Help/advice upgrading my old 5.0 (no sub) system

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Nickles3

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Before I start I have to say that I have an "old" system that's quite outdated but nonetheless I love the sound it still puts out for both movies and DVD-Playback.

That stated, I have a 5.0 H.T. system (full range fronts, no sub), details below:

Electronics: I have an Acurus ACT-3 that I bought brand new back around 1997, running with an Aragon 8008x3 powering the front 3 channesl (left, center, right) and an Aragon 8002x2 powering the rear surrounds.

Speakers: PSB Stratus Gold full-range towers with matching Status C6 center channel. Niles audio "in-wall" for rear surrounds.

I am running a Luxman 10 band parametric equalizer through a sort of tape loop adjusting the front mains (left, right) only which boost the bass and treble as that is what I like and sounds good to me.

All stated. I am looking upgrade my system and I've always wanted to upgrade my ACT-3 to an Aragon pre-pro Stage One for sonic improvement and to make an "ALL ARAGON" system but I don't intend to do 7 channels anywhere in the near future or pick up a sub to do 7.1 so mainly staying with 5 channel H.T. for now.

I've seen the Stage One pop up here and there for about 400-600 and I'm pondering replacing my ACT-3 but have ?s whether it would be a worthwhile investment?

1) are the DACs in the Stage One better than what I have in the ACT-3?

2) are there other sonic benefits for upgrading to the Stage One or is it basically not worth it since both units are still way "OUTDATED."?

3) I'm currently using the optical out (toslink) of my panny Bluray player (BDT-220) to the Pre/Pro so I'm using the internal DACs on the ACT-3. I'm wondering IF I upgrade and buy the Stage One, if I should upgrade my Bluray player to a unit that has new Dolby/Atmos etc. processing and analog outs (Oppo 105 or new UDP-203) so I can use the decoding from the Bluray (superior DAC) while utilizing the analog inputs on the Stage One or just stick to using the internal DACs on the Stage One? Would I be sacrificing and of the newer audio formats (lossless) connecting the Stage One via this route?

4)overall opinions, should I pull the trigger to upgrade or save my money for my next pre-pro down the road and continue enjoying my existing system?

thoughts, advice, opinons greatly appreciated and THANKS in advance...
 
I personally wouldn't upgrade from one outdated unit to another.

If you use the analog outs of another BDP input the Stage 1 multichannel (MC) inputs you can benefit from lossless formats providing the BDP can decode the soundtrack internally. Blu-ray discs did, and still may, offer PCM multichannel which is lossless as well and will output via the MC output of a BDP.

If you plan to stay with 5.0 why concern yourself over Atmos unless someday planning to put speakers in the ceiling. You should get a sub before that.

Take a look at the Marantz processors which are great sound and features for the money. You may be able to find a used AV8003 which is several years old but would still offer HDMI etc. But the current model would help you be somewhat more future proof with HDMI 2.0, 4k and hopefully 2.2 HDCP compliant. Around all that could be just taking the video direct to the TV.

Back to your original question, you said you were happy with your current system so why move to the Stage 1 and gamble on not being as satisfied?

I'm not familiar with the two enough to compare their DAC's.

Hope this helps some

If you are using a coax or optical digital connection from the Panny, if it decodes DTS-MA & Dolby-HD, Blu-ray should still sound some better than DVD, but those connections are not compatible to allow the full lossless.
 
Thank You Sir for the feedback. Exactly the info I was looking for. I purchased the Stage One and waiting for it to come in. Don't have a ton of money wrapped up into it and made the purchase thinking that I could also use it as a high-end preamp (internals are said to be the same as the highly acclaimed Aragon Aurum) when and if I choose to make my man cave: dedicated 2 channel high-end system used specifically for critical listening.

I was told that the DACs should be a minor improvement over the DACs in the ACT-3. If it doesn't sound good on first hookup, I'll try doing multi-channel out from the Panny BDT220.

Question: "Blu-ray discs did, and still may, offer PCM multichannel which is lossless as well and will output via the MC output of a BDP"

Are you saying that the Blu-Ray disc is what determines the option to offer PCM multi-channel, or did you mean that the options has to be onboard the Blu-Ray player; Panny BDT220 in this case?
 
The encoding for PCM, or any other sound option has to be on the Blu-ray disc. Then the decoding capability has to be built into the player or processor..

As an example if you buy a movie encoded with DTS-MA, your player has to be able to decode DTS-MA.

In the beginning the Blu-ray discs had the MC PCM. I used to used the MC analog connection, but since I switched some years back to HDMI I haven't looked for the PCM, so not sure how many movies still offer it. I know they have to offer the stereo PCM.

I think current BDP's probably decode most any sound option.
 
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