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  #11  
Old 03-18-2013, 01:09 PM
jeffkrag jeffkrag is offline
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Thanks Dave. Are you really seeing a lot of people selling SSP-800's for the AV8801? Are they saying that it actually sounds better, especially in 2ch and mch music? Or is it close, but much better from a features standpoint?
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  #12  
Old 03-18-2013, 01:35 PM
thezaks thezaks is offline
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I noticed on the AVS thread for the AV8801 that a few of the folks went from the SSP800 to the AV8801. Folks like "adidino" and "thrang". Seems like "thrang" is definitely liking his AV8801, compared to what he has had in the past. You had the AV8801 for a while - I take it that you weren't as enamored with it? What was it that you didn't like?

Dave
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  #13  
Old 03-18-2013, 02:10 PM
jeffkrag jeffkrag is offline
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Tony, aka "adidino," has been through more processors than anyone on the forums, lol! Actually, he thought the av8801 was good but not great (as did I), and he loved his SSP-800, and still thinks it was the best processor he ever had until now. Now, he just got the Bryston SP-3, and he says that is decidedly better than the SSP-800 (although both are stellar) in 2 ch, which is what I really cared about. However, he doesn't like some of the quirks and the fact that it doesn't have RC. He will probably end up with one of the uber-processors like the ADA.

For me, the av8801 was great for movies, good with mch music and OK with 2 ch music. It was strange, in that, as a straight preamp, it was dark, with excellent bass detail but rolled off highs, and a narrow soundstage. With Aud engaged, the highs came back somewhat, the soundstage widened dramatically (this was impressive), but the bass lessened and it was less engaging. Aud was impressive at first listen, but lost it's luster within 10-15 minutes. Now, that was just me, it probably could have been markedly improved with a lot of tweaking (which the 8801 affords in spades), but I just didn't want to bother.

Also, as a caveat, understand that I have very resolving speakers that are both a blessing and a curse, and reveal everything (and require upgrading everything ). I think most people looking at the av8801 as a one-box solution have systems that will easily absorb it and make good music/movies. Those with higher end, more revealing systems will probably use it for movies and add a high end pre-amp for music. This was the way I wanted to go, but realized that I really like mch SACD and Bluray music, so I needed a better one-box processor for this reason.

Hope this makes some sense. Of course, maybe I should have waited for the Foundation myself, but I had an itchy trigger
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  #14  
Old 03-18-2013, 04:44 PM
thezaks thezaks is offline
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I'll be interested in what you think of AV8801 vs. S-1200 comparison for movies. Movies and TV are my priorities. A lot of folks think that any processor will do for movies, but I'm a little bit more picky, being a former 2 channel guy myself. When do you think you will get the S-1200, by the way?

Dave
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  #15  
Old 03-18-2013, 05:20 PM
jeffkrag jeffkrag is offline
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Actually, it just arrived. Hope to have it set up tonight, but as luck would have it, my son is studying for finals, so can't blast it tonight, and I'm headed to Miami tomorrow for a business trip. Plus, I'm away for 10 days starting next week. Will try to report as I can. Being that I'm not a movie guy, and any processor will do for that, I hope I can give you a meaningful report on it's movie capabilities vs the AV8801.
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  #16  
Old 03-18-2013, 05:59 PM
thezaks thezaks is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jeffkad View Post
Actually, it just arrived. Hope to have it set up tonight, but as luck would have it, my son is studying for finals, so can't blast it tonight, and I'm headed to Miami tomorrow for a business trip. Plus, I'm away for 10 days starting next week. Will try to report as I can. Being that I'm not a movie guy, and any processor will do for that, I hope I can give you a meaningful report on it's movie capabilities vs the AV8801.
Sounds good - enjoy, and let us know...

Dave
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  #17  
Old 03-18-2013, 11:20 PM
jeffkrag jeffkrag is offline
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OH MY GOODNESS!!! What sound! What clarity! Got it all hooked up and gave it a whirl for about 20 minutes with some Chuck Mangione in 2ch preamp mode, and the BR Adele at Royal Albert Hall via HDMI. Glorious. My 15 year old son said it's the best he's ever heard my system. My wife, the ultimate cynic, came in to hear Adele do "Someone Like You." She said the same as my son: "best I've ever heard your system sound."

Can't wait to play with it some more around my travel schedule. So far, VERY nice
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  #18  
Old 03-18-2013, 11:29 PM
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Jeff.......Great news. Pretty exciting to get the stamp of approval from the family on an upgrade. Really happy to hear the Krell S-1200 is making you happy.
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STUDIO - McIntosh C1000C/P, MC2301 (2), MR88, Aurender N10, Esoteric K-01X, Shunyata Sigma spdif digital cable, Sonos Connect, PurePower 2000, Stillpoints, Furutech Flux 50, Michell Gyro SE, Michell HR Power Supply, SME 309, Ortofon Cadenza Black, Wireworld, Sonus faber Amati Anniversario
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  #19  
Old 03-18-2013, 11:42 PM
jeffkrag jeffkrag is offline
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Dan, thanks so much! It's pretty incredible to have the family comment right out of the gate. I have no idea if this thing will get better with some break in, but it's pretty nice as is. It is quite gratifying, to say the least, to put out a such a large sum of money (to me at least) and get the kind of return you hoped for. I was really concerned, but my fears are gone. Serge and Rich were right! This S1200 is really something. The ability to clearly hear every instrument, and I mean really hear the definition, texture, the sharp rise and decay, is a bit startling. Never had anything like this in my house.

Dave (thezaks), this is the real deal. Surround is excellent, with clarity and definition all around. And no room correction yet. Versus the av8801, on music and mch music, it's no contest. S1200 wins hands down in a knockout. Can't say anything about movies yet. Probably closer, but will advise after I actually listen to a movie.
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  #20  
Old 03-19-2013, 12:02 AM
bzr bzr is offline
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Congrats Jeff, isn't it great when that new piece you have been waiting turns out to be a knockout. When I played Adele:21 "One & Only" on my just arrived refurbished 2301's, it was an exact same moment as you had with Adele. My wife actually came to listen while brushing her teeth it was that good. Any thoughts of new amps just totally disappeared as no doubt for you the same is applicable for your Krell S1200.
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