It all depends on what caliber DAC your universal player has. You are essentially listening to the DACs and the analog output stage. If you already own a universal player with high grade analog outs, get an analog MCH preamp. I used a McCormack MAP1 in my secondary system and it is a pretty nice amp. If you don't have a good analog MCH player yet, getting a good SSP and using your player as an HDMI transports is more flexible and cost effective.
HT Processor Failing, any ideas on Multi Channel P
Hello,
I am currently running a Myryad HT processor. Thing is I am not using it for hardly any processing! I want a multi channel preamp to pass through a 5.1 signal from a Blu Ray and I will have a computer/dac setup for music.
My thought was to get a multi channel preamp without any processing for this purpose. Any suggestions?
Should I get something like the McCormack MAP-1
Or perhaps by a used high quality processor and use a analog bypass for HT and the Dac section for the computer? I have noticed some great processors (such as the Sim-audio attraction) for sale cheap!
Thanks
I am currently running a Myryad HT processor. Thing is I am not using it for hardly any processing! I want a multi channel preamp to pass through a 5.1 signal from a Blu Ray and I will have a computer/dac setup for music.
My thought was to get a multi channel preamp without any processing for this purpose. Any suggestions?
Should I get something like the McCormack MAP-1
Or perhaps by a used high quality processor and use a analog bypass for HT and the Dac section for the computer? I have noticed some great processors (such as the Sim-audio attraction) for sale cheap!
Thanks
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Multi channel and two channel - a mixed system- Right now I am using a Pioneer elite Blu ray for HT and running a mac mini with optical out into the SSP. I am using the SSP in analog pass thru mode for the Blu Ray... I think I could improve things if I went with an external Dac for the mini Thoughts? My system is Myryad MDP 500 SSP Pioneer Elite Blu ray Myryad 3 channel amp for Center and Rear Surrounds Mac Mini for Music ( all Digital) Mesa Boogie Baron for Two Channel and Front Speakers Von Schweikert VR4 jrs... |
Vongwinner, if you Pioneer Elite is the BDP-09 this is a no brainer - go the analog MCH preamp route. I had one of those myself, and it is a very good analog player. In my estimation to get the same SQ from a SSP over HDMI, you have to spend a few grand. You can also make huge improvements on your 2 channel path. There are two ways to do this. You could get a good USB dac (like Ayre) and run it two channel into the MCH analog preamp (McCormack or equivalent). An even more promissing route is to get a USB DAC with volume control and HT bypass. You would run MCH mains through the bypass and control 2 channel volume with the DAC. If the DAC has no bypass but an analog input, just find unity gain level and use it in bypass mode. I believe the wyred4sound and Bel Canto foots the bill. If you indicate you are interested I may list my McCormack for sale. It is currently doing Barbie Movies in the upstrairs system and I can easily do the same with a cheaper alternative. Not sure yet if I want to sell it, because I like to keep a backup if my listening room MCH premap fails, but let me know - I would consider it. |
Hello and thanks, Just as I thought. Yes I have the BDP-09 and the analog is great. I am thinking that if I go the MCH preamp route I will be safe from future upgrades-something I got tired of with all the possessors I have bought. I agree and am headed in the route you suggest with the usb Dac. I was really impressed with the wyred4sound dac! I am interested in your McCormack if you let me know what you want and could send some pictures that would be great! Email is [email protected] Thanks! |