The 2 seperate 5.1 inputs has me stumped..... I don't know of ANY pre/pro that has TWO....
I'm sure they exist, but they may not be in the format you want (ie Chiro C800/C5.1 has 2 seperate analog inputs...one is a DB-25, one is RCA....but the DB-25 is used for the C5.1 input...thus eliminating the second when you need two inputs.... |
There are several preamps with 2 but, so far, no pre/pros. With a pre only, I'd need a sepatate pro and that would mean that I'd then need 3 inputs on the pre. Vicious cycle. |
You might consider an external multichannel switcher like this to make your search easier.
http://www.digitalconnection.com/products/audio/mas3.asp
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You might consider an external multichannel switcher like this to make your search easier.
http://www.digitalconnection.com/products/audio/mas3.asp
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Thanks. That's an option if there are no other alternatives. |
Y'know. I've heard of that before. ;-)
Thanks. |
You may want to look at the Sony TAP-9000es - all analogue and 2 sets of 5.1 inputs. Audio Refinement has one (Pre-5) that is analogue and I *think* has 2 sets of inputs. Both of the above mentioned should be found for <$1K. I had a similar search a little over a year ago and ended up with the Audio Refinement Pre-2DSP. It only has 1 set of 5.1 inputs though and is a pre-pro but all analogue (no digital processing of the incoming source signal). I have SACD but would like the second 5.1 input for DVDA so I don't have to buy a universal player. For now though I am content with SACD until more "must have" titles are released on DVDA. |
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Thanks. I have already reviewed the Sony and the Pre5. The former is not a pre/pro and the latter has only one MCH input (and ain't a pre/pro either). Looks like an external switch may be necessary.
Oh, no receivers, please. |
KR4,
Sorry, I didn't catch the qualification of needing a processor:-) I would love to find exactly what you are looking for! If you find it, let me know. I have been wishing for that type of flexibility for about 3 years. I ended up with the Audio Refinement Pre-2DSP but am limited to only 1 set of 5.1 inputs - having to stick with my current SACD but no DVDA (don't want a univ. player either). Right now, I am looking strongly at the Bel Canto Pre-6 but would be relying on the internal DD/DTS processing of the DVD/SACD player I am using since it isn't a processor. I would have to forego Pro-LogicII and some of the other music surround modes. I miss the days when manufacturers made "processor only" units that didn't function as preamps. Then you could stick with a HQ multi-channel pre and swap out (or upgrade) the processors to accomodate newer technologies! |
Consider a multi-channel preamp. The EMM-Labs Switchman 3 (if you don't mind a wired remote) or the new Audio Research MP1 come to mind. You get 3 or more sets 5.1 multichannel analog inputs from multiple sources: SACD, DVD-A, and even your SS-Processor. The MP1 has a processor pass-thru with unity gain, allowing a home theater processor to control overall system volume (by connecting a pair of amps/speakers to the processor output you achieve 7.1!). Just received my Audio Research MP1 Friday but haven't had a chance to set up yet. Sources include the following: Lexicon RT-10, Sony C555ES, Denon 5900 into Lexicon MC-8B. All speakers active: ATC ASL100 (3), ATC ASL 20 (4) and ATC C-6 LFE. Ray. |
Thanks. I've seen and heard the MP1 but it ain't a processor and that means an additional box on the already crowded rack. |
Slightly off topic. Can somebody, please explain this? I have Bryston SP-1 Pre-Pro, which has one set of 5.1 inputs. My understanding is that Bryston's preamp section is 2 channel analog preamp "analogous to Bryston own B-25 stereo preamp". So, how does Bryston do 5.1 channel preamplification for multichannel analog source ( SACD or DVD-Audio)? Two front channels go through the analog pass-through and the rest through the digital circuitry of processor part?
The same applies to Audio Refinement Pre5, which is again a 2-channel analog preamp with "5.1 capability". Appreciate your clarification in advance. |
The Bryston SP-1 (or SP-1.7) has multiple 2-channel analog inputs for stereo redbook CD player, 2-channel output from your SACD player (most/all SACD players have one set of 5.1 and one set of stereo analog outputs), or even FM radio-tuner and vinyl turntable. There is only one set of 5.1 analog inputs--this set of inputs can be used by only one set of 5.1 analog outs from a 5-channel SACD player or your DVD-Audio player. The 2-channel bypass and the 5-channel bypass modes engages the Bryston's "2-channel analog preamplifier" or its "5-channel multichannel preamplifier" --bypassing all digital processing of the SP1 (1.7) |
Rros05666! So, what you are saying is that Bryston does have a discrete 5 channel analog preamplifier? That's were my confusion is coming from- I was under impression, that Bryston analog preamp is 2 channels only. The same goes for Audio Refinement Pre5, which according to Stereophile article by Kal Rubinson is "essentially 2 channel preamp" with 5.1 input. What I'm actually asking is this: Is there any way to make a stereo preamp capable of processing multichannel (5.1) analog input of SACD or DVD-Audio by simply (or not simply) employing 5.1 input?. Regards. |
No. The Bryston and the Pre5 have 6 analog channels, although they each handle them a bit differently as the Bryston has digital processing as well. The only way to convert your 2channel preamp to 5.1 is to buy 2 more! |
I beleive that the new Cary Cinema 8 Pre/Pro has two sets of 5.1 inputs |
