HT and 2-channel music setup - New Ideas?

Harry again failed to mention that he only uses the EAD for HT. It sounds to me like you want a processor for double duty (HT and 2 channel). Though, ultimately listening to both is the best advice.

Here is link to the thread in which I posted opinion after A/B'ing the Bryston and EAD.

I dont know the Sim very well, so I wont comment, though it is well respected.

It wasnt that nasty, sometimes you just have to stick up for a product, especially one that you like. Bad advice is bad advice and I call 'em like I see 'em.

I will chime in for the Sim Attraction (5.1 version only). excellent 2-ch and a low noise floor when run balanced (I also used a Theta Dreadnaught as well- superb HT amp). The EAD 8800 Pro may be a step up though. Some of the EAD's use a special Arlon board, and btw, the Attraction uses EAD digital internals. Re: Stargate- better features; but the Attraction is the winner on sound quality (I know someone who has compared both).

Distortion et al:

Sorry i "failed" to remind everyone that I use my AV processor primarily for AV processing and not 2 channel listening.

It is true that I isolate my two channel path so that it doesn't travel through the AV processor when I'm listening to stereo. I can explain how to do this very simply if anyone has interest in it.

But I did test the Bryston vs. the EAD in 2 channel and stereo mode when I had them both together. To my ears, the EAD is superior. In fact, even though I don't use it in this manner, the sonic superiority is more apparent in 2 channel mode, since pcm stereo is a purer, uncompressed source than DVD anyway.

I'd probably take an EAD, Theta, or Meridian over the Bryston, even though I still view the Bryston as a pretty good pre-pro.

Harry

Thank you, guys. Having heard all the wonderful comments I'm going for the EAD.
Regards
Ken

Ken:

Nice choice. If I can help you with setup or problems, don't hesitate to contact me at harry@brandtmd.com.

harry