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help with HT setup?

I have completed my 2 channel setup and am ready to update the HT portion of the system. I have CJ 2 channel amp and preamp. Pre has a processor loop in which is plugged an Adcom GSA-700 which is a 3 channel amp with pre-processor. The Adcom is pro logic and needs to be replaced/upgraded. Adcom makes a GDD-1 which is a Dolby digital decoder which upgrades the GSA-700. However it does not have DTS (is this important?). Is there another product similar to this with DTS which will allow me to use the GSA-700 or should I get a HT receiver and use the amp of the receiver to drive the center and rears? If I use a receiver, how do I tie the CJ equipment and receiver together? Would I still use the processor loop of the CJ as I do now? Your suggestions are appreciated
128x128artemus_5
7 responses Add your response
artemus_5's avatar
artemus_5 OP
1,911 posts
 
Forgot to mention that I am trying to stay at $750 or below
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,138 posts
 
DTS not that important, since there is not much DTS software.
glen's avatar
glen
714 posts
 
I beg to disagree with Swampwalker. Three years ago that would have been a valid statement but these days there are plenty of DTS movies and more coming out everyday. DTS sound quality is a force to be reckoned with. The sound quality is superior to any other format and definitely here to stay. Could you honestly enjoy Gladiator any other way? I think not IMO
avguygeorge
2,300 posts
 
In veiw of your budget, keep the 3 ch amp for centers and rears. Use the pre/main amp for the fronts. there are lots of threads on this. Albert just posted on how this is done. I do this, also. Then get you a used stand- alone processor w' DD, DTS.(DC1/or many other choices) --Can be had in your price range.
mg123
192 posts
 
I think you should get a pre/proc with DTS. The sound is noticably better, not to mention some truly outstanding DTS High Definition CDs available.

I would ditch the two channel preamp. You would involve additional cables and switching to keep it. I would be surprised if your 2 ch CJ pre was that much better than the pre/proc you will buy to justify the increased complexity. Sell the 2 ch pre and use that money to buy good cables, including good power cables. simpler is better
artemus_5's avatar
artemus_5 OP
1,911 posts
 
I appreciate the suggestions so far. I should also mention that my system is used predominately for 2 channel listening about 80%-20%. Therefore I am not interested in spending the $ that I have in 2 channel for HT but would like the most bang for the buck.
Mg123>> I have a CJ PFR preamp. If I sold it at book value and added $750 I would still have less than $2k to spend. I don't know if I could get a pre-pro that would equal the CJ in 2 channel and I don't want to compromise on that. However if there is a pre-pro in the price range I would consider it. Also I have another problem to address concerning amps
Avguy>> I believe the Adcom amp-pre-pro does not allow me to bypass the pre-pro and use the amp alone. I will check the manual to make sure.
Thanks again
inscrutable
312 posts
 
If you can still use the amp section of the Adcom without the processing, try to stretch your budget a bit and go for the new Outlaw 950 pre/pro. It looks to be a steal at $900. I'd keep/integrate the C-J, at least until you can compare it to the Outlaw's performance without it.
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