Sunfire Theater Grand III Review
by
Steven DellaSala
— last modified July 14, 2003
Contributors:
Gene DellaSala
Sunfire Theater Grand III
Summary
- Product Name: Theater Grand III Processor
- Manufacturer: Sunfire
- Performance Rating:
- Value Rating:
- Review Date: July 14, 2003 20:00
- MSRP: $ 3500
- Specifications
-
- Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital EX, DTS, DTS-ES, DTS Neo:6, Dolby Pro Logic II
- 7-Axis mode
- Two-channel analog bypass mode
- Second zone can play sources independent of the main zone
- Eight-channel analog audio input for DVD-A or SACD
- Six audio/video inputs, each with audio, S-video, and composite video
- Three audio-only inputs
- MM phono input
- Digital audio (S/PDIF) inputs for six sources (four coax or optical; two coax only)
- FM/AM tuner with Dynamic Noise Reduction and 40 presets
- Balanced outputs for primary 7.1 channels
- Four subwoofer outputs
- All-digital bass management with crossover frequencies adjustable from 40Hz to 160Hz
- 24-bit A-to-D converter and 24-bit/192kHz D-to-A converters
- DSP tone controls
- Three 100MHz HDTV-compatible wide-bandwidth component-video inputs and two outputs
- Preprogrammed learning remote control with LCD screen
- FLASH memory upgradeable via CD
- Auto signal-sensing input switching
- IEEE-1394 (Firewire™) port for future expansion
Pros
- Nice Universal Remote Control
- Bass management adjustments from 40Hz to 160Hz
- Video Switching employs 100HHz bandwidth
- Triggered outputs 500mA current
- Power up volume configuration
- Auto signal sensing
- Flash memory upgrade via CD
- Balanced XLR output
- Name recognition
Cons
- Sound lacks detail and bass seems flat compared to other processors
- Mediocre signal to noise ratio for price range
- Lights stay on at all times
- No remote operation for dimming lights
- Channel trim accuracy limited to +/- 1dB
- Volume knob wobbles
- Only one set of speaker level adjustments stored
- No subwoofer group delay adjustment
- No sub in analogue bypass
- Only one IEEE 1394 connector
- Pink noise has distortion and crackling
- Lacks refinement for price range
Introduction
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.
