[Mag]

  I'm considering an SP2. I am happy with how my system sounds powered with Bryston amps through my Yamaha RX-V2200 as my processor. I've read that this pre is miles ahead of your typical receiver. So I guess I just want more reassurance that the SP2 would make a significant difference.
  At the moment listening to my system I can't imagine how it can get significantly better. I guess what I don't know can't hurt me. At present I have no background noise whatsoever. When there no music playing it is completely quiet. Plus having Bryston amps already gives my elite sound.
  So can someone assure me that the SP2 is justified for its hefty price tag.

[alpsy]

hi mag,

these guys know about this stuff more than me but i am upgrading from a yamaha rxv2600 (had the 4600 before that) to the sp2. i was using the yamaha purely as a pre-pro and powering everything through bryston amps.

as good as the 2600 is it will be no match for the sp2 audio's ability. of course i will mss its video abilities, especially hdmi upscaling, but at the end of the day except for all the extra cables (instead of 1 hdmi cable) we have decided that we can live without that, at least till hdmi 1.3 becomes available.

big big plus for the sp2 is it's 2 channel performance, along with everything else

good luck and let us know how you go

cheers,

julie

[bgewaudio]

What you don't know will hurt you! 

I'm sure Julie would be able to give you more information about the SP2 specifically given her first-hand experience, seeing how she owns an SP2.  But I can tell you from a generic audio standpoint that the SP2 is going to be able to give you so much more than your current processor/AVR.  I can honestly say that you would expect to experience alot more inner detail and focus, better imaging, tighter bass, more open midrange, wickedly clean highs, less distortion and you also won't be burdened with the video section cross talking with the audio section amoug others.  Oh and that background noise you were talking about that is totally non existant in your current set-up, until you employ the SP2, you'll never realize how much quieter it can actually get.  I thought the exact same thing as you at one point and said "can it really get much better than this", until I purchased my BP26 preamp I never knew the answer, and by the time I got it home and it uttered it's first word, I had my answer.

If there is any advise I can give you at all from this, it would be "DEFINITELY DO NOT SKIMP ON THE PROCESSOR".  I would say in addition to your speakers, it is one of the most important components in the audio chain, It is the controll center of your entire system!

I say go for it................you won't be sorry.................I promise.

Happy Listening

 

[Mag]

Thanks for the reply.
  I couldn't swing the deal, so I'll have to put it off 'till a much later date. This is partly due to me not wanting to put this burden on my budget at this time although I did have the financing option. But I have other priorities which I feared could possibly swamp me next year.
  But the other problem was they did not have the SP2 model only the 1.7. I tried to make a deal on this model and then have it upgraded but for some reason they would not quote me a reduced price on  this model as there was no way I was paying the list price for it. I also was considering the Anthem 20 model, and I almost went for it but I was feeling sick at this point. I also felt the dealer was playing me for a sucker. Since I knew nothing about the Anthem, I vacated the store.
  What troubled me most is that I listen to music in multi-channel stereo mode on my Yamaha. And I wasn't convinced that either of these pre-amps would be able to play in this format.
  I will consider the SP2 again after I meet my other priorities. And will make the trip to Alberta where I can save on the tax.

[chip1]

hey! mag

if you're still interested in a bryston pre/pro i'm selling my sp1.7 and would give it to you for an excellent price.
i have it up for sale on audiogon.com my user name is (chip1) i just put it on sale yesterday.
i know it's been a while since you posted your issue about weather or not on buying one i just figured i give it try.

wish all the best on getting your hands on ethier a sp1.7 or sp2.

chip1