Surround Processor Reviews

Connections
Inputs:
Video: HDMI (2), component video (3), S-video (6), composite video(6)
Audio: Coaxial digital (6), optical digital (4), 7.1-channel analog (1), stereo analog (2), phono (1)
Outputs:
Video: HDMI (1), component video (2), S-video (3), composite video (3)
Audio: Coaxial digital (1), stereo analog (2), 9-channel preamp-RCA (1), 7-channel preamp-XLR (1), sub- woofer RCA (3), subwoofer XLR (1), Zone 2 (1), stereo (2)
Additional: Ethernet port (1), RS-232 (1), 12-volt trigger (2), IR jack (2)

Features
Processing Modes: Dolby: Digital 5.1, EX, Pro Logic II
DTS: DTS, ES Matrix, ES Discrete, Neo:6; Other: Sonic Holography
THX Certification: No
Audio D/A Converter: 24-bit/96-kilohertz
Dimensions (H x W x D, inches): 5.75 x 17 x 16.5
Weight (pounds): 22
Price: $3,499

These listings are based on the manufacturer's stated specs; the HT Labs box below indicates the gear's performance on our test bench.

HT Labs Measures: Sunfire TGP-5 Pre/Pro

Analog frequency response in Source Direct mode:
–0.62 dB at 10 Hz; –0.18 dB at 20 Hz
–0.21 dB at 20 kHz; –1.28 dB at 50 kHz

Analog frequency response with signal processing:
–0.78 dB at 10 Hz; –0.22 dB at 20 Hz
–0.28 dB at 20 kHz; –54.86 dB at 50 kHz

The above chart shows the frequency response of the left (aqua), center (green), LFE (purple), and left surround (red) channels at the preamp outputs of the Dolby Digital decoder. The left channel measures –0.16 decibels at 20 hertz and –0.27 dB at 20 kilohertz. The center channel measures –0.16 dB at 20 Hz and –0.27 dB at 20 kHz, and the left surround channel measures –0.17 dB at 20 Hz and –0.23 dB at 20 kHz. The LFE channel, normalized to the level at 40 Hz, is –0.04 dB at 20 Hz, reaches the upper –3-dB point at 116 Hz, and reaches the upper –6-dB point at 119 Hz.

Response from the multichannel input to the main output measures –0.63 dB at 10 Hz, –0.18 dB at 20 Hz, –0.21 dB at 20 kHz, and –1.26 dB at 50 kHz. The analog THD+N is less than 0.017 percent at 1 kHz with a 100-millivolt input and the volume control set to 75.5. Crosstalk with a 100-mV input was –88.69 dB left to right and –88.49 dB right to left. The signal-to-noise ratio with a 100-mV input from 10 Hz to 24 kHz with "A" weighting was –123.11 dBrA.—MJP

At A Glance: Sunfire Theater Grand TGA-5400 Amplifier

Feature
Number of Channels: 5
Power Rating (watts per channel): 400 into 8 ohms, 800 into 4 ohms— specified at 1 kHz
Frequency Response: N/A
Dimensions (H x W x D, inches): 5.9 x 17 x 16.7
Weight (pounds): 38
Price: $3,899

Connections
Inputs: XLR (5), RCA (10)
Outputs: Five-way binding posts (7 pair)
Additional: IR in & out, 12-volt trigger in & out

These listings are based on the manufacturer's stated specs; the HT Labs box below indicates the gear's performance on our test bench.

HT Labs Measures: Sunfire TGA-5400 Amplifier

All channels driven continuously into 8-ohm loads:
0.1% distortion at 343.4 watts
1% distortion at 446.3 watts

Frequency response:
+0.16dB at 10 Hz; +0.20 dB at 20 Hz
–0.39 dB at 20 kHz; –2.72 dB at 50 kHz.

This graph shows that the TGA-5400's left amplifier channel, with two channels driving 8-ohm loads, reaches 0.1 percent distortion at 392.0 watts and 1 perent distortion at 450.4 watts. Into 4 ohms, the amplifier reaches 0.1 percent distortion at 597.7 watts and 1 percent distortion at 687.8 watts. An input level of 100.7 millivolts was required to produce an output of 2.83 volts into an 8-ohm load, indicating an overall gain of +28.97 decibels using the RCA input. When using the XLR input, a level of 227.2 millivolts was required to produce an output of 2.83 volts into an 8-ohm load, indicating an overall gain of +21.95 dB.

THD+N from the amplifier was less than 0.020 percent at 1 kHz when driving 2.83 volts into an 8-ohm load using the RCA input. When using the XLR input under the same conditions, THD+N was also less than 0.020 percent. Crosstalk at 1 kHz driving 2.83 volts into an 8-ohm load was –76.83 dB left to right and –75.98 dB right to left using the RCA inputs and –76.93 dB left to right and –75.38 dB right to left using the XLR inputs. The signal-to-noise ratio with 2.83 volts driving an 8-ohm load from 10 Hz to 24 kHz with "A" weighting was –100.49 dBrA using the RCA input and –100.39 dBrA using the XLR input.—MJP

Ratings: Sunfire TGP-5 Pre/Pro and TGA-5400 Amplifier

Build Quality: 95
• Balanced, XLR operation is rarely implemented in components in the Theater Grands' price class
• Quality fit and finish

Value: 96
• The TGP-5 is loaded with features and is easily upgradeable
• The TGA-5400 excels on a number of counts, but, on a watts-per-dollar basis, it's an outright steal

Features: 96
• Two main amp channels can sound like either a warm, luscious tube amp or a clean solid-state design
• HDMI switching, a phono input, and an Ethernet port on TGP-5

Performance: 96
• A hot-blooded, visceral, but utterly refined sound
• The TGA-5400 empowered my speakers' woofers with the deepest and tightest bass I've ever heard

Ergonomics: 97
• The TGP-5's setup menus and easy upgradeability are huge pluses
• 400-watt-per-channel amplifiers have rarely been this cool running, compact, and lightweight

Overall Rating: 96
The genius of Bob Carver's designs is the way they combine innovative technology, blessedly straight-ahead ergonomics, and oodles of power.

General Information
TGP-5 Pre/Pro, $3,499; TGA-5400 Amplifier, $3,899
Sunfire
(425) 335-4748
www.sunfire.com
Dealer Locator Code SUN