Stereo in an A\V Processor

[rony]

Thanks!

[trponhunter]

I should have given a bit more info - sorry. When you pass the analog signal coming out of the processor through additional analog cables and connectors, then run it into another analog preamp with all of its additional circuitry, cables and connectors, all you can do is degrade the signal. ALL pre amps degrade the signal - the best pre amp is simply the one that changes or harms the signal least. In your situation, you already have a pre amp inside of the processor - running it through an additional pre amp will create additional loss and coloration.

[rony]

Okay.
So what is the best option to add a stereo kit
To my present A/V ?
Do I need separate kit for Stereo? ( Speakers, pre amp, Amp, cables and so on...)

[bart]

I wouldn't worry too much about the loss of quality passing through a preamp.
It's still the best way of integrating stereo and multichannel.
Unless you have 2 systems side by side, which has its own disadvantages, besides cost.

[trponhunter]

just listen to your stereo sources through the mx1123 - if you are going to use a digital source - go digitally into the mx123 and simply choose stereo for the surround mode. A turntable opens up an entirely different can of worms - in that case - you get a phono stage and plug into the mx123 - or in that instance - depending on cost etc, there may be some argument for getting a new pre amp -but that starts getting real confusing and a lot of information on specific would need to be answered before determining if it is worth it

[rjryan]

I've been using my C2600 in passthrough for years now. Prior to that, a C47. In each case, It vastly improved my two channel performance. I can't see myself going back to a different set-up. I CAN see myself moving into to Mcintosh HT processor someday, though :-)

[rony]

Originally Posted by trponhunter

just listen to your stereo sources through the mx1123 - if you are going to use a digital source - go digitally into the mx123 and simply choose stereo for the surround mode. A turntable opens up an entirely different can of worms - in that case - you get a phono stage and plug into the mx123 - or in that instance - depending on cost etc, there may be some argument for getting a new pre amp -but that starts getting real confusing and a lot of information on specific would need to be answered before determining if it is worth it

Thanks.
Quote : "simply choose stereo for the surround mode." End Quote .

Stereo mode doesn't become automatically as the source ?

Or do I need to manually interact ?

[Madfonzy]

I don’t have the same processor but I have a yamaha CX-A5100 which I used with an external DAC for a while for stereo. I had to set the yamaha to stereo and pure direct otherwise I would get distortion on some tracks. Pure direct bypasses the DSP and switches off most the unneeded components.

I see the MX123 has a pure stereo DSP bypass mode so you will likely need to use that. For me I fixed it another way by getting a C2700 pure musical bliss ��

[W9TR]

My personal experience is that my C 1100 in stereo sounds way better than my MX 151 in stereo using the same balanced DAC as a source.

By adding a preamp in passthrough you are NOT adding more circuitry for stereo. In my case, I am bypassing the A/D and D/A sections of the MX 151.

In HT mode, yes, there is more circuitry involved as the output of the MX 151 goes though the C 1100 before going on to the power amps. I have found no audible difference between this and straight out of the MX 151.

[bart]

Originally Posted by W9TR

My personal experience is that my C 1100 in stereo sounds way better than my MX 151 in stereo using the same balanced DAC as a source.

By adding a preamp in passthrough you are NOT adding more circuitry for stereo. In my case, I am bypassing the A/D and D/A sections of the MX 151.

In HT mode, yes, there is more circuitry involved as the output of the MX 151 goes though the C 1100 before going on to the power amps. I have found no audible difference between this and straight out of the MX 151.

Neither have I.