Processor with good 2 channel

[macallan]

I am trying to put together a good system for multichannel and 2 channel playback and am curious if anyone is using a processor in stereo mode (not direct bypass) and happy with the results. Basically I do not want to buy an expensive cd player or a DAC or a stand alone Preamp with HT bypass. I would rather buy a great processor and use it's DAC for music and movies. It seems that new processors with good internal DACs should get the job done. Any thoughts? The Cary Cinema 11 looks good on paper and the Sunfire TG-IV or V is in the price range (3-4K.) Even the Classe SSP-300 is close to the range in price, but how is the sound? I always here good reviews about processors in bypass mode but are there any that sound good with their internal DACS?

 

[roberto]

I am trying to put together a good system for multichannel and 2 channel playback and am curious if anyone is using a processor in stereo mode (not direct bypass) and happy with the results. Basically I do not want to buy an expensive cd player or a DAC or a stand alone Preamp with HT bypass. I would rather buy a great processor and use it's DAC for music and movies. It seems that new processors with good internal DACs should get the job done. Any thoughts? The Cary Cinema 11 looks good on paper and the Sunfire TG-IV or V is in the price range (3-4K.) Even the Classe SSP-300 is close to the range in price, but how is the sound? I always here good reviews about processors in bypass mode but are there any that sound good with their internal DACS?

Hola, I use a bel canto DAC-3 and it is one of those that sings very nice. One of the fastest on the market. Truly great with strings and winds. Very dynamic with percussion. The piano is somewhat bigger than my Proceed too, but I do love its sound. Try it, you might like it...happy listening,
Roberto.

 

[macallan]

I am sorry for my long post, I am not looking for a DAC but rather a processor that would eliminate the need for a DAC or high end CD player. Is anyone using a Processor for their 2 channel needs? Basically I do not want to buy a 3-4K processor just to bypass its DAC.

 

[DTB300]

Bel Canto does make a Pre Pro, so maybe that is what Roberto was talking about. Anyways, there is a very large thread over at AVS discussing Pre/Pro and their prices:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=707173

Dan

 

[Rich]

I think the Anthem D1 has a good DAC and you can get some decent deals on them used or demo. It upsamples everything to 24/196, I believe. I'm sure a Sunfire Theater Grand would also be good. And there are probably many others. Just understand that you will get decent two-channel sound, but not great sound by going this route, and you need to audition to find a combination of components that have the sound you are looking for.

How it sounds in 2-channel will depend a lot on the other electronics in your chain and how they synergize with your pre/pro. For instance, I auditioned the anthem D1 today with the same source, but two different amps: an anthem amp and a sunfire amp (both 2-channel). The difference was huge. The anthem provided a very neutral sound but with a much more involving midrange -- vocals were almost ethereal. But the bass was horribly muddy. Very poor bass definition.

The Sunfire, on the other hand, had a better overall sound -- very nice, top to bottom (although slightly darker than the anthem). And the bass was much tighter and clearer. But it didn't do any one thing extra special. It didn't shine in any particular area, but just had an overall nice quality of sound.

The point is that there was a night and day difference in sound between these amps, but the pre/pro remained the same. And the sound never came anywhere near the level of quality I get with my Conrad Johnson Pre and Amp. Just a few things to consider as you mull over ways to have your cake and eat it too.