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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
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.
distortion
571 posts
 
Capnizzy, I forgot to ask in my earlier post. How do you like the EAD so far? I have heard all good things about them.
distortion
571 posts
 
I didnt audition the Parasounds. I found once I read up on them that I had a few nitpicks. That and I dont have a dealer nearby.

My first nitpick was S/N ratio in analog mode, only 98db. Second was, all inputs flow through the DSP. Its a fine DSP, as a matter of fact the same as mine. A Motorola 56367. But a DSP is a DSP and I dont want my bypassed analog going through it. Finally, I dont much like tone controls. I know I know...I said nitpicks and thats all they are.

I have heard a ton of good things about these units. Maybe I should have given one a try.

Please let us know how you like it.
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.
elybry
10 posts
 
I have owned the Aragon Soundstage and Stage One and now the Krell HTS 7.1.(Which I purchased with the help of the special offer.) There is a definite improvement in all aspects of 2 channel and HT with the Krell. I would say that the Aragon gives 80-85% of the performance of the Krell at half the price. It is also a little bit easier to set up.
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