http://www.audioholics.comWhere audio and video equipment undergoes rigorous objective and subjective tests by our staff, ensuring that marketing slogans aren't the only guidelines for your home theater choices.Tue, 27 Mar 2012 12:05:00 -0000http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/processors/audioengine-d1-dac-videoI didn't realize how crappy the preamp was that I was using to feed my AudioEngine 5+ speakers. Now we reviewed those speakers earlier this year and for our listening tests I used various source components, including an iPhone, a Blu-ray player and the stereo outputs of an A/V receiver. But after the review we hooked the speakers back up to my laptop using an external hybrid microphone DAC. That was a mistake. I wondered why the clarity and top end of the A5+'s seemed a bit lacking all of a sudden, when I had previously found them to be pretty darn good. Then I connected this thing - the D1 DAC from AudioEngine.Tue, 27 Mar 2012 12:05:00 -0000/reviews/processors/audioengine-d1-dac-videoA/V ProcessorsPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/processors/sherbourn-pt-7030-preWe still have a lot of questions about the Sherbourn PT-7030 7.1 Channel Preamp/Processor. It is clearly not a finalized device (at least not finalized enough to reveal real pictures of the thing). But the skeleton of the new Pre/Pro from Sherbourn looks very promising. There is a real focus on audio and video quality which is something we like in a Pre/Pro. Upcoversion to HDMI plus the ability to output HDMI inputs over component video (with a GUI over both), means even the trickiest installs will be covered. While the $2500 price tag might be a bit daunting considering what that same money can buy from a bigger manufacturer, we're betting the Sherbourn will be a hit with custom installers - who are the target market for this product.Tue, 20 Mar 2012 08:30:00 -0000/reviews/processors/sherbourn-pt-7030-preA/V ProcessorsPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/processors/emotiva-xmc-1-preThe new Emotiva XMC-1 is, according to the company, the "first product in a new generation of high performance digital audio products". Emotiva has been promising a new processor for years, and this is their fulfillment of that promise. Frankly, with the level of technology we're seeing in the Emotiva XMC-1 Processor, we're surprised such a small company can put develop such a product. But such technology comes at a cost. The new XMC-1 doubles the price of the older, UMC-1 Processor (on sale for $500 from Emotiva). But to say the XMC-1 Processor is an "upgrade" from the UMC-1 is a huge understatement. With tons of improvements and a new TACT room correction system, anyone looking for a processor should take a look at the new Emotiva XMC-1. Emotiva is offering a 40% discount for current UMC-1 owners wanting to upgrade to this new baby. If that provide enough incentive to upgrade your system, we don't know what will.Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:15:00 -0000/reviews/processors/emotiva-xmc-1-preA/V ProcessorsPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/processors/mark-levinson-no.-52-preThe Mark Levinson No. 52 Reference Dual-Monaural Preamplifier has just about every available technology to ensure an uncorrupted sonic experience. This fully analogue preamp has separated the audio and control portions into two distinct chassis connected by two separate DC power cords and a dedicated control cable. While you won't find Internet streaming, iDevice support, or any feature released in the last five years, what you will find is a dedication to signal purity that boarders on the insane. The question is, are you willing to pay $25,000 for that level of insanity?Wed, 18 Jan 2012 04:50:00 -0000/reviews/processors/mark-levinson-no.-52-preA/V ProcessorsPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/processors/integra-dhc-80.3-preThe Integra DHC-80.3 has just about everything you might want in a processor - 9.2 channels, Audyssey MultEQ XT32, XLR outputs, ISFccc calibration options, DTS Neo:X processing, THX Ultra2+ certification, three zones with video out to zone 2, HDMI 1.4a with 3D, ARC, Standby Pass-thru...the list goes on. What is most impressive, however, is that they aren't charging you a premium for all these features in an ampless box. Instead, they are giving you $400 off the price of the receiver. While this won't buy you all the amps you'll need, it is better than what most of the rest of the manufactures.Wed, 28 Sep 2011 00:55:00 -0000/reviews/processors/integra-dhc-80.3-preA/V ProcessorsPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/processors/lexicon-mp-previewHarman has decided to put out a new high-end pre/pro through their Lexicon brand dubbed the MP-20. The MP-20, Lexicon's first product labeled a "Media" Processor, is the follow-up to the MC-12 Cinema Processor. Sporting the Sigma Designs VXP GF9452 chipset for 1080p upscaling, the 12.4 channel MP-20 will have Lexicon's new QLS 3D processing which adds three height/width channels up front and two in the rear. Four independent subwoofer outputs and Zone 2 HDMI output with OSD rounds out this offering which promises to be the go-to solution for those with huge home theaters. Tue, 23 Aug 2011 09:35:00 -0000/reviews/processors/lexicon-mp-previewA/V ProcessorsPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/processors/emotiva-umc-1-videoCan you get a $2000 processor for just $700? Emotiva is betting you can. It's new UMC-1 7.1 processor combines some of the more advanced A/V processing you'll find into a package that is hard to beat. Let's start with the hardware. The UMC-1 utilizes Emotiva's signature aluminum faceplate design and LED backlit controls that give it a warm, minimalistic look. They're going to audiophile appeal and I think they nailed it. The UMC-1 looks like the love child offspring of a McIntosh and Anthem processor. We're just saying... This is a very compelling buy from a company that has been producing value-priced products that consistently outperform their higher-priced counterparts. You owe it to yourself to at least check out the UMC-1, especially since they offer a 30-day money back guarantee. Pair the UMC-1 with one of Emotiva's hefty multi channel amps and you’ve got a separates solution with more power at your command than a flagship A/V receiver - and for much less…Sun, 08 May 2011 20:30:00 -0000/reviews/processors/emotiva-umc-1-videoA/V ProcessorsPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/processors/crestron-psphd-procise-flThe Crestron PSPHD PROCISE Surround Processor is just what it says it is - a surround processor. It is really more about giving custom installers a very easy way to create a high end sound in a home theater with all the little things that discerning audiophiles want paired with features that will make installations easier. The price tag is definitely high but that is to be expected with this sort of product. We're sure that installers are drooling as they wait to get their hands on one. With a custom installer name like Crestron behind it, you can bet it is also not going to be cheap. You'd be right but we'll leave that to the end. Hopefully you didn't see it above and spoil the surprise. The last thing the Crestron PSPHD is not is 3D capable. What this means is that you'll have to find a way to get the 3D picture to your screen but not through the Crestron.Fri, 18 Mar 2011 06:30:00 -0000/reviews/processors/crestron-psphd-procise-flA/V ProcessorsPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/processors/marantz-av7005Marantz has released a solid feature packed product with their new AV7005 Networking A/V Processor. It doesn’t quite go the extra mile in terms of features but its audio and video performance are top notch. The AV7005 really delivers; I just couldn’t fault its sonic performance. Channel separation abilities are much better from what I’ve heard with the Marantz SR6003 A/V receiver which was not quite in the same league. The Anchor Bay video-processing chip offers excellent upscaling performance, while High Definition performance is equally impressive. Marantz’s approach to hide the main display behind a front plate gives the unit a clean look. It can be matched with the new MM7055 or MM7025 multichannel amplifiers that also come with their new “port view” design. Highly recommended to the discriminating Audioholic wanting a high performance separates solution at a reasonable price. Fri, 03 Dec 2010 15:04:28 -0000/reviews/processors/marantz-av7005A/V ProcessorsPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/processors/emotiva-pmc-1-flWhat happens when the manufacturer of budget products decides to pull out all the stops? The Emotiva PMC-1 Media Processor/Controller has a lot of features that dealers and custom installers will find attractive. With seven HDMI 1.4 inputs (with Audio Return Channel) and two outputs, RCA and balanced outputs for 7.2 channels, 7.1 channel analogue inputs, and a host of installer-friendly features, the PMC-1 is sure to get a lot of attention. A lack of specifics about the feature set and a complete lack of analogue video inputs or outputs has us concerned. We'll keep you posted as more details are released. Thu, 30 Sep 2010 14:20:00 -0000/reviews/processors/emotiva-pmc-1-flA/V ProcessorsPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/processors/onkyo-pr-sc5508-flAs we'd expect from Onkyo, they've managed to shoehorn just about every feature on the market into this their new PR-SC5508 pre/pro. Onkyo's budget offerings have been impressing us lately with the number and quality of the features and the PR-SC5508 is no different. To start with, it has THX-Ultra 2 Plus certification, it is network-capable, and supports 9.2 channels of audio through either RCA or XLR outputs. The HDMI 1.4a inputs means you won't have to worry about 3D integration, the multiple zone support including video output for Zone 2 means the processor can grow with you, and the Audyssey MultEQ XT32 room correction means you'll get the best sound you can from your speakers and room. Wed, 01 Sep 2010 10:00:00 -0000/reviews/processors/onkyo-pr-sc5508-flA/V ProcessorsPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/processors/audiocontrol-maestro-m3-flThe Maestro M3 is the latest and greatest that AudioControl has to offer. This "no-holds-barred" $5999 entry isn't just about connections and looks - it has some impressive technology to back it up. Top of the line 24 bit, 192kHz digital to analog converters plus Dolby Volume and a "broadcast quality" video scaler are onboard. The single thing that has most people talking about the Maestro M3 is AudioControl's integrated Active Balanced Circuitry. This allows you to send video signals over Cat5/6 up to 1000 feet for Composite or Component or 150 feet for HDMI (depending on the format). On looks alone the Maestro is turning heads. While we've often found that high end gear disappoints on closer inspection, the Maestro holds its own.Thu, 19 Aug 2010 02:15:00 -0000/reviews/processors/audiocontrol-maestro-m3-flA/V ProcessorsPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/processors/marantz-av7005-7.2-channel-preamplifier-first-lookIf you were looking at the new Marantz SR7005 and thinking to yourself, "Boy, I might get that and add an amp later," you're in luck. The new AV7005 Preamplifier has all the same features as the SR7005 except without the amp section and with balanced outputs. The hardest part for interested consumers will be the wait. The Marantz AV7005 Pre/Pro won't be available until October. But at $1500 for a Pre/Pro with just about every feature on the planet and drop-dead styling to boot, it's a wait we're betting a lot of people will be willing to suffer through. All the latest decoding, top of the line processing and room correction, dual subwoofer outputs, GUI overlay, networking, streaming, HDMI to HDMI scaling... the list goes on. Sun, 25 Jul 2010 03:35:00 -0000/reviews/processors/marantz-av7005-7.2-channel-preamplifier-first-lookA/V ProcessorsPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/processors/sherbourn-pt-7020a-processor-first-lookIt's been almost 5 years since the debut of the PT-7010A pre-processor from Sherbourn Technologies. Since then, the company has been mostly focused on selling its existing line of multi-channel amplifiers for the custom install market. Now the CE channel manufacturer is getting back into the home theater game with its updated PT-7020A preamplifier/processor. The PT-7020A is a 7-channel A/V processor which includes Dolby TrueHD and DTS-MA decoding, 5 HDMI 1.3a inputs and RS-232 control. Upon closer inspection it seems to be heavily based on the new Emotiva UMC-1.Wed, 17 Mar 2010 02:30:00 -0000/reviews/processors/sherbourn-pt-7020a-processor-first-lookA/V ProcessorsPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/processors/anthem-avm-50vAnthem showed the Audio/Video Master 50v preamplifier/home theater processor with a built in tuner and independent source selection for recording. This updated version of the AVM 50 combines A/V performance-enhancing technologies with whole-home entertainment control that makes it possible for users to direct audio and video program materials throughout their homes.Thu, 15 Jan 2009 19:10:00 -0000/reviews/processors/anthem-avm-50vA/V ProcessorsPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/processors/pass-laboratories-xp-10-20Pass Laboratories exhibited its high-end XP-10 and XP-20 2-channel preamplifiers which feature Pass Labs signature beveled billet aluminum front panels. Building upon the XP-10, the XP-20 upgrades to an isolated power supply to further enhance its performance. Both preamps furnish two balanced and three single-ended inputs. Like all Pass Laboratories designs, these products minimize the number of components and stages in the signal path, a design choice that is intended to reproduce the purist fidelity possible.Fri, 09 Jan 2009 07:30:00 -0000/reviews/processors/pass-laboratories-xp-10-20A/V ProcessorsPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/processors/parasound-halo-p7Parasound has introduced a new $2000 audio preamp designed for sound purists seeking superior low-noise performance from classic stereo sources as well as multichannel music and movies from Blu-ray, DVD-Audio, and SACD players. But where's the beef? Considering its lack of HDMI support, audio decoding, and video connectivity, one wonders if this is more or less a re-issued legacy product with minor upgrades or if it's a completely new design which just happens to lack several features commonly found on receivers starting at $249.Wed, 20 Aug 2008 03:22:44 -0000/reviews/processors/parasound-halo-p7A/V ProcessorsPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/processors/denon-avp-a1hdciThe Denon AVP-A1HDCI represents bleeding edge technology that only a select few manufacturers can compete with regardless of price. From its sophisticated top notch A/V processing, construction and component usage, you’re getting Mercedes level performance and refinement at Acura prices. Your high end audio snob friends may snicker at this system, especially since they likely spent 2-3 times more for hollow boxes, but I suggest humbling yourself by saying nothing. You don’t want everyone driving the same car you’re driving, do you? Tue, 17 Jun 2008 05:50:00 -0000/reviews/processors/denon-avp-a1hdciA/V ProcessorsPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/processors/classe-ssp-800-preamp-processorOne doesn't have to be interested in Home Theater too long before they come across the name "Classe." And from an aesthetic viewpoint alone, the name is apt. They make some of the best looking gear out there. Classe is taking processors to a new level with the release of their new SSP-800 - a 10 channel preamp/processor that promises bells and whistles that you didn't even know you wanted. Classe Audio recently unveiled new HDMI 1.4 video capabilities in its updated SSP-800 and CT-SSP Surround Sound Processors. They are now available with the new video board. The new board has five full-featured HDMI 1.4 inputs and two outputs, which support all standard 3Di video resolutions and formats plus HEC (HDMI Ethernet Channel) and ARC (Audio Return Channel).Fri, 16 May 2008 13:00:00 -0000/reviews/processors/classe-ssp-800-preamp-processorA/V ProcessorsPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/processors/emotiva-rsp-1-pre-amplfierEmotiva's RSP-1 is a 2-channel pre-amplifier that operates almost solely in the analogue domain. You won't find any digital audio inputs, video inputs or outputs, and you won't have to worry about what version HDMI you have. For all of you true audiophiles that are only interested in 2-channel, this is the unit for you. The RSP-1 performs exactly as promised. Considering the low price of the Reference Audio Series, Emotiva has taken the dedicated high end 2-channel rig out of the hands of the ultra-rich and placed it squarely within reach of most enthusiasts. It looks audiophile, it sounds audiophile, it just doesn't cost audiophile.Fri, 31 Aug 2007 13:52:41 -0000/reviews/processors/emotiva-rsp-1-pre-amplfierA/V ProcessorsPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/processors/emotiva-reference-mmc-1-av-processor-reviewWhat do you get when you cut the price of the DMC-1 by almost 67% off its original retail price, upgrade the cosmetics and add HDMI functionality? The Reference Theater Series MMC-1. For those seeking solid performance, with a high WAF, the Emotiva MMC-1 A/V processor paired with the matching IPS-1 7CH power amp is a killer combo. Combine this with Emotiva’s excellent customer support and aggressive tradeup deal on their processors, and you’ve choice for your next separates solution just got that much easier. Tue, 15 May 2007 01:28:14 -0000/reviews/processors/emotiva-reference-mmc-1-av-processor-reviewA/V ProcessorsPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/processors/sherbourn-pt-7000-processor-and-7-2100-amplifier-reviewIt is obvious by the latest product offerings from Sherbourn that they understand the current industry trends, and as a result they have managed to intelligently design high performance products that fit quite nicely. Enter the PT-7000 7.1 Channel Preamp/Processor (MSPR: $1500) and the 7/2100 7CH 200wpc Power Amp (MSRP: $2850). This combined duo retails for $4350 and weighs in at a whopping 140lbs! At this price point, your alternative options are flagship receiver such as those from Denon, Pioneer Elite, B&K, etc, or separates from other manufacturers such as Outlaw, Adcom, Rotel, etc. This is an interesting price point to compete in as it is where a threshold is crossed between flagship home theater receivers and entry level separates.Fri, 05 Jan 2007 15:22:31 -0000/reviews/processors/sherbourn-pt-7000-processor-and-7-2100-amplifier-reviewA/V ProcessorsPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/processors/attack-of-the-clones-processorsWe were surprised (OK, not really) to discover that cloning has made its presence in Digital Preamp Processors. These processors were originally co-developed by East Tech and Cirrus Logic for Outlaw Audio for OEM purposes to later sell to Audio Hardware Manufacturers with customized chassis, faceplates and logos to accompany them of course. Eastern Tech in an Asian OEM which manufacturers the design and specifications of these processors. The DSP is CD4932-63L which provides decoding for Dolby Prologic II, and all the varieties of Dolby Digital, and DTS including EX, and DTS Neo:6 and Cirrus Logic’s own Extra Surround as well as their Triple Crossover.Fri, 05 Jan 2007 05:35:57 -0000/reviews/processors/attack-of-the-clones-processorsA/V ProcessorsPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/processors/parasound-halo-c-2Parasound introduced the Halo C2 and C1 in 2002, and both have been highly regarded among many audiophiles and professional installers not just for sound quality, but also the many unique features they offer. Features such as BNC video connections, video signal pass through (which allows video signals to pass through without the C2 power being on), customizable Aux channels, automatic calibration (which included automatically setting speaker distances and volumes), easy to use set-up menu, firmware upgradeability, software programmable all controlled by a sophisticated Universal MX-700 Remote Control (including a "Side-Kick" Remote), are simply not common place for many processors. Thu, 07 Dec 2006 17:42:08 -0000/reviews/processors/parasound-halo-c-2A/V ProcessorsPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/processors/cary-cinema-6Cary Audio is company probably better known for their SET (single-ended triode) power amplifiers and vacuum tube pre amplifiers (and lately, some remarkably fine sounding CD players). But it seems Cary wants to be considered in the highly competitive home theater market as well, releasing a line of DVD players, processors/preamplifiers and multi-channel power amplifiers.Sun, 15 Jan 2006 01:00:00 -0000/reviews/processors/cary-cinema-6A/V ProcessorsPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/processors/emotiva-dmc-1The DMC-1 is a beautiful looking processor with competent performance to satisfy even the most critical audiophiles. If you want to enter the realm of high-end audio and experience separates at prices much lower than its competitors, take a hard look at the DMC-1 and matching Emotiva MPS-1 multi channel amplifier.Wed, 15 Jun 2005 01:00:00 -0000/reviews/processors/emotiva-dmc-1A/V ProcessorsPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/processors/re-designs-audio-scpa-1A couple of years ago I received a phone call from Dan Banquer (Chief Designer for RE Designs Audio) about the series of articles I have written on the format implementation issues with DVD-A and SACD for consumer audio. I was expecting to hear complaints about my articles like I have heard from a few manufacturers, but instead Dan complimented me and agreed with my recognitions regarding the shortcomings...Sat, 24 Jul 2004 01:00:00 -0000/reviews/processors/re-designs-audio-scpa-1A/V ProcessorsPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/processors/anthem-statement-d1-first-lookThere is quite a buzz building about the Anthem / Sonic Frontiers latest addition to the Home Theater A/V SSP (Surround Sound Processor) world with their new $5000 Anthem Statement D1 SSP. Audioholics forums alone has experienced a good deal of activity about the Statement D1 with some even comparing it to the latest high end receivers and processors.Mon, 05 Jul 2004 01:00:00 -0000/reviews/processors/anthem-statement-d1-first-lookA/V ProcessorsPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/processors/integra-research-rdc-7-1Everyone is familiar with the old saying "too much of a good thing is NOT a good thing". But how many of us actually live by that saying? I am one person that usually doesn't, always demanding more - especially when it comes to performance cars and A/V equipment. With that said, I am always looking for the "ultimate" A/V processor, or at least one that can compete with today's excellent high performance super-receivers. In the $2-3,000 price range this is a tough find and can even be difficult at $4000 when factoring in all of the latest surround formats, A/V switching, bass management flexibility, etc. Thu, 01 Jul 2004 01:00:00 -0000/reviews/processors/integra-research-rdc-7-1A/V ProcessorsPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/processors/integra-dtc-9-4-dta-9-4-processor-and-amplifierPreviously, Audioholics reviewed the Onkyo TX-SR601 and found that to be a good value for a mid-fi receiver. We also reviewed the high-end Integra RDC-7 pre-processor. Naturally, it made sense for us to review the unit that would fall somewhere in between the two and thus we requested the DTC-9.4 pre-processor. Integra was kind enough to send us the DTA-9.4 so we could mate the unit with its 7-channel Class-D "partner".Sat, 31 Jan 2004 01:00:00 -0000/reviews/processors/integra-dtc-9-4-dta-9-4-processor-and-amplifierA/V ProcessorsPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/processors/integra-research-rdc-7Tue, 16 Sep 2003 01:00:00 -0000/reviews/processors/integra-research-rdc-7A/V ProcessorsPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/processors/sunfire-theater-grand-iii-reviewIt's not very often that Audioholics declines a detailed review of hardware, but every once in a while, we receive a product that doesn't meet our expectations. Sunfire's Theater Grand III (TGIII) is such a product, where we felt its performance and refinement did not match up to its $3,500 price tag. Tue, 15 Jul 2003 01:00:00 -0000/reviews/processors/sunfire-theater-grand-iii-reviewA/V ProcessorsPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/processors/aragon-soundstageThe Soundstage represents the pinnacle of Aragon's success at producing a sophisticated digital preamp processor capable of decoding Dolby Prologic, Dolby Digital and DTS, while at the same time serving as a top quality audiophile preamp. The Soundstage's open architecture allows for future hardware and firmware upgrades. The preamp is driven with Class A circuitry for maximum linearity, and furnished with 24 bit premium Crystal DAC's on all channels for the best possible digital sound resolution.Mon, 02 Jun 2003 01:00:00 -0000/reviews/processors/aragon-soundstageA/V ProcessorsPro Reviews