RX-V2095 VS. DSP-A1 ???????????
Mark Pollard
I was going to try today but the Store Sold out of he 2095's just as i
got there :-(
I hear people saying it sounds like the DSP-A1 with less Power and 3
less DSP's . BUT i have also heard the same thing about the 2092
sounding the SAME as the 2095.
If the 2095 sounds like the DSP-A1 then that must mean the 2092 does
too!
If that is so then why get a DSP-A1 in the first place?
WHO HAS THE ANSWER?
Thanks
Mark Pollard
Mark Pollard
Mark Pollard
Howard Ferstler
Well, the current issue of The Sensible Sound has my comparison of a
DSP-A1 and a Lexicon DC-1. In addition, I compare the A1 to a DSP-A3090
(I reviewed the A3090 some time back, but the specific issue number
escapes me right now).
Much will depend on the listening room, the levels you set the assorted
channels to, the speaker arrangements, and the recordings. Properly set
up, an A3090 can sound just about identical to an A1 with the similar hall
settings. You have to attenuate the surround levels on many programs with
the A3090, via the Effect-Trim feature, to get it to mimic an A1 at its
factory-default settings, however. Once that is done, the older unit is
practically a clone of the newer one in many ways. This is particularly
true with the DD and DPL functions, especially the frontal steering.
The DC-1, incidentally, displays quite a few differences from the Yamaha
units up front, and also in the surround channels, needless to say, and
while it sounds better with some material, it is no better with a lot of
other stuff. This is mostly the case with movies, however. With music
from two-channel sources, the DC-1's Music Logic function is remarkable,
and Yamaha has nothing to compare to it. Their Classical/Opera mode is an
attempt, but up front it is really not much different from basic DPL
decoding. The surround channels are quite different from DPL, however.
With some music recordings, the 35 mm "Enhanced" version of DPL works
quite well, but even it cannot match the Music Logic function of the DC-1
Yes, I know there is a DC-2 on the way, but all I have right now is a
photograph of it and a flyer, and it looks to mainly be a refined version
of the DC-1, but with a better remote conntrol
OK, so I assume that both the 2092 and 2095 are similar enough to both the
A3090 and A1 to sound very much like them. Of course, there will be
power-output differences, but if you use a good, powerful subwoofer (I
suggest this) the differences will not be all that meaningful. The A3090
and A1 have advantages in terms of adjustment flexibility, and they have
more hall simulations, and for some people that will be important.
Howard Ferstler
fer...@ibm.net
O
Howard Ferstler
> Thanks Howard.
>
> Does anyone else have any Opinions on this subject?
> How much is the DC-1 Street Price?
>
> Mark Pollard
Hi, Mark!
I honestly do not know. However, the fact that the DC-2, which should
be out in a few months, will probably cost a bit less for basically the
same level of performance, or better, will depress DC-1 sales, I assume.
The DC-1 is available in several "levels." You can get a Basic model, a
THX model, a DD model, and a DTS model. Each of those incorporates the
previous upgrades. From what I gather, the DC-2 will have only three
versions: THX, DD, and DTS. You can upgrade any of the lesser versions
to the more advanced version for the difference in list prices.
I think that the top-line DC-2 will have a list price about $1000 less
than the DC-1. That is, the latter is about $5000 list and the newer
one is about $4000 list, for the top units. (The DTS version may not be
necessary, given the shaky status of that format, which will save you
about $500, if you opt to go for the next-down version; and you can
always upgrade to DTS if miracles happen.) As I noted, I have no idea
about what kinds of discounts are showing up for the DC-1.
Note that unlike the Yamaha units, which are self amplified, the DC-1
requires outboard amps. We are talking about 7 channels of
amplification, in addition to a subwoofer amp, so the costs can add up,
even if you opt to get some reasonably priced amps for the four surround
channels and do not go too overboard on the front three channels.
I believe that the Lexicon unit is better than the top Yamaha, but only
in some performance areas (in some, the Yamahas are a tad better, I
think) and only if you can set up the speakers optimally. Whether that
edge is worth the extra money will be a personal decision.
Howard Ferstler
fer...@ibm.net