Thanks to everyone so far for your suggestions.
Vader, I assume your Sunfire suggestion would be for the ATI as I can't imagine it bettering the McCormack.
Bob, I realize that the Reference 30 is not the highest level pre/pro but it seems to get fairly favorable reviews so I am surprised you feel so strongly that it is out of place. I run the Pioneer's 6-channel analog outs through the analog inputs where no processing is performed, only volume control. I assumed this would be a fairly clean signal. Do you think otherwise? Also, see Tim's response as well. Do you think this setup would yield significant improvement?
Lthkeepr, Point well taken on room acoustics. I am finishing my basement and everything is moving downstairs. I will finally be able to position everything in the proper location as well as be able to allow for acoustic treatment. Wives are funny about putting acoustic material in the living room! My local shop has a demo MCS on sale for $1400. I had already considered upgrading but wasn't sure if more improvement would come from other changes. I think I'll bring it home for a demo!
Tim, I also like your idea as it lets me still use the processor and all of it's distance, loudness, and notch filtering for movies. Have you seen the new McCormack 6-channel preamp? I have read about it but didn't know how much improvement this would add. I think this would allow pass-through for all multi-channel formats, not just 2-channel. Would this accomplish the improvement your thinking I need?
Vader, I assume your Sunfire suggestion would be for the ATI as I can't imagine it bettering the McCormack.
Bob, I realize that the Reference 30 is not the highest level pre/pro but it seems to get fairly favorable reviews so I am surprised you feel so strongly that it is out of place. I run the Pioneer's 6-channel analog outs through the analog inputs where no processing is performed, only volume control. I assumed this would be a fairly clean signal. Do you think otherwise? Also, see Tim's response as well. Do you think this setup would yield significant improvement?
Lthkeepr, Point well taken on room acoustics. I am finishing my basement and everything is moving downstairs. I will finally be able to position everything in the proper location as well as be able to allow for acoustic treatment. Wives are funny about putting acoustic material in the living room! My local shop has a demo MCS on sale for $1400. I had already considered upgrading but wasn't sure if more improvement would come from other changes. I think I'll bring it home for a demo!
Tim, I also like your idea as it lets me still use the processor and all of it's distance, loudness, and notch filtering for movies. Have you seen the new McCormack 6-channel preamp? I have read about it but didn't know how much improvement this would add. I think this would allow pass-through for all multi-channel formats, not just 2-channel. Would this accomplish the improvement your thinking I need?