Rethinking big $$$ on HT processors  

I have very happily owned an EAD Ovation for about 2 years now.

I want to move to 7.1 and have sold my Ovation in spite of recent EAD 7.1 upgrade plans. I will wait to see what goodies may surface at CES from EAD & others. I enjoy my 2-channel audio first, and H.T. second. I have been most pleased with the pre-amp section of the Ovation, and its overall features. I am going to purchase a great 2-channel pre-amp, then finalize the HT processor stuff later.

Related gear includes EAD PM2000, Bryston 4B-ST, Micromega Premium DVD2, Bel Canto DAC-1, Harmonc Tech cables, Blue Circle power products, NHT speakers all-around (soon to be Waveform Mach 17's & MC's). I watch a ton of DVDs on my Proxima DX3 via HTPC.

On a whim, I just bought the cheapest DD & DTS 5.1 receiver I could find that has pre-outs for all 5-channels. I am using this receiver as a processor only, feeding into my power amps. The unit in question is the Kenwoood VR-410 selling for $350 US.

I am shocked that I really don't notice too much when running with the cheapo Kenwood, which happens to cost about 1/10th of the price of the EAD Ovation. I believe that my very good power-amps make up for the Kenwood's sonic limitations. I have always thought the movie audio was over-rated anyway - mostly it is dialogue, some background music, and some booms & crashes, etc.

Having convinced myself that the cheap receiver route is MORE than acceptable for my HT needs, I will return this Kenwood, and buy the cheapest 7.1 reciever I can find - probably a Pioneer VSX-D909S or Elite VSX-35TX. (I like the Pioneer aesthetics better than Denon, Yamaha, Onkyo ).

These are just my thoughts from guy who has invested some bigger $$$ in his HT precossor, and finds it highly overkill. My experiences are that a great amp is more vital than a great processor for the movie-watching experience.

- Andy

The bass management on even lowly devices surely could be a little more versatile , rather than 1 fixed frequency. But even so, you are allowed to define a speaker as large or small. If you have a sub, then the FLE and bass info from small speakers is routed the sub. If you don't have a sub, then LFE and bass info from the small speakers is routed to the Mains.

If you have a sub with a flexible controller, I don't find the limited bass management of the cheap receiver to be a big deal. But if you are a bass-monger, or have a "wierd" mix of speakers, then you will surely want more flexible bass management.

On the 7.1 subject, unless you are big into propriety schemes like Logic 7, Circle surround, Neo, etc., then THX-EX and DTS-ES is what you do, or don't do. Receivers in the $850 range, such as the Denon AVR-3801 support DTS-ES discrete, while simlar units from Pioneer & Onykyo support the THX-EX matrixed versions (DTS-ES compatible). I also look forward to ProLogic-II , resulting from Jim Fosgate's participation here at AVSFORUM.

I agree that the compression of the audio tracks is a limiting factor in overall quality, whether you have a $500 receiver or $5000 processor. If you intend to use the expensive processor as your main 2-channel pre-amp, then there is even furtehr justification for high-priced processor.

I guess my main point is that I used to think that receivers were crap - a bit of audio-snobbery on my part. But having just played with one, I find that I am compromising very little when it comes to movie watching ... 2-channel is another story though.

- Andy

The PM2000 is such a great amp ! I listened to the PM2000, PM1000, Sim W-5, Bel Canto EVO 200.2 at my dealers in the same rig. I purchased based purely on 2-channel listening. The bass extraction and bass control of the PM2000 is sensational. Its dynamics, and ability to deliver transients at even low volumes is also realy really good. I love feeling mid-bass pressure waves against my chest even at moderate volumes. Imaging depth & width are also excellent, and I really like its tonal balance.

The W-5 is also a great amp with tremendous control, but I found it too "dry" sounding for my tastes.

Since getting a 4B-ST 3 weeks ago I am very impressed with its overall nature. Not up to the PM2000 but still very good indeed. I used to have 7B-NRB's and found the tonal balance of them to be poor (bright).

Depending on your speakers, don't skimp on some power for your mains. If your liking the Bryston's, maybe consider a 4B-ST for the mains and a 5B-ST or 8B-ST for the centre/surrounds. The 8B-ST is intereseting in that it can be bridged in a few configurations.

- Andy

The Kenwood does have an analog direct mode for 2-channel listening. I found it to be quite "smeared" for lack of a better word. A great pre-amp needs great parts quality, great power supply, isolation & damping, and of course design. ... and even then it might not sound good http://www.avsforum.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

I have seen the Anthem unit at a dealer, and it is a very good looking piece with lots of features. It is loaded with buttons on the front panel, whereas my EAD had none !

However, as usual, the receiver guys are always the first to market with the latest features & formats. I personally would not sink any money today into any new high-end pre/pro that did have 7.1 support - I would wait for their next generation products to surface.

... still debating over the Denon AVR-3801 or the Pioneer Elite VSX-36TX to be my next processor !

- Andy