Asthetics sound both stereo and DD Remote Upgradeability

NONE so far

What is up with the folks in charge of these reviews? Sunfire has produced the TG 2, 3, and the Ultimate receiver and still no update for reviews???? Anyhow, this is for the Ultimate receiver and it is the ULTIMATE!!! I have owned receivers by Pioneer elite, onkyo, nad, b&k, etc. and nono compare to this beast. I don't have space for separates so the all in one was a must. The unit is 200 watts per channel and yet is very small as compared to the elite line. It makes the B&K receiver series look like giants! Not only is it small but it's gorgeous. The lighted panel is marvelous and the blue display is very attractive, the wife will approve. That said, the sound is second to none. The amplifier brings out imaging that I've never heard on cd's I've known by heart. DD playback is equally astonishing with definition that the other receivers couldn't touch. I've upgreaded the software once since purchase and it couldn't be easier via the rs 232 port. Major upgrades will be done via a cd that sunfire ships and you play in the cd player automatically upgrading the receiver! We're talking serious high tech here. The theater master remote makes my pronto neo I used before look like grandpa's remote. The only drawback is the high price, but for one unit to do so much I believe it's a bargain. I couldn't be happier and suggest you audition this today.

Similar Products Used:

Nad 761, Pioneer elite 36 and 43 models, B&K 201 and 507, Onkyo 767.

Definition of sound Great remote control - It will control everything Tone controls Ability to hook up more components than I have

Does not have a switched outlet to control my Panamax line conditioner.

I would like to start this review by thanking the people who took the time to write these reviews we are all reading. These reviews made my choice when I was ready to upgrade my system.I was looking to upgrade my Adcom system and everyone's product was the best at the particular store I was at. I believe reading reviews wrote by people who are not selling a product will be more accurate. That said this review is on a TGIII Architect's Choice. It replaced a Adcom GTP-740. I have had the TGIII over a month and it is the best pre-pro I have ever owned. I have it connected to a Adcom GFA-7000 (130wattsx5 THX certified) amp,Klipsch KLF-30 front, Klipsch KLF-C-7 center, Klipsch KSP-S6 rear and KSW-300 sub. It sounded great. The definition over the Adcom preamp was night and day. I use my system 95% movies and 5% music. When watching movies I have seen many times I hear material I did not hear with the Adcom. When I bought the TGIII the salesman said the GFA-7000 amp and the KSW-300 sub were ok but the Sunfire Cinema Grand Signature Architect's Choice Series II and the Sunfire True Subwoofer Signature would be the ticket. I agreed but at $5500.00 for the two pieces was not happening, at least not then. Three months later I did buy the Two Sunfire pieces. The amp did make a difference where my Adcom amp would get red hot and yellow light, Adcom has yellow lights on the front pannel that light when the amp is at it's limit, the Sunfire just got warm. The Sunfire is rated at 425wpc x 5. The sound was much more defined and accurate than the Adcom. The real difference was the Subwoofer. Anyone who is thinking of buying a sub must hear this one. I have never heard a su producing frequecies down to 16hz and it is awesom. This sub made my home theatre come alive. It is also great for music. I read all of the previous reviews on the TGIII before writing this and I do not have the lack of bass problem some listners have had. This unit took me three days to fine tune with most of it being the sub controls. The TGIII has alot of features to tweek but when you get there it it worth the time. I am sure there are other combinations out there that wiss smoke Bob Carver's system but at what cost? If I were looking at a home theatre in one package I would buy his Sunfire Ultimate Reciever. It is the same Preamp with less power. I think it is 200wpc x 5 which is plenty. I already had seperates so I went with the bigger amp.

Soundstage and clarity.

No headphone jack.

Superb processor and audiophile pre-amp.This review is for the TG III, purchased in Sept 02. I wasn't expecting a big difference from my previous processor because I was bypassing the external dacs with an external one. From the first note that I played I have been stunned by the quality of this upgrade. I can't believe the quality. I previously used the pre-outs on a Denon receiver and an outboard HK 5 channel amp to drive my surround system. This unit will drive 9 channels. I only use 5 in my NYC apartment and it's plenty. When I tried the units dacs they sounded great. My modded ART DI/O DAC and outboard power supply , fed by a GW Labs upsampling jitter reducer has a tad more air and musicality. I listen to music primarily in PL 2 because I enjoy surround music. Stereo is also good, my installer said it sounded like the center channel was on ( it wasn't ). Of course the 5.1 on movies is incredibly life like. The Perfect Storm had me almost seasick. The coup de grace in this piece is the Holographic processing. It has been upgraded digitally from the previous units. Once you use it music and movies just take on an added realness, very natural. It is subtle , yet I can't go back to listening without it engaged. I am sitting here listening to the female vocals from the cut " Great Gig In the Sky" , on Dark Side od the Moon. You can here every breath she scintillates on the recording. Followed by the crisp , clean cash registers in the beginning of the next cut,"Money. " By now you must realize my priorities are music first, movies second. BTW, I also use the video switching for HDTV and DVD , perfect!! If you are looking for a processor that is also an excellent pre-amp, I reccomend the Sunfire Cinema Grand III.

Similar Products Used:

Denon receiver.

Looks, versatility, ease of operation (set up and leave it!), neutrality. Seems to "caresses" music lovingly

Size (the non-architectural edition); did I say SIZE!

Review is of the TG II with updated remote and most current software version. Some may not like the amber and blue lighting scheme, but I do - reminiscent of McIntosh gear. I think it's a looker. Moved from B&K ref 20 / av 5000II to sunfire gear. The bad news first - compared with the ref 20, the TGII setup menu /sequence is all thumbs. The ref 20 utilizes an on screen menu that is comprehensive and easy to use. The TG lacks on screen navigation, and requires that you "cycle" through each option. It's especially cumbersome when setting up SPLs on 5.1 systems. The ref 20 allows you to select and remain at each channel until it's tweaked. With the TGII, you must be continuously moving up or down in volume to stay at a channel. Awkward, but something you can live with given the other features. The remote is cool to wow HT novices but that's about it. I'll probably but a used pronto on audiogon for additonal macro functions and better control of other equipment. As for the features, it's a no brainer. Ultimately tweakable for the tweaker, but easy as pie for the novice - just hook up and the TGII does the rest. Although I'm not currently using them, the balanced outputs are a definite plus. All the hookups you need for a 5.1 system. Now for what really counts - the sound. PERSONALLY, I prefer the non-holo mode for two channel listening. The performance, to me, is more alive and immediate. However, for movie soundtracks, the holo rules. It gives the illusion of a much larger listening area - similar to a movie theater (but without the noisy patrons and crappy sound). I've no use for most of the DSP modes, except for the party settings. When watching sporting events or broadcasts of live concerts, it really gives you a room full of sound. To me, the most impressive aspect of the TGII however is its ability to resolve inner detail in crowded soundstages. Just close your eyes and listen to Crouching Tiger - the sounds of the metal striking or the wispy friction of the branches - absoultely amazing. Overall, I've no regrets in purchasing the TGII. It's by far the best sounding A/V preamp I've heard to date. I bought mine used on audiogon for a steal - a definite no brainer.

Similar Products Used:

Owned - B&K ref 20 Previewed Lexicon MC1, Proceed AVP, Adcom GTP-760

upgradeable, looks, remote

none

I have since upgraded to Krell. However, Sunfire equipment is excellent. Used in conjunction w/ Cinema Grand amp, sound is harmonious and brings vocals to life. The programmable remote ($99 value) is very practical and straightforward. FM tuner section is added bonus. One can find a unit used for a substantial bargain.

Similar Products Used:

krell hts1

Flawless operation. Excellent sound.

No 6 channel analog input for SACD's.

This was my first venture into surround sound. I use the unit for audio only so cannot atest to the video routing section. The processor replaced a stereo pre-amp (PSE), Which is an excellent preamp. The Theater Grand I has performed flawlessly. It sounds very clean and neutral. Had no problems with the digital input. All the controls work as they should.

Incredible sound. Sharp highs and lows. Very good imaging. A zillion hookups to cater to any type of stereo configuration.

The remote is not the greatest - but who cares that much about the remote when the sound is so delicious?!

This review is for the Theater Grand I, which is what all of the reviews on this page should be. Seems like most are Theater Grand II reviews. Well, I landed a major bargain with this preamp on E-Bay. I was really leery to make this purchase, because it was listed as B-Stock New and that made me wonder if the component would come in good condition. I was amazed. Was in mint condition - looked brand new. What a steal, too. It is one of the best preamps I''''''''ve ever heard. The sound and imaging is crystal clear and every CD I own sounds new. Things I''''''''ve heard 100 times are a new experience. Instruments that were muffled before stand out and shine. I highly recommend this unit and any other Sunfire product. This is my third experience with Sunfire and they make incredible equipment.

Similar Products Used:

Yamaha, Rotel, Denon

Classy styling, superb audio sound

unit can be quirky, remote, movie sound not as impressive

My first love is audio, with movies being a somewhat close second. The Sunfire is hands down the best audio preamp I've ever owned. It absolutely blows the Sony TAE9000 away in terms of detail, open soundstage and musical warmth. Even my wife, who's more of a casual listener, commented on how wonderful the Sunfire sounds. Now, if your first love is movies, I have to give the nod to the Sony. The Sony is much for versatile and the 5.1 channel separation just seems more dynamic with the Sony. A couple of things are troublesome on the Sunfire. First, it sometimes take a second or two for the unit to determine what type of signal it's reading. Thus, the first note or two of a song on a cd can be missing. I also am not thrilled with the remote, It's difficult to know when you are actually adjusting the volume, for example, because your pressing a "virtual" key. The fact that the volume control on the unit does not move when you adjust the volume on the remote is a non-issue, unless you turn the unit off, then come back later, turn the unit back on without knowing what the volume is set at. You can be in for a loud, and potentially damaging, volume level if you're not careful.
These things aside, the Sunfire is a beautiful piece of equipment and well worth the price.

Similar Products Used:

Sony TAE-9000ES

Audio quality in stereo mode

Poor quality control. No consumer service.

When I first received the unit,no sound output was present. I contact Sunfire and was told to ship the defective unit back to them. I live in Canada so that ment an expensive option. I opt to open the case and found out that one of the ribbon cable was loose. I plug it and everything was fine until I discover that the digital CD input was working intermittently(read the previous post). My source (Arcam CD9) is O.K. on the other digital inputs so the source is not the problem. I phoned back to Sunfire USA and was told I should call their distributor in Canada. Well, after 3 months and numerous e-mails.....still nothing. No RMA no nothing. Can't even have info on upgrades. Still looking for help :-(
If you live in Canada or outside USA, don't expect customer service or warranty coverage,anyway that's my experience with them.

Good clean transparent sound.

Auto on switching is a little buggy.

This review is for the Theater Grand II.

I recently upgraded my TG to the TGII. Sunfire offers an upgrade program for all TG owners. Return your unit along with a cashiers check for $1,025 and they will send you a brand new Theater Grand II. Why they don’t promote this on their web-site is beyond me… but it is a great offering for all TG owners.
The TGII is a huge improvement over the original Theater Grand. They may still look alike but they are vastly different! The TGII boast many more Component/ S-Video/Tos inputs. The on screen configuration menu is easy to use, and the advanced panel configuration menu is easy as well. I am very pleased to see the addition of bass management for main, center and surround speakers. In my mind this is one of the single most important enhancements.
How Sunfire felt they could get away without this necessity is a bit of a mystery.
Don’t like those ugly orange lights? Simply defeat them through the panel dim switch. Seems Bob Carver may actually listen to his customers when they speak. Upgraded DSPs and simpler circuitry produce a warm and wonderful sound! At least an order of magnitude above the original TG. Also, the new unit runs cool. My Theater Grand was always hot to the touch even when not in use, so proper ventilation was always a concern.
The remote has more programmable macro steps. As remotes go it is ok, but I have yet to see a remote that appeals to me. (Like everyone else I have a drawer full of them, none of which go the distance) The auto on feature is a good idea in theory but it often gets “confused” Sources must be turned on and off in the proper sequence in order for this feature to be of any real value. And why do they bother to provide a balanced output for the LFE channel when even their own line of subwoofers do not support this option?
Sunfire will be offering additional upgrades in the future. A Flash memory allowing you to download software upgrades is in the offing. According to Sunfire this should not cost anything additional, just the round trip shipping fees.
I cut my teeth with high end processors on the Theater Grand. Knowing what I know now, I wouldn’t give the original 3 stars. The TGII however is a remarkable performer. 5 Stars all around for this baby. Give it a listen.

I am using the TGII with a Sunfire Cinema Grand Signature, Legacy Sig III main speakers, Platinum studios for the center and surrounds, and the Sunfire true Subwoofer.

Similar Products Used:

Theater Grand