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.Thu, 15 Jan 2009 18:10:00 -0000http://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 18:10:00 -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 06:30:00 -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 02:22:44 -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 04:50:00 -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.Fri, 16 May 2008 13:59:39 -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 12:52:41 -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 00:28:14 -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 14:22:31 -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 04:35:57 -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 16:42:08 -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 00:00:00 -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 00:00:00 -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 00:00:00 -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 00:00:00 -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 00:00:00 -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 00:00:00 -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 00:00:00 -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 00:00:00 -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 00:00:00 -0000/reviews/processors/aragon-soundstageA/V ProcessorsPro Reviews