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Pre/Pro Advice for ATC Active HT

Long time Lurker, first time poster - that I can recall!

Gear: ATC C5CA, 2 x ATC 20ASL, 2 x ATC 10-2a, Denon 3803, some blu-ray player or another, Panasonic ae700, home made screen, PSB subsonic 3i. Dedicated room (light controlled) 11'w x 23' deep x 8' high.

I went with the ATC's because I wanted to get as close to live music as I could. I love live recordings. Listen to Jazz/Blues/Vocals/Classical - basically anything that demonstrates the artist's passion.

While I would like the best of both worlds, I would state my preference as awesome 2 channel with great HT capability.

My next upgrade is processor. I've checked out AVS forums regarding the Cary cinema 11a - great reviews for both 2 channel and HT; however, there are issues that have apparently been solved by the upgrade.

After the processore, acoustic room treatment, next would be OPPO 95, then Projector (Panny 4000? don't need/want 3d), followed by screen (stewart 130?)

Does anyone have experience with the Cary 11a feeding ATC actives? Heaven on earth?

Based on buying "previously loved", within that price range are there any other viable alternatives that I should be considering?

Currently only running projector through this system, but will eventually set up cable TV with gaming a long shot except on rare occasions; therefore, I do not believe that the "only 2 hdmi" slots will be an issue.

Appreciate your expertise
haftahavefun

Showing 3 responses by haftahavefun

haftahavefun OP
3 posts
 
I didn't know that; however, I like the sound of live recordings so apparently I like the "amplified sound" sound! Thanks for the input. I'll keep an eye open for studio sessions of life stuff I own as I'm curious to hear the difference.
haftahavefun OP
3 posts
 
Thanks KR. Ironically, I don't go to that live events so perhaps I like recording of live events because it gives me the sense of having been there. I like to hear the crowd's response to the music. Most of the live stuff I have enjoyed on two channel has been jazz trio although my all time favourite is probably Neil Young's "live at massy hall 1971". You make a good point, that unless you have the benefit of being in the studio, one wouldn't know what that sounded like.

In terms of room correction, the smatterings I've read about it on Agon and AVS seem to be of two minds not unlike the subjectivist/objectivist dicotomy.

I love the ATC's. Apparently not because it's as close to live music as one can get, but because it's the type of sound I prefer. It touches me.

Does anyone have any experience using the Cinema 11a in an active set up?
haftahavefun OP
3 posts
 
Valid point regarding room correction, Kal. I'll search the forums to find out how to go about that - based on your experience, where does that slot into the mix in terms of priority?

Valid point, again, on active/passive, I think. Just showing my inexperience/ignorance on the topic. So what you are saying, is that the cinema 11a, which has received solid reviews as a 2 channle pre/pro in a passive system, would be equally adept in an active set-up. Sounds like common sense to me, thanks. So then one of my main determinants is balanced connections.

Next question, what is the downside to going with an older pre/pro with balanced outs but with no HDMI. Any downsides to connecting the projector directly to my player?
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