SSP & Pre/Pros that support HDMI Audio MPCM - Page 10

Except for the misspellings.

I know what people generally think about rumours but..... The Big Mac are going to have HDMI 1.3A HBR updated version of their two pre pros by the end of the year (Dual TI DSP).

I really want to know what Meridian are cooking up.

Just so that we are on the same page -- are you suggesting a rumor that McIntosh will FINALLY have replacements for their MX120 and MX136 by the end of the year?? (Their AP1000 audio processor is MORE than a year behind schedule is why I ask.)

I wanted to make sure that we were thinking of the same "Big Mac."

MikeSp

Yes, I guess I was talking about comparatively small Macs

Wow. Classe makes some great gear, but an $8000 pre/pro that has few analog inputs, no auto room correction (because every room is different? I thought that was the whole reason for these systems!), and no video processing. Not sure where they're going with this unit. The dearth of analog inputs surprises me for Classe stuff, but seems to be the trend.

So, this unit must be for those customers who have only a few legacy analog source components (but not a turntable, or at least if they do they also have a separate high quality phono preamp), a high quality video processor, a "tuned" and tweaked listening space, and just need a digital switcher and processor. I suppose it make sense for a very small niche of very high end HTs. Or maybe it's targeted for mainly music systems.

Am I missing something?

It meets my requirement quite well on paper. I already have a Lumagen VP (Gamma correction is superb for my JVC RS1), no record player, only three analogue source (LD, Wii and IPod) and no turn table. I would hope to get excellent SQ and a very low noise floor from the Classe.

The lack of a VP is a far smaller issue than people make out. It amazes me how many people who have a high quality display with excellent VP inbuilt insist on using inferior pre-pro/ receiver video processing. Most people have a VP in their Display, Receiver and Disc player, a wasteful tripling up.

I'd been wondering the same thing. Not being as familiar with the latest gear as others, I thought perhaps I was not understanding the full picture. I'm glad someone else is also asking the same question. But perhaps it is an issue for someone with an older display? On the other hand, judging from the number of folks wanting the latest Pioneers and Panasonics, it would seem a good number of them could do without a separate unit that did the VP.

Agreed. It would be nice if the industry could decide where the VP should take place, but unlikely to happen. Of course, with a separate VP, in some instances folks are quadrupling up.

It was a design decision to push the digital envelope with this product. They are working on a new pre-amplifier that will also push digital but remain more compatible with analog sources like vinyl.


Very small niche? I'm curious how one could quantify niche in this market. As of today they have over 200 on back order, half of which are from the US, and it hasn't been released yet. To me it would seem to indicate a leveling of the esoteric wall.


Maybe, yes.

If the 200 number is accurate, to me, it would seem that 200 units is a niche (likely <$800k revenue to mfr.)

Compared to what? Let's break down your original statement...

So, this unit must be for those customers who have only a few legacy analog source components (but not a turntable, or at least if they do they also have a separate high quality phono preamp),... Digital albums out sold analog albums 332:1 in 2007. Niche?

A high quality video processor,... What consumer electronic video device now days doesn't come with some form of video processing? Niche?

A "tuned" and tweaked listening space,... It would ideal but not always practical. PEQ lends itself well to those locked into one situation or the other. Niche?

I suppose it make sense for a very small niche of very high end HTs. Or maybe it's targeted for mainly music systems. It makes sense to anyone interested in high quality sound reproduction. Niche?

Would it not be fair to say that for HT, anything in the > $8k range is niche?

If I recall my marketing, as your name implies Professor, of the 4 P's, Price is one of them.

Thanks Eric. Moved.

My guess is that this "revolutionary new technology" will be roomEQ of some sort.

Kal

What exactly does the Gefen do? Can someone connect a Ps3 to it and get MPCM? Anyone try using it?

I've heard from my dealer on two occasions, from two separate salespersons, that something from Anthem is in the works.

One simply described it as the next generation of Anthem, with HDMI 1.3 and new codecs.

Several weeks later, the next person went as far as saying it was an AVM50v2 and D2v2. They also said this info came directly from their Anthem rep.

While this is good news, I was sorta hoping for a new design of the AVM line. Cosmetics are a bit dated in my mind... I was also hoping for a more advanced DAC solution... but I guess time will tell.

Oh ya, and offer me something without the video processing, I don't need it... nor do I want to pay for it.

Sounds like the Classe, Cary or Audiolab might be a better match for you.

My problem with the video processing of the D2 is that it doesn't do everything that many new digital displays require. Ie: those that don't offer an extensive colour management systems to adjust primaries for example, as most digital display primaries are completely out of whack such as the RS1/RS2 rendering them (IMHO) useless as a critical display device. Something like a Lumagen Radiance will offer this and also offer un-equalled scaling capabilities along with gamma curve adjustment.

With more and more 1080p native displays in existance today that also offer 24fps input, people are caring less and less about good scaling as they'll simply feed their displays directly from the source device. Yes, you still need to scale standard def content, but SD looks so crappy to begin with that the internal scalers on most digital displays is (IMHO) adequate. Trying to do absolutely perfect scaling of older 480i/p content is sort of like putting high octain gas into a Yugo. What's the point?

I think some people are likely torn between something like the Integra DTC-9.8 ($1699) SSP coupled with the Radiance ($4K) video processor vs. buying a D2. There are pro's and cons to each of course. Depends on your needs I suppose.

Kal

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I'm an Outlaw customer, and their new processor would certainly be of interest. But the goal post seems to be moving down the field everytime I turn around, and now it's "early winter." - Maybe.

I've spent a substantial amount of time dutifully following this and other similar discussions for several months, and perhaps someone could provide some suggestions. - One of my primary interests is getting a pre/pro or ATM with sufficiently good audio to permit me to use it as an all-in-one audio/video preamp and processor, replacing my present preamp, and using the new unit for both HDTV, stereo and mult-channel audio, and also processing SACD (probably received in PCM rather than DSD). I would also like to be able to use it for video, incl. processing lossless audio codecs when they are available on more Blu-ray players. Perhaps the main difference between my wish list and others I see discussed on the forum is that I have a fairly extensive set of speakers (Maggies), and I'm more concerned with audio quality. -

I have been considering the Integra 885 or Onkyo 885, or one of the Onkyo AVRs, and also the NAD T175, which seems to have a more sophisticated audio section (with an additional Audessey response curve) but less versatile processing. - Does anyone have suggestions on any of these options, or should I plan on waiting another six to eight months for some of the new models, such as the Outlaw, or the S/N, to be released? Or should I simply give up the idea of getting a single processor combining good audio and video processing?

Thanks,
Jim Cate