[Otto]

Hey Greg,

Well, I really love the Cinema 11 for its simplicity and its sound quality. It's a beautiful piece that works great. I understand that they are working on a firmware upgrade, and I've been anxious to have that for a while -- it's been months and still nothing. I believe it's because they are still working on the Cinema 11a, which is generally the same as the 11, but which includes two HDMI inputs for audio processing only. I think the 11a is really the thing I'd like to have so that I could take advantage of HDMI audio formats on BluRay. The 11a has been delayed due to chip issues in the Cirrus Logic ASIC, so they haven't released the new firmware.

When I first heard of the 11a, I was rather agitated with Cary, as I think that a non-video processing pre/pro with HDMI for audio is a very desirable thing for many people. I was disappointed that they announced it a year or so after the 11 hit the streets. I considered selling my 11 for the Integra DTC-9.8 (essentially to get HDMI audio processing), but after reading the manual, and reading the 9.8 threads around the various a/v websites, I honestly feel that the headaches induced by the technical shortcomings are not worth it. I've also had tons of trouble getting HDMI out of my PC and into my TV, and to throw something else in the mix? No thanks!

So, although I'd like to have the 11a, I think I'll stick with the 11. I believe the 11a will have an MSRP of $3,000, and it'll likely remain high, at least during its first year or so while it's a hot item and there are none on the used market. If you don't care that much about HDMI audio processing, then have a look on AudiogoN as people unload their Cinema 11s in hope and pursuit of the 11a. I bought my 11 used, and I'm in no mood right now to dump a bunch of money into a new processor for which I don't even have an appropriate source (i.e., I don't have BluRay, HD-DVD or anything else that will offer audio via an HDMI connection).

I've had the 11 well over a year now, and have never had a problem with it. It operates flawlessly every time, and it's easy to use.

The Sunfire amp was also purchased used, and I sent it to Sunfire for an overhaul. There were some weird capicitor type noises, and the light was out, and I just wanted them to check it out. I think it was $350 or something like that. For the flat fee, they will fix whatever's wrong with it. It's a great 5-channel amp that never seems to run out of gas at any volume when driving my Vandersteen 3A Signatures (not a terribly difficult load, but not a light load, either). I find it difficult to compare one amp to another when considering sound quality -- even if/when there are differences between amps, I believe they're really subtle unless you get into tubes. So, I'd say it has a clean and solid sound.

I have no regrets in either of these pieces, and I'm honestly happy with my system right now. I've had little trouble with used equipment, and these two are probably pretty easy to find on AudiogoN. If you find an especially good deal on a Sunfire amp (e.g., perhaps it's got some problems, so it's really cheap), send it in to Sunfire and they'll clean it all up for you.

Good luck!