Theater Grand III Fidelity, Build Quality and Kudos

The Basis of Comparison

Given our experience with other processors such as the Sherbourn PT-7000, Aragon Soundstage, Sony TA-E90000ES, Integra Research RDC-7 (review pending), and a host of receivers, such as the Denon AVR-5803 (review pending) and the Yamaha RX-Z1, we felt that we had a solid basis of indirect comparison. With the Sony TA-E9000ES and the Integra Research RDC-7, we also were able to do a direct comparison. For all our listening tests, we use familiar audio CD's, DTS-CD's, SACD's, DVD-A's and DVD's in order to develop an ear for how certain nuances in the music or movie sound track sound between different units. We also have a solid feel for how the speakers perform in our Reference System, even in a room with marginal acoustics. In addition, we did our best to switch between the Sony and Integra Research in order to get a fresh listen to the differences between all three units. Keep in mind that we calibrated all the speaker level volumes on each processor with a Radio Shack Sound Level Meter to assure that the difference were not due to volume settings.

Fidelity

While alone in an audio rack, the TGIII presents a full range of sound, especially with movie soundtracks. It's only when compared to other units either indirectly (somewhat ambiguous) or directly, that we were able to subjectively assess its actual sound quality. Based on our indirect comparison to the units listed above, and our direct comparison to the Sony and Integra Research, we felt that the Theater Grand III did not present the subtle detail in both the analog and digital domains that we found in other processors and receivers in this price range and below. We feel this may be partly due to the average Signal to Noise Ratio inherent to the TGIII. In addition, we felt the TGIII did not present the micro dynamics or significance in soundstage/presence as the Integra Research RDC-7, the Aragon Soundstage, and in some cases, even the dated Sony TA-E9000ES.

One of our listeners (a total Sunfire fan) felt that the TGIII did sound more open than the Sony, but he concurred that the detail difference was definitely noticeable. We also felt that the mid bass and low bass were not as tight or prominent, especially when directly compared to the RDC-7. Each time we reverted back to the Sony or the Integra Research, we instantly noticed a richer, more authoritative bass response from the mains. With the Integra Research, we also noticed a tighter bass response from the sub. Note that all tone controls were either bypassed or set to flat, and the bass management were all set to the same crossover frequencies and channel calibrations via an SPL meter. We felt the RDC-7 also presented improved soundstage with tighter bass and more detail, without sounding bright or harsh as some Japanese Electronics are said to be known for. We do appreciate the fact that the Integra Research is around $700 more than the TGIII. But the TGIII is about $2,000 more than the Sherbourn PT-7000 and frankly, we felt there wasn't enough difference in sound quality, and features between these two units to justify the price gap, especially since the Outlaw Clone version of the Sherbourn Processor could be had for a mere $799. In fact, one of our listeners even felt that the Sherbourn processor had an improved soundstage over the TGIII.

Another fidelity test was done while viewing HBO movies on satellite with the TGIII's Dolby Pro-Logic II. Keeping in mind that the movies we viewed were not being broadcast in 5.1 surround, we wanted to listen to how the TGIII presented the Pro-Logic II. In all of the processors and receivers we have previously reviewed, this mode did a tremendous job of dividing the sound from a two-channel source into believable 5.1 surround. While the Theater Grand III did a good job of separating the sound track, we felt it did not present as open or realistic of a soundstage when compared to other units. Words can't describe the difference that the Integra Research RDC-7 presented as this processor was able to fool us into thinking we were listening to an actual DVD decoding DD or DTS.

Build Quality and Refinement

After our rigorous listening session, we went on to examine the build quality and refinement. Sunfire did a great job of creating a seamless brushed aluminum anodized cover around the unit. But on closer examination, it's our opinion that this $3,500 processor is somewhat lacking refinement for a product in this price range. For starters, the recessed volume knob wasn't flush all around and it even wobbled when rotated. This was true with the unit we examined at a local dealer as well. Nit picking? Yes, but for $3,500 we feel compelled to nit pick. Another feature we found lacking was the lighting. We suspect for simplicity in design, Sunfire decided to leave all 10 yellow radio station lights and all matching mode function lights on the entire time the unit was powered up. The radio station lights do not correspond to the station preset or mode selection, they are just on. We find this a bit puzzling, as the lights seem to be independent of their use and function. It is more customary for lights like these to only come on individually when its corresponding function is selected. While this may not bother some, we found it became an eye sore when viewing movies at night in a darkened room. Furthermore, the only way to dim the lighting on the Theater Grand III is by actually going up to the unit and finding the button on the front panel (which, incidentally, isn't even back lit). This function is not remote operable. Again, another deficiency when it comes to the refinement one should expect in a $3,500 processor.

The Positives

Well, we couldn't mention all the negatives without at least providing some positives. Sunfire selected a great remote from Universal Remote. You can actually purchase this Theater Master MX-500 remote from dealers and use it for all your home theater products. Sunfire isn't the only OEM to purchase this remote from Universal Remote and place their logo on it, so it's not unique to the Theater Grand III.

Another positive is the variable bass management of 40Hz to 160Hz in 10Hz increments. This is a very useful feature that is not commonplace on many of today's pre/pros and receivers. For getting this right, we give kudos to Sunfire.

Kudos also go out for the video switching (with 2 sets of high bandwidth Component Video Outputs!) as not many receivers or processors (even the RDC-7) offer what the Sunfire has. The video switching circuitry employs 100MHz bandwidth throughput to exceed the video needs of today's most demanding HDTV installs. Although it would be nice if this processor offered video up conversion as many newer receivers are now offering. This would make it possible to view the on screen menu via component video, which is useful when adjusting parameters while viewing and listening to DVDs.

The triggered outputs are capable of operating just about any power relay/control box with its 500mA current drive capability (most receivers don't offer this robust current drive). The Sunfire TGIII also has power up volume configuration. This is helpful each time you turn on the unit as you are assured that it is the same volume and not blaring loud from where you left it when turning it off.

The TGIII also offers Auto signal sensing input switching which automatically turns the unit on and selects your source and surround mode. Both these features are also available on many of the newer receivers and processors and are not unique to Sunfire.  However, we read numerous forum threads during our research of this product all written by operators who own this unit.   In them, we found a surprising number of people complaining that this feature only works intermittently.  Most people have turned off this feature do to this problem.  In the short period of time we operated this unit, we were unable to verify this intermittent problem, so we wonder if Sunfire updated their software to resolve this issue.

The unit also offers balanced XLR output, flash memory upgradeability via a CD and an IEEE-1394 connector (firewire).