2. home-theater
  3. 1060947576

Which Pre/Pro regardless of $$$

The more I read about, or shop for a Preamp/Processor, the longer the list is getting. I currently have
* Sony TA-E9000ES
* Parasound amps (220W x 5)
and want to upgrade the whole system:
I've started with speakers...

*** (1st part of upgrade) JM LAB 936 Electra Speakers w/matching center(c901) and surrounds (906).
Now I need my pre/pro.
Want to achieve a system that will shine for both Movies and Music.
However, since I already have a dedicated 2ch system; if I had to choose music vs. movie performance in this system, I would give the nod "slightly" towards movie performance .

On my list (so far)....
* Bryston SP1.7
* EAD TM 8000 (is their a sound benefit w/ the PRO version ?? will the new 8800 be worth wait/$$ ??)
* Krell HTS 7.1 (does this model still "pop" when locking onto a digital source ?, does it still miss the first few seconds of sound from cd/dvd while locking onto digital source? I ask only because the older HTS models had this problem)
* Tag Mclaren AV32R bp-192
* Lexicon MC-8B

I've already auditioned Sunfire, Anthem, and Aragon; and am working on the above. I would like (and appreciate)feedback and/or recommendations on any of the Pre/Pro's listed above.

I would like
* Analog pass-thru for SACD/DVD-A
* Bass Management (for the SACD/DVD-A as well; if possible)
* DPLII, DTS,DD, etc.., etc..
* The ability to listen to stereo sources with the Front L/R main speakers set to Large and still be able to use (or not use) the sub when I want.
**** MOST IMPORTANT - Excellent SOUND !!!!

THANKS IN ADVANCE !!!
Paul
capnizzy
jpshinn
8 posts
 
You may also wish to consider the Linn Kisto.
cytocycle
1,043 posts
 
Remove the Tag, they've stopped developement of new products.
http://www.highfidelityreview.com/news/news.asp?newsnumber=18448214

I have an EAD Signature, which is definitely one of the most natural sounding with dialog, and the easy setup with the microphone that is included sets phase, speaker distances (delay) and volume levels. Plus it stores multiple system setups (store/recall feature), Movies use a sub in my system, CD uses the left/right full range without a sub (you could use it with a sub). The sub crossover is adjustable and down to 50hz! but only one sub out on the older version. The other really key item is each speaker can be crossed over to the sub and/or rolled off (big/small)... ultimate in flexiblity, so many do not let you set these items. The EAD uses Vishay resisters and they do make physical noise periodically when ramping up volume but not big deal since the resulting quality from this design is outstanding! This is truely a very musical preamp.

Krell/Classe have always enhanced the harshness of soundtracks in my opinion.

Lexicon has always done a good job of doing multichannel music! The EAD just beat it in 2-channel mode and that is what was important to me when I had only one system for two functions.
tommy3
1 posts
 
I vote for EAD TM 8000.
I own the EAD TheaterMaster Ovation (older version of EAD TM 8000)and I love it.
It does best on home theater and 2 channels music.
Happy Hunting.
hbrandt
272 posts
 
I have an EAD TM8000 pro. I actually added this to my 2 channel setup for home theater and preserved the 2 channel path which includes a Wadia Transport, digital Lens, TacT RCS 2.0s, dCS Purcell/Delius, and Placette dual mono preamp. The EAD TM8000 is so outstanding I'm beginning if I need to preserve the isolated path for 2channel. I'd definitely go with the EAD over the others you mentioned.
blw
147 posts
 
You should at least audition the Classe SSP-60. I have an SSP-75 and I don't have the harshness problem Cytocycle mentioned. The -75 is very good at sonics, and reportedly the -60 is in the same league - on the other hand the -60, being a much newer model, has the 7ch etc. (My 75 does not handle the sub as you desire, though. Not sure about a 60.)
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