Price Paid:  $0.00 from used via Audiogon.co

Summary:
This is a review for the AV32R. This is an excellent processor. I read reviews and got some great compliments on this processor. I found one used for a great price and took the plunge. I was updating from my Lexicon DC-1 (w/o AC-3). The Lexicon is a great unit, with excellent sound, but I wanted Dolby Digital/DTS, so I was looking to upgrade.

To do this and not drop thousands of dollars was challenging, since the Lexicon is such a great unit. Well The Tag fits the bill. For music, the sound is excellent, very clear and full. I was listening to a live CD which I have listened to hundreds of times. With the AV32R, I heard background vocals that I've never heard before. I heard foot tapping and finger snaps that was all new to me. I listen to rock, jazz, funk and they all sound excellent with the AV32R.

It also does a great job with movies. Much like music, the sound is very clear. The bass is solid and had my room rumbling.

I have two very picky criticisms, the volume nob does not have that click-feeling with each turn which I like. The user manuals come in a CD jewel case, hence very small.

Strengths:
Clear, crisp sound. Picks up everything in a recording. Lots of software upgrades available through their website.

Weaknesses:
None yet, other than the unit can be pricey if not purchased used.

Similar Products Used:
Lexicon DC-1
Rotel RSP 1066

Price Paid:  $3900.00 from Over the web

Summary:
From an audio perspective, the Dual Sharc version of the AV32R is identical to TAG McLaren’s flagship, the AV192R. Basically, it’s just packed into a slim-line chassis and lacks the video processing capabilities – hence the amazing price difference. The dual Analog Devices SHARC 21161 DSPs is a must have – with so much spare capacity TAG McLaren are already doing things that other manufacturers are still thinking about.

The most powerful new function has to be the room equalisation. Even if my wife would have tolerated speakers being placed in optimal locations within the lounge, there would still have been room booms and other wrinkles present. Despite my big sub, I wasn’t hearing anything below 30 Hz before so we bent the curves a little and made a very useful difference.

If you’re serious about the sound of your system, it is worth using a PC with a sound input card, lab-grade microphone and room acoustics package, such as ETF5, to assist your set up. With the AV32R DS’ built-in tone generators and this software, the difference was visible as well as audible - fun. Their equalisation facility is still only a few months old so the user interface hasn’t been perfected yet – IMHO but the flexibility is certainly there (I haven’t tried the latest set-up wizard). The effect is an unmistakable improvement according to my listening panel – management and integration of sub and main speakers is hugely improved (I have to admit I didn’t realise there was a problem until I heard it fixed).

The big advantage of doing equalisation in the AV processor is that it does away with extra conversions between digital and analogue; extra cabling; extra connections and extra sources of interference. None of these extras is going to improve your sound quality – and once the quality is lost…

So, how does it sound? That delightful sound stage, clarity and neutrality, so important to music lovers, is still there. The sound has changed slightly – there is definitely more life in it – but crisp rather than bright. Using later generation DSPs than the other big players allows much faster processing of signals – useful for THX Ultra 2 and Dolby headphones. So… if you want to critically analyse a DVD or the latest CD formats, this is the unit to use – you’ll get everything the source has to offer. Its also the unit to have if music is as important as Home Cinema to you.

Support is second to none at the high end of the market – truly. They still make their own products entirely rather than buy-in sections or re-badge, so they can respond to suggestions. You see all this in a very active and open forum on their web site. Suggestions become features all the time – without any marketing fuss: child lock enabling on the processor (only the remote will control it); extending lip-synch all the way out to 250mS; separate lip-synch for each source; two-stage muting; room optimisation for two different listening positions; height channel; true analog bypass; XLR balanced outputs… This stream of goodies just keeps coming and with the huge processing power reserves of this system, it seems likely to continue for a long time to come.

You can see it all at:
http://www.tagmclaren.com/products/av32rDP/intro.asp

Even without this constant stream of free new features, many of which are free, the AV32R DS has to be the most amazing bargain to come along in the Home Cinema market for a very long time. Try it with top quality components against any other high-end processor – especially those costing twice as much. A very pleasant experience is assured.

Strengths:
Audio quality
Range of useful extra features
Amazing price-performance
Best upgrade programme among the top end manufacturers

Weaknesses:
Very low company profile despite the accolades from professional reviewers.

Similar Products Used:
Lexicon MC12

Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
This review is about AV32R-bp192, the latest version of this excellent processor. I've been using it as an audiophile preamp, bypassing the analogue signal from my CD player and is was a surprise. The new DAC's and bypass facilities made this on of the better options. It works very well, good imaging, clean and detailed mids, sweet highs and powerfull bass. Working as an A/V processor there is no surprises - one of the best processors on the market.

Strengths:
Musical and refined. Price in europe.

Weaknesses:
None

Price Paid:  $3450.00 from Stereo Stereo

Summary:
I've had my AV32R for 2 years now and I wouldn't do without it! Yes there have been some software bugs but these are fixed with a new version of the software, downloadable free-of-charge from the TAG website.
Since I have bought my AV32R it has been upgraded by the addittion of the DAB (Digital Radio) module and the new 192 DACs and 5.1 by-pass option. Sotware upgrades included HDCD and PLII.
The unit can be re-cycled into the forthcoming AV192R with a full trade-in against the original purchase price. Try all of that with your Krells and Lexicons!!! I don't think so!
Sound wise it was an improvement over my Linn Kairn pre and works well with both music and movies.

Strengths:
Sound quality
Ease of use
Flexibility
Build quality
Hardware and Software upgradability
Customer support

Weaknesses:
Could do with more inputs (see AV192R)

Similar Products Used:
Krell
Lexicon
ARCAM
Proceed

Price Paid:  $3750.00 from Germany

Summary:
I know I will cause some dissaproval with this review but this is very bad product in my eyes. And here is why: (please do not make stupid comments as what woman knows etc)
I bought this delighted from great reviews and nice promises but what I found out was disaster:
Here are the facts only:
There are so many bugs, most of them not corrected even within few software updates
Unit is starting up from standby on its own!!!
Remote can only very few functions, hence you need Pronto !!!???And this all by 4000 $ unit!!!
Digital Input stays often quiet even if cd played
Some menu settings are being forgot sometimes
Unit Display setting is being forgot sometimes
I must make it clear: This is not computer product, this should be audiophile product and it HAS to work , must not be so buggy.
Let's continue
For updating very expensive computer cable necessary (why should I pay fortune just to corect bugs)
Analogue signals are digitised
Action switches only in 7.1 version !!!
Bypass and other upgrades very expensive
No component video
Very little space for RCAs, hard to screw WBT plugs on
No XLR outputs (inputs)
Have to pay for Dolby Pro Logic II - Nowdays a robbery

There was no other way for us but to trade it in for a Lexicon, it is great how it simply can work ! Unfortenately too expensive

Strengths:
can be upgraded, great build quality , silver model looks great , very good processing

Weaknesses:
sooo many problems, most of them not able to fix, very costly upgrades, remote is disaster, and many many more

Similar Products Used:
Primare P30
now Lexicon MC12