two channel to multi-channel

[steve64]

Are there any multi-channel pre-pros out there that are the equal of high-end stereo separates?

 

[lovinthehd]

Define high end stereo separates to an extent....some pre-pros might even be better, especially at anything beyond 2.0

 

[steve64]

Define high end stereo separates to an extent....some pre-pros might even be better, especially at anything beyond 2.0

13k worth of Mac pre and power

 

[lovinthehd]

Worth or cost?

 

[Leemix]

You might consider using the home theater bypass if your pre has that, that way you are a bit more free with choosing a surround processor.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

If you must spend that much money, the upcoming ATI ATP-16 is $10K MSRP. Hopefully available by end of year.

 

[PENG]

13k worth of Mac pre and power

Probably none or very few in terms of specs and quality of parts used etc., but McIntosh has made many preamps so it might help if you narrow that down to the specific models instead of 13K worth of preamp and power amp. It spends on how much is on the preamp, and are you comparing to their analog only preamps?

 

[steve64]

MAC c-50, which does have a theater bypass. also, a 275mkv1 for the front left and right.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

MAC c-50, which does have a theater bypass. also, a 275mkv1 for the front left and right.

Why not get a McIntosh MX-122 pre-pro?

 

[lovinthehd]

Or something like the Trinnov https://www.trinnov.com/altitude_32/ or maybe Storm https://www.stormaudio.com/en/products/av-immersive-sound-processors/

 

[Leemix]

A nice marantz or yamaha processor and use the HT bypass of your pre would be less costly and work very well.

 

[PENG]

MAC c-50, which does have a theater bypass. also, a 275mkv1 for the front left and right.

Then you are all set, just use the bypass. I highly doubt you will find a multi-channel prepro (assuming you need at least 7 channel processing if not 13) equal as such in terms of build quality, components and parts used, aesthetics etc. A few may be almost equal (+/-), in terms of sound quality and functional capabilities, but it would ultimately depend on how you define equal.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

A nice marantz or yamaha processor and use the HT bypass of your pre would be less costly and work very well.

I would take my Yamaha CX-A5100 pre-pro any day over any Mark Levinson, Krell, McIntosh, Bryston Analog Stereo Preamp.

The reason is because even when I listen to 2Ch CD, I use NeuralX, and none of those preamps have NeuralX.

 

[PENG]

I would take my Yamaha CX-A5100 pre-pro any day over any Mark Levinson, Krell, McIntosh, Bryston Analog Stereo Preamp.

The reason is because even when I listen to 2Ch CD, I use NeuralX, and none of those preamps have NeuralX.

Easy for you to say, you are not a purist.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Easy for you to say, you are not a purist.

I used to be one. I am cured now.

 

[PENG]

I used to be one. I am cured now.

Me too. The cure did cost me a fortune though.

 

[lovinthehd]

I'm more curious what speakers @steve64 has for the pricey electronics....

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I'm more curious what speakers @steve64 has for the pricey electronics....

They better not be Bose or Zu Audio with FR of +/-10dB.

 

[steve64]

I believe speakers and cartridges should be commensurate with the electronics.
However, this thread is about the sound quality of AVP's or AVR"s compared to separates.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I believe speakers and cartridges should be commensurate with the electronics.
However, this thread is about the sound quality of AVP's or AVR"s compared to separates.

What are some AVPs you've looked at (at least online)?

Personally, I've listened to many ultra high-end preamps from ML, Bryston, Krell and they don't sound any better than these new AVPs (Yamaha, Marantz, Anthem).

And if you have an Atmos/DTSX system with overhead speakers, these AVPs will probably give you better sound with the awesome upmixing of NeuralX for 2Ch music.

I've sold all my SACD, DVDA, DTS CDs and I now think that NeuralX makes my 2Ch CDs sound better than any of those "HD Audio" formats ever sounded.

I think the AVPs from Yamaha, Marantz, Anthem are great. If you must spend more money, then the Bryston and ATI AVPs would be great.