2. home-theater
  3. 1183695480

What are you getting for $12k in a pre-pro?

First of all, I have no need for the 2-channel section in a pre-pro..period.

However, I am in the market for for a processor with 5.1 analog inputs. I am currently using a Sunfire Theater Grand II. To me, it sounds outstanding with digital coaxial connection...but, I understand going with a processor with a direct 5.1 analog hookup will be better with my hi-def dvd player.

I am considering a Theater Grand III because it has the 5.1 analog inputs.

What puzzles me is, for movies, how much better will a $10-12k processor be than the Sunfire Theater Grand III for showing movies? Please don't talk about 2-channel attributes here, just the ability to play back the audio on a dvd for movies. For several years I have been content with the sound I've been getting listening to movies. Now with all this hi-def dvd stuff going on, I'm wondering if I'm missing out on anything. And, for the life of me, I can't help wondering what a $10k and up pre-pro will do for a dvd that a $3500 pre-pro will not do, or how much better it will be.

Please, I just want to understand what's going on. I'm very new to the high-end on home theater and I just need to know what I'm missing, if anything by not having one of those $10k and up pre-pros.

Also, do the people that have $10-12k pre-pros generally use them for their primary 2-channel listening also? Or, is that $10k just for the playback of dvd's?

Please, I am not one of those people that bash others for spending large sums on their gear...lord knows that I've spent my share too. I just want my money's worth.

Please see my system page to see the associated equipment.

thanks.....mitch
mitch4t

Showing 1 response by johnnyb53

johnnyb53
3,510 posts
 
I think right now is the WORST time to upgrade pre/pros to handle the digital data stream from Blu-ray or HD DVD. Until they offer full digital video and sound processing from HDMI inputs, you're buying obsolescence.

So the interim solution is to make use of your analog DB25 5.1 input on your Sunfire. Here's Wireworld's offering of the DB25-to-RCA cable SoGood51 was talking about: http://www.gspr.com/wireworld/rainbow.html

Straightwire, Cobalt Cable, and several others used to make them. Maybe a vendor still has one lying around. You might also contact Sunfire or Aragon (who also used the DB25 input) for a wiring diagram so you could "roll your own" if Wireworld no longer offers theirs.
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