http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/processors/rss.xml Sometimes a receiver or a format-converter isn't enough. In those cases, audio and video processors can do wonders to the sounds and sights in your home theater. Peruse our reviews of A/V processors to discover the ones you need. hourly 12 2006-12-01T00:00 http://www.audioholics.com/static/logo.jpg http://www.audioholics.com/ http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/processors/emotiva-rsp-1-pre-amplfier Emotiva'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. tom 2007-08-31T08:52:41+00:00 Pro Review http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/processors/emotiva-reference-mmc-1-av-processor-review What 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. Gene 2007-05-15T00:28:14+00:00 Pro Review http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/processors/sherbourn-pt-7000-processor-and-7-2100-amplifier-review It 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. Gene 2007-01-05T09:22:31+00:00 Pro Review http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/processors/attack-of-the-clones-processors We 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. Gene 2007-01-04T23:35:57+00:00 Editorial http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/processors/parasound-halo-c-2 Parasound 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. Steve DellaSala 2006-12-07T11:42:08+00:00 Pro Review http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/processors/cary-cinema-6 Cary 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. Christine Tham 2006-01-15T00:00:00+00:00 Pro Review http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/processors/emotiva-dmc-1 The 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. clint 2005-06-15T00:00:00+00:00 Pro Review http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/processors/re-designs-audio-scpa-1 A 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... Gene 2004-07-24T00:00:00+00:00 Pro Review http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/processors/anthem-statement-d1-first-look There 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. Gene 2004-07-05T00:00:00+00:00 Editorial http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/processors/integra-research-rdc-7-1 Everyone 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. Gene 2004-07-01T00:00:00+00:00 Pro Review http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/processors/integra-dtc-9-4-dta-9-4-processor-and-amplifier Previously, 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". clint 2004-01-31T00:00:00+00:00 Pro Review http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/processors/integra-research-rdc-7 Steve DellaSala 2003-09-16T00:00:00+00:00 Pro Review http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/processors/sunfire-theater-grand-iii-review It'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. Steven DellaSala 2003-07-15T00:00:00+00:00 Pro Review http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/processors/aragon-soundstage The 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. Gene 2003-06-02T00:00:00+00:00 Pro Review