2. home-theater
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Best preamp/processor for audio and home theater?

Until now I kept my highend audio gear (Forsell Air Reference CD transport, Audio Synthesis D/A converter, Krell KRC preamp as a run-through component linked to my Yamaha DSP-A1 processor for the home theater. Since I plan to change to a DLP projector with component output, I need to replace the Yamaha processor with a processor that can handle the component inputs. At the same time I would like to get rid of the preamp/converter 'branch' of my system and replace it with a processor that provides highend audio on 2 channels and may be more channels. It looks that the Lexicon MC-12, the Classe SSP-75 or the Integra RDC-7 are possible choices. Has anyone suggestions and experience with those processors especially regarding their highend audio qualities (including using them as a D/A converter for a CD transport)or any other idea to combine 3 components into 1 ?
rogerwalk
ton1313
272 posts
 
I am not using a seperate "Audio" Pre, only a seperate DAC. I have compaired the two directly. The DAC passed through the RDC-7 with "Direct Analog Bypass", and then my Transport into the RDC-7, which is in stereo mode with the Sub off, and upsampling turned on. As I said before, they are both very good at what they are designed to do, is one "better" than the other? At this level I think it is more personal preference. I am not familiar with your DAC, mine is a Tube DAC, and Tubes have a different sound.

I enjoy both, I find myself listening to each about an equal amount of time. I really think you will be surprized with the preformance of the RDC-7, they reall did there homework. I think you should demo one if you have a local store in your area. If you are in the Philadelphia PA Area, check out World Wide Stereo in Mongomeryville.
kthomas
911 posts
 
Rogerwalk - I have the MC-1 and am about to trade it in on the MC-12, so I don't have any direct experience yet with the MC-12. However, if you can afford to go that route, I doubt you'll find it lacks compared to anything shy of a dedicated very highend 2-channel preamp for music. It has analog pass=thru (the MC-1 doesn't) for up to 6 channels. I have not seen any reviews, but I've read a fair amount of user feedback, all very positive. If you enjoy HT, the MC-1 enjoys the reputation of being the best in that department. Many feel it lacks in 2-channel audio, though I find it to be excellent. The potential subtle improvements of a dedicated preamp vs. what I believe the MC-12 will deliver is definitely not worth the cost, complexity or space, at least to me.

One local high-end shop claims the new Krell HTS2 outperforms the KRC-3 as a 2-channel preamp. No experience on my part. -Kirk

ehoehn
169 posts
 
The Meridian 568
telcom1
4 posts
 
try the krell hts.
youn wont be sorry.
the best on the market.
haim.
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