High end pre/pro's. Are they worth it???

[fitzcaraldo215]

Originally Posted by wes

I don't do Vinyl to inconvenient and pricey, so you are saying I would be better off with Integra DTC 9.9 vs Classé SSP-800? My interest are SACD and Blu Ray

I have not heard the Classe 800. They still have a lot of promised features to deliver. When will this happen? How much better will it sound on hi-rez digital sources? I suspect not enough to justify all the extra money.

[wes]

Originally Posted by fitzcaraldo215

I have not heard the Classe 800. They still have a lot of promised features to deliver. When will this happen? How much better will it sound on hi-rez digital sources? I suspect not enough to justify all the extra money.

For me that will be the key factor:

Digital high def DD tru HD and DTS Master Audio as well as DSD SACD in comparing Classé SSP-800 and Integra DTC 9.9 if sound is equal then the decision will be easy

No need for analogue for me thanks I stop buying Vinyl 25 years ago

[kennyt]

Originally Posted by wes

Digital high def DD tru HD and DTS Master Audio as well as DSD SACD in comparing Classé SSP-800 and Integra DTC 9.9 if sound is equal then the decision will be easy

Well, either way their is still an analog section the digital input has to go through, and that can be a tricky step, one I would suspect the Classe' would do better, but I haven't had either in my rig to compare.

Originally Posted by wes

No need for analogue for me thanks I stop buying Vinyl 25 years ago

I am soooooooooo sorry you feel that way! I have got one TT set up in my bedroom and have been totally geeking out over it!!! I just located the largest record store in the country (they stock over 3,000,000 records, YES, records, the CD's and DVD's are in the other warehouse across the street!) and am still trying to sort out what TT to add to my reference rig.

I can't wait to go album shopping Saturday morning!!!!!!!!

[rlpiii]

Did you see Mac is making TT's now?
http://www.mcintoshlabs.com/products...-turntable.asp

[kennyt]

Originally Posted by rlpiii

Did you see Mac is making TT's now?

Yeah,

They've had that for a year or two now, it's kind of cool in that it's an all in one solution, but I just don't like the look of Mac gear, so to me it is butt ugly and I'd never own it!

Check out the Avid Diva II, or Volvere! Now that's what I'm talking 'bout!

[fitzcaraldo215]

Originally Posted by wes

For me that will be the key factor:

Digital high def DD tru HD and DTS Master Audio as well as DSD SACD in comparing Classé SSP-800 and Integra DTC 9.9 if sound is equal then the decision will be easy

No need for analogue for me thanks I stop buying Vinyl 25 years ago

I did not say I thought the sound would be equal. I think the sound will be in the same ballpark on hi rez sources. After considering price - $2,000 vs. $8,000 - most people will go with the Integra, I believe. Looking at Kenny's point about analog out, yes, the Classe will have a much more elaborate analog out stage. But, the Integra will have a much more capable DSP-based EQ, which Classe can only promise but cannot deliver at this point. When it is delivered, it will be no match for Audyssey, especially for an Audyssey Pro ugraded Integra. The Audyssey EQ is capable of making the Integra sound much more expensive than it is. It overcomes some of the weakness of not having the most sophisticated analog out stage.

I think the much more potentially potent step up from the Integra will be the Anthem with ARC EQ, when they finally step up to HDMI 1.3.

I am sure it has not escaped your notice that I am a strong believer in what well designed EQ can do. It cannot fix certain room problems like treatments can, but it can improve the sound in even a well treated room. After listening to the Anthem with ARC off and on, don't you agree, Kenny?