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

Showing 5 responses by ears

ears
341 posts
 
Check out the review of the Parasound Halo c1 in Widescreen Review.
The c2 can be had new for around 3200.00 and offers the same sonics as the c1.
Widescreen Review is one rag that is not afraid to say what they think and they have had very negative comments about popular amplifiers from Canada as well as England that other rags praise.
They also have commented on Sacd's sonic advantage over dvd-a when other rags were/are fence sitting wimps.
In other words, you can take there reviews with 2 grains of salt instead of the usual 1.
ears
341 posts
 
I talked to a Parasound halo c2 owner on the avs forums that had both the Bryston and the c2 for in home evaluation.
He said the Bryston was a very good pre/pro but that the c2 was superior in dd/dts, whith more extention of the extremes and a slightly better sounding analog bypass.

I will have mine in a week or so for 3098.00 delivered and will do my own comparison with a friends sp 1.7.

A better place to get pre/pro info than a-gon is www.avsforum.com
There is a c2 thread with 90+ posts for instance with comparisons to EAD,Bryston,Proceed,classe,Sunfire,Anthem ect, and in every comparison, the c2 is the winner.
The Bryston 1.7,Classe 60 and Parasound halo c2 were the last on my list with the best looking by far, being the c2.

The dealer I am buying from, says the c1 and 2 which are identical sonically,compete with the Krells, which they also sell.
ears
341 posts
 
The parasound c2 has analog pass thru via the 7.1 inputs or balanced inputs for stereo.
The multi channel analog is 107 db s/n and even the volume control is analog.
This is the connection I would use.

Beleive me I have researched this and there is no re-digitzing in the analog bypass in the Bryston or c2.

This is the first question I have asked many owners.

Turns out the guy that gave me the latest comparison between the Bryston and the c2 is a dealer for both as he offered to beat any price on either hmmmm.
Pre/pro decisions are a lot of work imho.
ears
341 posts
 
I just wanted to clear up the re-digitizing of the pass thru.
The trim controls and analog volume only, are in the chain.
The 2 and multi channel sacd are run through the 7.1 inputs so there taken care of.
A stand alone cd player could be plugged into the balanced inputs.
The Bryston and most other pre/pros have the same problem [not for me] with limited ic's.
As far as the sonics on any pre/pro comparing to a quality 2 channel pre, I have my doubts,this is why I will only spend around 3k for a pre/pro to begin with.
ears
341 posts
 
This could be the best pre/pro regardless of price.
If you are charitable and have a big budget, check this out.

Ebay auction 304 2895 736
I don't gennerally use e bay but this is special.
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