2. home-theater
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Best All time 5.1 Pre/Pro

I’m working on upgrading my Linn AV5103 Pre/Pro, and am considering several units available. First, let me say I don’t need HDTV Switching, that is already taken care of. Second, I only want 5.1 surround, no need for more advanced formats other than DTS. The speakers/amps are all Linn, 7xAV5105’s, all active to 4xAV5140’s and one AV5120 as a center channel, AV5150 sub. I love the amp/speakers, but would like to change out the pre/pro, for several reasons, the second delay locking on to digital signals is annoying. Love the sound, but it has no multichannel inputs.

I’ve got several units I’m considering, and would love more input as to recommended units…

Several things I’ve considered are;

1) Cal Audio SSP 2500
2) Theta Casablanca I/II with superior DAC’s
3) Meridian 8 series…though probably out of my price point..
4) Proceed PAV/PDSD…still love the classics..
5) EAD theater Master 8000
6) Chiro 800/5.1
7) Classe SSP-75

I don’t particularly like Lexicon…to digital for me, and don’t like the harshness of Bryston/ B&K (probably annoyed several folks putting these two together but…)

I’m curious what else you all would recommend…….5.1 channel inputs are a big plus….though this system is mostly used for HT.

Ken
kennyt
henryhk
648 posts
 
check ou Arcam! very good value, great sound
vikingboy
42 posts
 
ead 8800pro.
Finest processor Ive owned.
henryhk
648 posts
 
I'e heard the Theta's and EAD. Theta's sounded as having more air at the treble and a greater soundstage though EAD was no slouch, either
hbrandt
272 posts
 
Henryhk:

Specifically, which models did you compare? The reason I ask is that there has been tangible evolution in the sound of the Thetas and the EADs. For example, the EAD Theatermaster 8800pro sounds SIGNIFICANTLY better than the 8000pro. Similarly, while I haven't heard it yet....i would wager that the Casablanca III sounds much better than the Casablanca II. So it is very hard to compare processors at this level unless you are comparing apples to apples.

I would LOVE to see a review of the 8800pro to the Casablanca III. Of course, there price points are different too.

Harry
blw
147 posts
 
Having owned one, the Classe SSP75 is a *VERY* good sounding piece. However, I don't think I could recommend it, as it proved to be quite unreliable. I thought I just had an early unit that was an outlier, but when I sold mine I got several notes from other owners asking to compare experiences...

Somehow I had the nerve (foolishness?) to replace the SSP75 with an SSP60. I've now had it for about 9 months, and it has been bulletproof, so it seems that they've got it sorted now. The SSP60 is *almost* as good as the 75 - the main difference in my room is a slightly less silky smooth treble.

I have only heard the previous generation Theta, and I preferred the SSP75 to the Theta for a better soundstage.
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