Arizona Audio Video Club


From our Newsletter:

"July Meeting at Esoteric Audio


This month's meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 29th, at 7:00 pm at Esoteric Audio. The address is 4120 North Marshall Way, Suite 1, in Scottsdale. That's just a few doors north of Indian School Road. For more information contact Gary Hjerpe at 480-946-8128. Our July guest will be Mr. Bruce Ball, National Sales Manager for Halcro Audio, USA. He may be joined by Technical Services Director, Gary Barker. Bruce will be showing us the new SSP-220 Surround Sound Processor & Preamplifier and the new EC800 DVD/SACD/CD player. He will be demonstrating the SSP-220's capabilities with high resolution, uncompressed audio in Dolby True HD and DTS Master Audio via Blu Ray disc. Movies and concert discs will be played back in either 5.1 or 7.1 surround. If available, Bruce will also be bringing the dm 38 stereo amplifier from their Reference Series of products, demonstrating two-channel audio. For a preview, go to http://www.halcro.com/products.asp"

Here's the weblink for their SSP200:

http://www.halcro.com/logic/productsSSP200.asp

Our Az AV Club notice says SSP220. Is that a typo?

Our Az AV Club notice says SSP220. Is that a typo?Probably. And so is the Halcro rep's name: should be Bruce Hall, not Bruce Ball.

BTW, real nice guy. He was the main guest at our local Los Angeles & Orange County Audiophile Society meet last April at Evolution Audio & Video (literally 20 yards from Theta headquarters).

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=13709293#post13709293

Sanjay

http://www.avrev.com/home-theater-news/video-processors-switchers-news/halcro-logic-launches-ssp220-surround-sound-processor.html

I believe this is the SSP-200 with n upcoming, significant firmware update. Halcro has been telling me for months a significant firmware update is coming as there are still a few bugs in the SSP-200... (e.g. no 1080P24, an issue with the rear channels, BTB).

Arizona Audio Video Club


From our Newsletter:

"July Meeting at Esoteric Audio


This month's meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 29th, at 7:00 pm at Esoteric Audio. The address is 4120 North Marshall Way, Suite 1, in Scottsdale. That's just a few doors north of Indian School Road. For more information contact Gary Hjerpe at 480-946-8128. Our July guest will be Mr. Bruce Ball, National Sales Manager for Halcro Audio, USA. He may be joined by Technical Services Director, Gary Barker. Bruce will be showing us the new SSP-220 Surround Sound Processor & Preamplifier and the new EC800 DVD/SACD/CD player. He will be demonstrating the SSP-220's capabilities with high resolution, uncompressed audio in Dolby True HD and DTS Master Audio via Blu Ray disc. Movies and concert discs will be played back in either 5.1 or 7.1 surround. If available, Bruce will also be bringing the dm 38 stereo amplifier from their Reference Series of products, demonstrating two-channel audio. For a preview, go to http://www.halcro.com/products.asp"

Finally, Steve you'll be hearing what I have been gushing about... Better get the Theta on eBay cuz you'll be asking for the demo processor after the event!:D

It's not a typo, the SSP220 was announced 7/24/2008 w2ith first shipments slated for August.

Bruce and his wife, who herself works for Ultra-link, which Bruce helped found, and eventually left to be the national sales manager of McClaren Audio and eventually became the importer before McClaren pulled the plug on being an audio manufacturer, last name is BALL not Hall. Steve was correct.

It's not a typo, the SSP220 was announced 7/24/2008 w2ith first shipments slated for August.

As ALWAYS, John is ALWAYS right.

http://www.avrev.com/home-theater-news/video-processors-switchers-news/halcro-logic-launches-ssp220-surround-sound-processor.html

Halcro Logic Launches SSP220 Surround Sound Processor
Home Theater News Video Processors-Switchers News
Written by AVRev.com
Thursday, 24 July 2008


Halcro recently introduced the SSP220, a feature-packed surround sound processor with significant improvements over previous models. Developed for the discriminating home theater enthusiast who demands the ultimate home theater experience, the new SSP220 delivers unprecedented performance and reliability. Halcro Logic Surround Processors offer a complete solution for all the variables of home theater applications and despite their sophisticated design are simple and intuitive to operate.


“Beginning in August Halcro will start shipping the new SSP220 Processor,” says Vice President Jesse Walsh. “We’ve spent several months revamping the platform software, improving every facet of the processors performance. We’ve also made some changes to the PCB’s, the manufacturing process and redesigned the packaging. We’ve improved the noise floor, switching speed, low black levels and reliability. The net result is that we have a “rock solid” machine that offers a level of performance that cannot be duplicated by any other processor on the market - at any price. With features including 1080P 24, Multi-channel Linear PCM, and true 7.1 discrete audio, the Halcro SSP220 is the new benchmark for high-end processors.”

Complimenting the SSP220, Halcro also offers the award winning MC multi-channel amplifier range. Featuring LYRUS amplification technology, a revolutionary circuit design, which exhibits a low noise floor and extremely low distortion, the Halcro Logic MC range is available in seven, five, three and two-channel models.

Halcro also offers the EC800 player to complete the system. The EC800 provides a host of features including HDMI, Video up-scaling, RS232 control, Ethernet connectivity and a multitude of video and audio formats including SACD for the for two-channel audiophiles.

SSP220 Specifications

Audio

• Multi-channel Linear PCM
• 7.1 discrete channels
• 7.1 channel balanced inputs and outputs with analog bypass and volume control
• 7.1 channel unbalanced inputs with selectable unbalanced and balanced outputs
• 4 special, programmable output channels. Auxiliary Manager for managing additional
• Channels (channels 9 & 10 for stereo subwoofers, ceiling speakers, etc.)
• Play music and/or video in two different rooms
• Patented High Dynamic Bass (HDB) circuitry for advanced bass management
• Choose the size of speakers & route the bass information through the subwoofer
• Auto calibration of speaker levels and distances with calibration microphone
• Simplifies set up for best in-room audio quality
• Adjustable Lip-sync function

Video

• 1080P 24
• 4 HDMI inputs. Digital audio & video can be sent from the DVD player direct to the processor and/or projector/plasma display
• 1 HDMI output. DVI fully supported via HDMI to DVI adaptor
• HDMI de-interlacing for improved video performance
• 4 component video inputs
• 1 component video output
• Composite and Component Video de-interlacing
• Component Video bypass switching (up to HDTV 1080p compatible)
• Analogue video to Digital, High Definition video conversion

Suggested Retail: 11,990.00

Same article as far as I can tell also at:

http://www.widescreenreview.com/news_detail.php?id=16558

Well, The Bland needs to now sell his dated Halcro and buy the new one. HA!!!@@@

Does Halcro have an upgrade or trade-in policy????

Who needs to sell their dated processor???

Unlike theta, Halcro does have an upgrade program. Two in the last year, in fact. Isn't Theta 2 upgrades in the last decade (not to mention being sold)?:) I will soon be fully upgraded.. C'mon Steve, you know I only pick winners.... Now get rid of your never-to-ever-be-upgraded-Theta and step up to the big leagues.....

Who needs to sell their dated processor???

Unlike theta, Halcro does have an upgrade program. Two in the last year, in fact. Isn't Theta 2 upgrades in the last decade (not to mention being sold)?:) I will soon be fully upgraded.. C'mon Steve, you know I only pick winners.... Now get rid of your never-to-ever-be-upgraded-Theta and step up to the big leagues.....

Cool!!

Jeff, do you know yet how much you get for your current Halcro in the trade-up program? Or your cost to trade-up?

Looks like this next year will be a biggie for you. New up traded surround processor from Halcro and certainly a new projector so you stay in the bigger wider leagues!!!@@@ Congrats.

Thanks! No cost (AFAIK). Yes, Art will be guiding my projector shopping at CEDIA. So I'm in good hands.

How cool is that. Art is going to be Jeff's mavin or is it rabbi?.

Thanks! No cost (AFAIK).

Good deal. You get the upgrade for the same price you got the surround processor originally. Even I don't get that good of deals!!!@@@

Seriously, which model Halcro do you have? What was that model's MSRP?
The new SSP220 has a MSRP of just short of 12 grand. Are you saying that everyone who bought your model gets the upgrade to the new SSP220 for no additional charge? That would be the deal of the century!!!

Good deal. You get the upgrade for the same price you got the surround processor originally. Even I don't get that good of deals!!!@@@

Seriously, which model Halcro do you have? What was that model's MSRP?
The new SSP220 has a MSRP of just short of 12 grand. Are you saying that everyone who bought your model gets the upgrade to the new SSP220 for no additional charge? That would be the deal of the century!!!

I have the SSP-200. The 200 is only a few months old. The 220, to me, appears to be the 200 with an entirely new firmware. There may be changes internally but I am not clear on that.

I am sure you'll find out when Halcro comes to Az. I plan on visiting them as well at CEDIA.

Steve,
I believe Esoteric Audio is also a Theta dealer. Are you guys planning to compare the new Halcro pre/pro to the CBIII?

I had one of the first SSP100s. Because of all the problems with it, Halcro upgraded me to the SSP200 at no charge. Last I spoke with Bruce, the firmware upgrade will also be free of charge to SSP200 owners. I'm not sure if that will bring the SSP200 up to the SSP220 technically, but I will try to contact Bruce and find out. Overall, having been with Halcro through the growing pains, I feel I can depend on them to do the right thing.

Steve,
I believe Esoteric Audio is also a Theta dealer. Are you guys planning to compare the new Halcro pre/pro to the CBIII?

Gary Hjerpe, Esoteric Audio, was one of the early Theta Digital dealers in the country. A few years back you asked about upgrading your earlier CB version to the 3 and you forget I referred you to Gary (although I think you went elsewhere!).

You should come Tuesday nite!@@:D

This won't be a comparison. Halcro is presenting this with Esoteric Audio, so this is Halcro's show!!!!

this sounds like fun..... Wish I was in Arizona. Curious to hear your impressions...

Gary Hjerpe, Esoteric Audio, was one of the early Theta Digital dealers in the country. A few years back you asked about upgrading your earlier CB version to the 3 and you forget I referred you to Gary (although I think you went elsewhere!).

You should come Tuesday nite!@@:D

This won't be a comparison. Halcro is presenting this with Esoteric Audio, so this is Halcro's show!!!!

Steve,
you have a hell of a memory!!! Unfortunately I can not make it...but would be interested in your impressions. I am still hoping for an HDMI upgrade from Theta by late 2008.

Steve,
you have a hell of a memory!!! Unfortunately I can not make it...but would be interested in your impressions. I am still hoping for an HDMI upgrade from Theta by late 2008.

And I remain hoping for an HDMI upgrade from Theta, too. Using the Integra DTC-9.8 preamp/processor in conjunction with the Six Shooter in my system works and sounds great.

But I give Halcro kudos for what they've been doing and it should be a good meeting.

I've been to their main factory in Adelaide...Totally awe inspiring...:)

Will this unit decode the bitstreams or only LPCM from the player. It seems like only the later. I have the MC12-HD now....will wait to see what they come up with and I hope we see something at the show.

Getting the upgrade bug again....

LPCM only. It is not HDMI 1.3.... but CEDIA may have something... Who knows?

If you get enough kudos from Steve, you can trade them in for a valuable surprize gift.:)

This is realy too bad. I really like Halcro equipment but I think I will wait until the SSP series stabilizes before getting one. In the meantime, I will probably use one of the Integras, Pioneers or Denons which already support HDMI 1.3. I think the high end companies underestimate the sheer engineering effort to get the new audio formats working.

This is realy too bad. I really like Halcro equipment but I think I will wait until the SSP series stabilizes before getting one. In the meantime, I will probably use one of the Integras, Pioneers or Denons which already support HDMI 1.3. I think the high end companies underestimate the sheer engineering effort to get the new audio formats working.

I agree. That's why I feel few high end manufacturers will offer anything HDMI 1.3. I have found the Halcro SSP-200 very stable over the last 6 mos of use. I know they have beta tested this upcoming release (firmware) for months. It has addressed the 3 main issues needed. So I am pleased as punch. I certainly won't be first on the block to drop $15K - $20K on a new flagship HDMI 1.3 processor from any manufacturer at this early date. Then again, I have no need as the Halcro gives superlative performance on a stable platform (which will soon be even better). Moreover, many new BD players output LPCM over HDMI of all lossless codecs. I own the Denon 3800 and it is an excellent match with the Halcro. I can concentrate my $$ on a new projector with no need to bother with new processing.:)

What we have seen in the last several years imply that early adopters of the SSP series were really beta testers. I think folks like yourself should be getting free firmware as well as hardware upgrades until this thing is stable.

In the case of Lumagen with video processors; at least you knew you were a beta tester.

What we have seen in the last several years imply that early adopters of the SSP series were really beta testers. I think folks like yourself should be getting free firmware as well as hardware upgrades until this thing is stable.

In the case of Lumagen with video processors; at least you knew you were a beta tester.

The next big firmware to be released very soon will be free.
Beta testers or not, at least I was able to use the Halcro for the last 2 years with HDMI and the last 8 mos with lossless. I did not want to have to purchase another pre/pro to hold me over.

This is a transitional time for all high end manufacturers.. Few still even offer HDMI let alone fully digital post processing of lossless. Going with the Halcro 2 years ago was somewhat of a leap of faith as it was one of only a han ful of HDMI high end pieces, but I feel I have received good value for my investment and the fact I am getting lossless with all of Halcro's post processing makes things great in my theater.

I am never one to wait things out when cutting edge can be bought. You take chances... I am way ahead with the Lumagen Radiance, Sony Qualia (1st gen SXRD PJ) and the Halcro... I lost out beta testing the Key Digital LEEZA scaler and early JVC DILA. You win some, you lose some. Fortunately, I am on a roll with the Halcro, Sony and Radiance. That said, I very much am looking forward to the next update with the Halcro..

Well stated Jeff.

The next big firmware to be released very soon will be free.
Beta testers or not, at least I was able to use the Halcro for the last 2 years with HDMI and the last 8 mos with lossless. I did not want to have to purchase another pre/pro to hold me over.

This is a transitional time for all high end manufacturers.. Few still even offer HDMI let alone fully digital post processing of lossless. Going with the Halcro 2 years ago was somewhat of a leap of faith as it was one of only a han ful of HDMI high end pieces, but I feel I have received good value for my investment and the fact I am getting lossless with all of Halcro's post processing makes things great in my theater.

I am never one to wait things out when cutting edge can be bought. You take chances... I am way ahead with the Lumagen Radiance, Sony Qualia (1st gen SXRD PJ) and the Halcro... I lost out beta testing the Key Digital LEEZA scaler and early JVC DILA. You win some, you lose some. Fortunately, I am on a roll with the Halcro, Sony and Radiance. That said, I very much am looking forward to the next update with the Halcro..

Makes sense for you. As does my continuing to use my Theta Casablanca all these years, last three plus years Theta CB3 and Six Shooter, and adding more recently a relatively inexpensive but nicely performing HDMI 1.3 Integra DTC-9.8 preamp/processor for my HD DVD and Blu Ray HDMI 1.3 audio decoding. If I hadn't had Theta all these years, I'd probably have gone the Halcro route like Jeff but with a separate analog preamp - which I don't need thanks to the Six Shooter!!!

Despite remaining a Theta luver, especially since they're working on the HDMI 1.3 audio upgrade, I certainly respect Halcro and look forward to their presentation Tuesday!!!@@@ The only thing I"ll miss is Jeff won't be there to say "I told you so!". HA!

The next big firmware to be released very soon will be free.
Beta testers or not, at least I was able to use the Halcro for the last 2 years with HDMI and the last 8 mos with lossless.

The Halcro press release for the SSP220 implies that there are improvements done to the hardware as well as the firmware. Will you also get the hardware for free? Since the SSP220 appears to be a bug fixed version of the earlier processors, I think they should offer the hardware for free to early adopters.

Makes sense for you. As does my continuing to use my Theta Casablanca all these years, last three plus years Theta CB3 and Six Shooter, and adding more recently a relatively inexpensive but nicely performing HDMI 1.3 Integra DTC-9.8 preamp/processor for my HD DVD and Blu Ray HDMI 1.3 audio decoding. If I hadn't had Theta all these years, I'd probably have gone the Halcro route like Jeff but with a separate analog preamp - which I don't need thanks to the Six Shooter!!!

Despite remaining a Theta luver, especially since they're working on the HDMI 1.3 audio upgrade, I certainly respect Halcro and look forward to their presentation Tuesday!!!@@@ The only thing I"ll miss is Jeff won't be there to say "I told you so!". HA!

I'll be there in spirit whispering it in your head... Hope it turns out that way. I am looking for a full report.;)

Well stated Jeff.

For once Jeff wasn't talkin' out of his teeth (he's a dentist)!!!@@@

Here's the info on our dealer/presenter for Halcro tonight:


Gary Hjerpe
Esoteric Audio Inc
4120 N Marshall Way Ste 4
Scottsdale, AZ 85251-3854
(480) 946-8128

http://www.esotericaudioaz.com/default.htm

I am awaiting a full report!!!;)

I am awaiting a full report!!!;)

Stand on your toes. Wiggle your teeth. Bite down hard. AND WAIT!!!@@@:p

We had a nice meeting tonight courtesy of Gary Hjerpe, Esoteric Audio; Halcro, with both Sales Mgr Bruce Ball and his Service Manager; and guess who showed up for dinner, long lost audio video guru Chris Stephens. of modding Vidikron projector fame and the famous Halcro DTS demo at CES about five years ago!!

Did you know that Halcro's owner is Bruce Halcro Hall. That's right, the company is named after his middle name?

Did you know that tonight we had the only to Halcro SSP-220 surround processors in existence?

Did you know that within 30 days Halcro is mailing to current SSP-200 owners the new firmware that we used tonight, and that then the SSP-200 with modded firmware will be identical hardware and functionwise to the new
SSP-220. The new model is expected to be available in a few months.

Did you know that The Bland wasn't there tonight, still in Michigan making money fixing teeth in his dental practice, getting ready for CEDIA soon?

Did you know the Halcro stereo amp used tonight retails for $22,000, with 160 watts per channel?

Did you know that Halcro also used a multi-channel amp tonight, which I think retailed about $6,000 or so. One amp has three channels but 50 watts more per channel than the other multi-channel amp which had five channels and cost $500 more MSRP?

Did you know that everyone at the demo could hear a startling sonic improvement going from plain ol Dolby Digital to higher resolution and lossless formats being decoded in the player and out PCM to the Halcro surround processor?

It was a really nice demo and Halcro and Esoteric Audio must be commended!

Did you know that Halcro's owner is Bruce Halcro Hall.So there is a Bruce Hall at Halcro. This must have been the gentleman (not Bruce Ball) who was the guest at our Audio Society meeting in April. Did you know that everyone at the demo could hear a startling sonic improvement going from plain ol Dolby Digital to higher resolution and lossless formats being decoded in the player and out PCM to the Halcro surround processor?What demo material (music and/or movies) did they play?

Sanjay

What demo material (music and/or movies) did they play?

Sanjay

Some Blu Ray discs, including a DTS Demo disc with musical cuts. They would demo the difference between plain ol Dolby Digital and higher resolution
PCM (48/24 and 96/24), DTS-MA and Dolby True HD. I recall Stealth,
The Fifth Element, Chicago (96/24 PCM), among others, and the DTS Blu Ray demo disc.

Did you know that Halcro's owner is Bruce Halcro Hall. That's right, the company is named after his middle name?



I mean Bruce Halcro Candy, not Bruce Halcro Hall.

Here's my interview with Bruce Halcro Candy of Halcro back in 2002 on the AVS Special Guests forum:

http://archive.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?threadid=149582


And here's an interview years ago with Chris Stephens, who showed up tonight at Esoteric Audio:

http://archive.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?threadid=39331

The SSP-220 had a nice on screen display that displayed the audio source # of channels (e.g., 5.1 or 7.1), bit rate, etc.

Oh - they said it does 1080p24 fine. However, we didn't check any video display of the projector used to confirm this.

I mean Bruce Halcro Candy, not Bruce Halcro Hall.Oh well, whoever he was, he was introduced to us as Bruce Hall and didn't correct the introduction. Some Blu Ray discs, including a DTS Demo disc with musical cuts.Ah, glad they played some music. I usually find differences easier to spot with music than with movie soundtracks.

Sanjay

Bruce Candy is also co founder of Minelab Electronics, a leading manufacturer in metal detecting and design in South Australia, not to mention a world renown Physicist. Another piece of useful information for all you Halcro lovers :)

Bruce Candy is also co founder of Minelab Electronics, a leading manufacturer in metal detecting and design in South Australia, not to mention a world renown Physicist. Another piece of useful information for all you Halcro lovers :)


Until recently Minelab Electronics and Halcro were one and the same, but they explained that Halcro is more recently spun off on its own, still owned by Bruce Halcro Candy.

Minelab Electronics does its name, with its products including mine detection devices.

Bruce Halcro Candy got started in this more as a hobby but it became a big time business venture thanks to his brilliant audio designs and products!!!@@@

Oh well, whoever he was, he was introduced to us as Bruce Hall and didn't correct the introduction. Ah, glad they played some music. I usually find differences easier to spot with music than with movie soundtracks.

Sanjay.

Odds are that it was Bruce Ball and you got the H and B confused. Easy to do. That's why Bruce Halcro Candy and his company have a National Sales Manager - Bruce Hall, to attend to these meetings.

The differences between Dolby Digital and higher resolution formats was clearly "visible" regardless of music or movies. But yes most "visible" between Dolby Digital and PCM 96/24 on the Chicago Blu Ray disc.

Some interesting info on Minelab:

http://www.arizonaoutback.com/behindthemachine.html

Their gear is pretty well played down here in Adelaide...To me, they seem to have a huge following overseas...:)

Great read, SB, cheers :)

so the big question is how did it compare to your theta?

so the big question is how did it compare to your theta?

You are comparing apples and oranges. A dealer's demo room with lotsa speakers side by side and Vandersteen on wall surrounds with Wilsons up front and center. Lotsa folks in the room. Not an optimized room or setup like mine.

As I stated, I am keeping what I have. But I have no doubt that the Halcro would perform nicely in my theater for movies.
For my multi-channel SACD and DVD-A, my Theta Compli to Six Shooter is a no brainer, as its great sonics, and the Halcro can't compete in that arena.

Steve, screwed it up. The new national sales manager for Halcro US is Bruce Ball. Bruce use to be just the western region sales manager. he just called me while driving ack to Califormia from Phoenix. The new processer lists for $12,000 MSRP. I AM NOT A HALCRO DEALER!

Steve, screwed it up. The new national sales manager for Halcro US is Bruce Ball. bruce use to be Califormia. The new processer list for $12,000 MSRP. I AM NOT A HALCRO DEALER!

Huh? I said Bruce Ball is the Natl Sales Manager for Halcro. Bruce Halcro Candy is the owner of Halcro and he wasn't at the meeting. Halcro's Service Manager was also there. Here's what I posted last night:

"We had a nice meeting tonight courtesy of Gary Hjerpe, Esoteric Audio; Halcro, with both Sales Mgr Bruce Ball and his Service Manager; and guess who showed up for dinner, long lost audio video guru Chris Stephens. of modding Vidikron projector fame and the famous Halcro DTS demo at CES about five years ago!!"

Now I figured you were a Halcro dealer because you deal in most everything audio video. I was wrong on that one. Shame on me!!!@@@

My bad.You inded said Ball. Sorry. LA is kicking Boston's butt.

My bad.You inded said Ball. Sorry. LA is kicking Boston's butt.

This is an AVS First. Mark Haflich admitted that he was wrong!!!@@

I'm having a BALL on this one.

More seriously, I am in a different boat than those looking for a new top dog surround processor. I've already got one, the Theta CB3 with Extreme DACs and Six Shooter robot controlled multi-channel analog preamp, coupled temporarily, pending ATI-Theta's working on an upgrade to include HDMI 1.3 audio processing, with an Integra DTC-9.8 preamp that works wonderfully for HDMI 1.3 audio multi-channel analog out to the Six Shooter (with Integra volume set at +8, 17 or so is max, and CB3 analog volume contol otherwise controlling the volume = great sonics). If I was buying new, as who knows for sure when Theta's upgrade will be available, I would seriously consider the Halcro.

More info here on engadgethd.com


http://www.engadgethd.com/


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