I've taken the jump into setting up a full separates system.

multi-channel pre amp, HDMI scaler and 5 channel amp + a 2nd DD pre-amp

Next thing that's missing is an EQ system. Audyssey definitely is a great solution for bass management and room acoustics, if you have that much money to spend.

Looking around for a more value solution, the Outlaw ICBM will take care of the bass management it seems.

All the help so far on AVS has been great circa 2005-7. I know Kal from Stereophile recently has preferred a more complete digital solution as his preference, but his recent praise of the Parasound P7 shows that analogue pre-amp still has some life left in it for home theatre. It's easier for him to praise things with an Audyssey stand alone unit and pro tuning kit at his disposal.

Who still uses the ICBM with their 5.1/7.1 analogue out blu-ray playback?

Who still uses the ICBM with their 5.1/7.1 analogue out blu-ray playback?Why not use the bass management in the player and bypass the ICBM? After all, the ICBM will only do level and crossover but not distance compensation.

Why not use the bass management in the player and bypass the ICBM? After all, the ICBM will only do level and crossover but not distance compensation.

I don't recall seeing distance compensation in the blu-ray player.

I know my player is "large" or "small"...using a relatively high 100Hz cross over point.

is it marketing or reviewer chatter that's convinced me that I should be looking at an EQ system? I have been reading too much into Audyssey and now this Outlaw ICBM.

The improvements moving to an analogue pre-amp has already been HUGE (THANK YOU KAL!). how much should I follow down this EQ road?

my thinking to avoid the expense of the Audyssey is to find a good valued bass management solution and then get a few room treatments. I really should be putting my next big purchase on a larger monitor/projector and not into the audyssey (bang for your buck)

Well, it seems a bit piece-meal but you could add an AntiMode 8033 to the ICBM for sub eq which is where the EQ is, usually, most needed.