbphd
1,628 posts
 
I've used an Oppo 105 for processing and speaker management, passing stereo through a Parasound JC-2 BP, surround going directly to the amps, and LF going to a Velodyne SMS-1 bass manager. A DirecTV HD-DVR goes to the Oppo via HDMI. The JC-2 BP is shared by an Ayre C-5xeMP, JC-3 phono stage, and Sony XA5400ES. The sound of this setup is excellent.

db
michaela
314 posts
 
I still run a Bel Canto Pre6 in my system but can't tell you how it would compare to the new processors. I can tell you that it works great and I haven't felt like I was missing anything. I have been using a Bel Canto PL2 for DVD playback but recently bought an Oppo 105D but haven't had a chance to set it up yet. I would be interested in what others thought about.
Good luck,
Mike
michaela
314 posts
 
I still run a Bel Canto Pre6 in my system but can't tell you how it would compare to the new processors. I can tell you that it works great and I haven't felt like I was missing anything. I have been using a Bel Canto PL2 for DVD playback but recently bought an Oppo 105D but haven't had a chance to set it up yet. I would be interested in what others thought about.
Good luck,
Mike
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