Price Paid:  $4000.00 from online retailer

Summary:
I bought mine new from a dealer in UK. I just love it!! Now u can get it in secondhand for a price of 1000-1500US$ that’s a real barging!

Strengths:
One of the best preamps I have ever heard! Good looking

Weaknesses:
Nothing really

Similar Products Used:
HK, Yamaha, Pioneer, Nad, Rotel

Price Paid:  $1000.00 from Used online retailer

Summary:
I bought the C-800 and C 5.1 processor used for 1000.00 delivered to my door....for that price its a great deal....however the $3800.00 original retail for these components is questionable....the only problem now is that the company is out of business....so parts could be an issue....I have seen several units on e-bay lately which makes me wonder if people are trying to unload them
I give it a 5 for performance for the price

Strengths:
detailed sound,AC-3,DTS processing,set up microphone

Weaknesses:
Many functions are only available through the remote,company now out of business

Similar Products Used:
Harman Kardon AV-P2,Matantz DP-870,Millenium 2.4.6

Summary:
I "shopped for & auditioned preamps in my system for 2 years in pursuit of upgrading from my Adcom 555. In the interim I bought The $3,000 Audio research LS3, sold it because the $995 Aragon 18K sounded better (clean,sweet treble). I auditioned the others for several weeks, but couldn't get better sound then the Aragon. I didn't think I'd find anything close, especially with "surround" but the Chiro beat them all in overall sound quality. All the others had tradeoffs, excelling in one area & not in others. The Chiro reflected best attributes of all the others in one unit. It would be well worth it's price if was just a preamp.
Anyone that dismisses the C-800 as an "audiophile" preamp. because of it's surround function, would be missing out on a truly great sounding preamp.

Strengths:
A superb sounding preamp, in all modes

Weaknesses:
Some quirks with loosing settings in power outages; tuner setup is a bit slow & cumbersome.

Similar Products Used:
Adcom 555 & 565, Audio Research LS3, Threshold T2 & FET 10E,Aragon Aurus & 18K.

Summary:
I had a few minor bugs in early production models that I used but the company seems to have worked these out. Eeven the Krell units have had their problems. Again the only complaint I have is sending the gear to California if service is needed. I upgraded to the Digital engine in my 5.1 and it sounds great, The best improvment came when I upgraded the DB-25 connector with one made by Twisted Pair Designs. This cable costs $125 and was well worth the investment. The DB 25 that comes with the unit is more of a computer grade and really doesn't do justice to the Chiro. Any questions regarding the DB 25 feel free to contact me. Legends99@aol.com

Strengths:
Great sound, nice looking

Weaknesses:
has to go to Ca. for any service. Crossover only 80hz

Similar Products Used:
HK

Summary:
I have had the Chiro C-800 and 5.1 system for over 3 years and I am more than happy with it. I have owed preamps from Yamaha, Denon, and Parasound, but when I heard the Chiro I just had to have one, I was truely amazed at the Pro-Logic steering, how accurate it is. I recently upgraded the 5.1 to the D3 engine and it is amazing! Dolby Digital and DTS soundtrack are simply amazing. I give the entire Chiro line a 5 star rating, listen and you will too.

Strengths:
Awesome detail, neutral, and accurate.

Weaknesses:
no bass and treble for some music and movie selections

Similar Products Used:
Chiro DD 5.1 with DTS