Pricey but includes admission to Tag McLaren courtesy club.
Written: Apr 19 '01 (Updated May 08 '01)
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Pros: Transparent & musical preamplifier. Top rate av processor.
Cons: Writing on front fascia small for not-so-young user. Remote receiver window not sensitive enough.
The Bottom Line: Benchmark performance that even audiophile would be happy to use for music pre-amp. Some degree of hardware and software upgrade possible.
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| GeraldLui's Full Review: TagMclaren AV32R AV Processor Amplifier |
My previous epinion on this processor was written months ago and I notice a lot of people are still reading it, which prompt this rewrite to keep it up to date.To start with Tag McLaren has excellent after sales service that keep this product great even after 1 year later. Telephone queries are answered keenly but you must look up their online website support. I have never experience such enthusiasm from the owner and engineering team of an audio company in giving helpful and frank advices to improve the usefulness for your purchase. They are also willing to listening to customers for ways to improve their products. However, the beauty is these improvements will not only benefit future user, it will also benefit present user via free software downloaded from their website. It makes you feel like you are joining an exclusive club.
Some of the attributes that convince me that this it is the best preamplifier are firstly the way it plays all types of music sweetly. In addition built and style is immaculate. This musical breast comes with a choice of Armani black or trendy polished aluminium. It likes music ranging from Mahler’s symphonies to Britney Spears with joy and enthusiasm. The quality of the internal DAC is so good that it transforms my DVD player from an average CD player into a very good one. The singing quality is now almost the equal to dedicated CD player like Linn Karik. Karik as a transport itself is elevated to higher level. Music, vocals or sounds effects are tuneful, clear and exciting.
The set-up wizard programme is very easy and you could quickly settle into your sofa enjoying the wonders of home theatre experience within 15 minutes connecting all the cables together. Fortunately I never know what a bullet sound like when it just past over my head but the hair on the back of my neck is rise all right. The video switch shows no visible degradation to the picture quality. My DVD movies collection is still growing at an alarming rate.
It has five digital inputs, six analogue inputs and eight video inputs giving more then adequate flexibility. I have a helpful dealer who is happy to demonstrate it with many power amps including Rotel RB985, Tag McLaren 100x5R and the amazing Chord SPM2000B. Each brings improvements that show up its ability to suit all pocket and aspiration.
As said earlier the processor is upgradeable. The software upgrades need a cable to connect the processor to your computer and is an optional extra but I feel it for pay itself due to the numerous free software upgrades. The processor initially comes with main decoders like Dolby Digital, DTS and MPEG formats, Dolby Pro-Logic and the TAG McLaren Surround. Since then two special decoders THX Surround EX and Dolby Pro Logic II are added.
Existing owners could upgrade their processors at the same cost as buying these extensions with the initial purchase. Upgrading to THX Surround EX needs factory work. Getting Dolby Pro Logic II is easier. You only need to download the software via their website but it cost UK £80 or equivalent in US$. When Pro Logic II is used with stereo TV programmes and Dolby Surround encoded movies you get the closes to discrete 5.1-channel sound yet. Incidentally, you will also be one of the first few people on the planet who have a processor with this new decoder to play with.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 2800
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Epinions.com ID:
GeraldLui
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Member: Gerald Lui
Location: Scotland
Reviews written: 20
Trusted by: 11 members
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