Sound Quality, Ease of Use

No on screen display, sometimes wish that display on unit was bigger.

I was looking to buy a Preamp/Amp setup to replace a very old Sony. I was looking to spend a little less than I paid for the Acurus but it was difficult to find equipment in the "almost but not quite high-end" area. I looked at a lot of stores from Bestbuy to extremely high end places and really didn't find anything that looked better in this price range. The only other one that I found was the slightly cheaper Parasound which I didn't like as mutch. I knew I could afford a little more than the Parasound cost, and the difference was definitely worth it.

The construction of the unit is awesome. The case seems very sturdy, and that volume knob is really tough. I like that there isn't a motorized volume knob that actually turns as I had problems with this on my Sony. Everything in back is well designed and hooking it up is very simple. I also really like the design of the unit. If I am going to pay this much for a Preamp I want it to at least look decent. The Acurus is very simple but very sweet looking...much better looking than other units I looked at.

Operation of the unit is also very easy. Setting it up is quite simple and well explained in the manual. There are not a lot of configuration options, so once it's set up there's very little that needs tweaking when changing sources, etc. I like the fact that you can store levels for all 5.1 channels, and then temporarily alter them if you run into a DVD where the center channel (or any other channel) is a little too low or too high. The only quirk this unit has is that when setting levels for specific channels the unit "acts" differently depending on what mode you're in (why is there no pink noise in "test" mode when setting levels for DTS?). However, this is only a very minor problem. The remote is well designed and relatively easy to set up.

The sound quality is AWESOME. I was a little concerned about the hum mentioned in the reviews of the first version, but in the second this is completely fixed. Movies in DTS sound excellent as do Stereo Sources. I have this unit paired with the Acurus 5x125 amp, and this is a good combination. Using the same CD player as I did with my old reciever the sound quality was dramatically improved.

I highly recomend this unit. It is an EXCELLENT value and it exists in a niche where there is not a lot of competition. If you're looking for a Preamp in the $1800 range this is an excellent choice.

Similar Products Used:

Parasound, Marantz, Sony, Yamaha

Well built, clarity, huge sounstage, plenty of inputs/outputs.

Confusing manual, small display.

This unit is outstanding in value for the performance. The build quality of the preamp is high-end. I am currently using the DAC in this unit and can say it is comparable to my old Audio Alchemy DDE 1.1 in throwing a huge sounstage and creating a life size orchestra in classical music, of course it helps that I'm using Maggie 3.6 for speakers. The other advantage of this unit is that it is upgradeable. I would highly recommend this unit for those looking for a pre/pro for their HT or simply listening to music.

Similar Products Used:

Adcom

Design simplicity, build quality, and sound

Only 2 S-vido inputs, decoding mode hard to read from
the distance

The problem with DSP (digital signal processing) product
is that new, cheaper, and better DSP chip will always
come out which guarantee the quick depreciation of existing
ones. If you look at the used prices on some of the best
D/A converters you can see this pattern.

The ACT III in my opinion strikes a balance in this delemma
that provides a preamp that provides good sound with a
modesty price-- especially if you can get it used.
It is easy to operate and shows solid build quality. I
especially like the minimalist design of the faceplate.

My initial impression of the sound is very clean. I use
the stereo mode most of the time and the build-in D/A
converter did a better job then my Panasonic A-120 DVD.

The universal remote is not a learning remote; you can only
punch in some preset manufacture code to operate your other
gears. This limits the usefulness of the remote.

System:
Acurus ACTIII
Adcom GFA6000
Spendor SP2
Panasonic A120 DVD player

Similar Products Used:

N/A

Excellent for both Surround sound and Music
Simple to use, even with LD player and RF demodulator :)
Upgradability!! Did I mention it's simple to use?

Merely adequate remote

Just a quick comment on my experience with the ACT-3. I have a Laser Disc player with an AC-3 RF output. I contacted Mondial about suggestions on how I should use the ACT-3 with an external RF demodulator. Not only were they extremely helpful in suggesting a Yamaha demodulator, but they spent time with me to help me find the right product on Ebay, and help me set it up. The unit works FLAWLESSLY with the Yamaha demodulator, off of one input. Because the ACT-3 defaults to the Toslink signal if it is present, everything is automatic. If I run an AC-3 laserdisc it automatically locks on to the Dolby Digital signal. If I play an LD that does not have AC-3, but has a digital soundtrack, it automatically decodes it in Pro Logic from the coaxial digital ouput of my LD player. And if there is no digital trrack at all, the ACT-3 decodes the Pro Logic off of the analog outputs. Simple! It could not possibly be any easier. For those of you that want to run an LD player with the ACT-3, simply contact Mondial and they can help you set it up.

Similar Products Used:

B&K Ref 20, Theta Casanova (too expensive for no benefits)

Fantastic sound - warm, huge soundstage
even on stereo mode. Very clean!!!
Nice video too!

Slow in switching between sound modes.
No preamp output for separate room.

Highly recommended!!!
Probably the best surround sound preamp
in the sub $2000 category.
Can't give 5 stars but worthy of it. Reserving 5 stars for the higher end models.

Similar Products Used:

Marantz AV-550

As stated in an earlier review, My ACT 3 was having multiple problems. It was brand new and used less than 24 hours of running time. It was shipped back to Mondial for repair, it took nearly 3 months to get a unit back. Apparently my old unit was not worth fixing, I received a brand new unit with a bass management upgrade.. woo woo. The new unit worked perfectly for 2 weeks, then I lost a front channel. The dreaded crackling and popping sound initially thought to be a speaker or amplifier turned out to be the Pre-amplifier. This unit has been sent back to Mondial for repair. Adam is the technical contact at Mondial, he is very cool and willing to help get this thing fixed. However, I have had my unit out for repair at least 95%+ of the time rather than being able to own it.

I am wondering if there is something else going on
Fortunately my local dealer has given me a loaner on both occasions so I can at least listen to my system. I cannot explain how painful it is to continue plugging in all those connections and wires.

Hey Mondial, I am willing to take an upgrade to your aragon line if they make a pre-amplifier for that. I would be the best beta tester in the Mid Atlantic states.

For any of you out there looking for a pre-amplifer, don't discount the ACT 3 as I am probably walking around with a dark cloud over my head. Their customer service has been friendly, the turnaround time is unnacceptable

I am certain they will correct the problem or continue to upgrade me

Simplicity, upgradiblity, pricepoint

Display hard to read at a distance, and the remote

I have had this product almost a year now and still to this day I am absoulutly amazed at this units performance. I had auditioned a Marantz product and thought my gosh with my 10 year old Carver Pre-amp with Pro-Logic it still out performed this product and it was supposed to be better? ALso I tried the B&K and thought this was a great product but not for what they were asking for it. Also Lexicon and from what I heard the Cadillac of processors. Oh well it had some major strengths but in all around performer that it wasn't. I feel the Act 3 is very well balanced between HT and 2-channel stereo configuration. In reading some reveiws on this sight I have had no hum problems that other folks have describe on this sight. I have had some buzzing sounds and isolated to a faulty outlet. In 2-channel stereo this unit sounds at least in my opinion is absoulutly wonderful its very detail and open. In HT setup the steering from left to right and front to rear are is right on the money. With the upgraded bass management I have all the flexability for both Dolby Digital and DTS. The DAC converters in the ACT 3 sound quite good I'm very pleased with how they perform with my Toshiba DVD although I prefer the sound of my Carver tube CD player much more smooth anyway. This unit has plenty of connections for all my gear and Mondial Designs have been very helpful in answering any questions with me in the operation of this unit. TRY THIS WITH ANY OTHER COMPANY not to many of them care about you after the product has been sold. And with ability to upgrade to future formats what more could you ask for. Although I did receive a offer from Mondial Design to updgrade the Act3 to there Aragon Soundstage I can't justify the $2500 difference and I cant beleive the sound quality difference is that much better if at all. I am using the Act3 with a Acurus A200 and Acurus A100x3. The loudspeakers that the A200 is driving is Magnepan 1.61QR and A100x3 is driving Magnepan CC1 Center speaker and SS1 surrounds and M&K sub for the .1 LFE. The combination between them all in my opinion is a winner.

Similar Products Used:

Marantz, Carver, B&K, Lexicon

I see that I have to clear up what I wrote about before and I wont put in a vaule rating number as to influence the avg. (never mind, this site wont let me do this). The problems I had with this Pre-Amp maybe caused by having and LD/DVD combination player. The ACT-3 didn't had a RF-Demodulator input which I had to buy seperately. This RF-Demodulator is a Laser Disc Digital Decoder for 5.1 and such like programs. They are very hard to find now a days and the one I bought was only for Coxial. Therefore the ACT-3 would pick up the Digital output from the Toslink which is the DVD input. The ACT 3 is so automatic that it wont let you pick which input you want it to play. I had to start the laser Disc in Toslink mode to pick up the viedo and then change over to the Coxial which is in the Audio input. In other words...one can't have a Toslink and Coxial enter the same input, the ACT-3 will only pick up the Toslink. The DVD doesn't ran that good either, the ACT 3 will start in Digital Stereo, after 30 seconds or so, change to Digital 5.0 while I want to play 5.1 (when in fact it is a 5.1 disc). Its like..."Make up your mind machine." If this machine was less automatic I could push in 5.1 (if the DVD is in fact 5.1) and not go through all the weird changes it forces me into. I hope this clears up why I wrote "Too Automatic".

It has been two months since I brought my ACT-3 home. As far as hum/hiss noise, I do hear a extremely low level hiss noise coming out from the unit by putting my ear an inch or two away from the unit. I have always plugged the ACT-3 into the Panamax 1000+ line conditioner and the hiss noise could have been suppressed to an almost undetectable level, perhaps. Try to plug your ACT-3 into a line condtioner for those of you who have this problem, may I suggest. There is another bug that I found in the unit is that whenever I change my two channel (stereo mode) setting, I have to go back, re-set and re-save the left surround setting in Dolby Digital or AC3 mode (it was reset to 0db). Mondial has akcnowledged this bug when I talked to their tech support about it. In general, I am very happy with the unit overall performaces from two channel music to 5.1 or DTS/AC3 sound reproduction. For the money, it is still the best buy in its price range in comparison to the other pre/pro's in my humble opinion. Here is the rest of my h/t set-up:ACt-3 pre/pro.
Denon POA-8200/POA-8300 THX cert. Power Amp.
Denon 1015 CD player
Pioneer DVL-909 LD/DVD Combi.
Panasonic A300 DVD
NHT VT-2 front l/r spkrs, bi-amped by a NHT SW3 Monoamp.
NHT VS-2 Ctr Spkr
NHT HDP-2 Dipole l/r surround spkrs
Energy ES-12 subwoofer
Sony KP-53v75 rear projection TV with component video inputs
Monster Z series spkr cables.
A mixture of Kimber and Monster interconnect cables.
Panamax 1000+ line conditioner
Energy ES-12 Subwoofer

I have received my ACT-3 in October. Although, I had immediately noticed the noise (or using more precise description of such a phenomena - “high-pitch” buzz) in my center channel in DD mode, I sincerely loved the sonic qualities of the Mondial’s unit. A close friend of mine (professional musician, audiophile and Lexicon DC-1 owner) exclaimed: “I expected ACT-3 to sound good, but not that Good!” Starring Acurus ACT-3, my system produced excellent sound and exceptional ambience. My midsize room became 6 feet wider and deeper…
Unfortunately, my ACT-3 is being sent back to the manufacture. Ones the high-pitch glitch is fixed, I will become a happy ACT-3 owner. I know that Mondial creates excellent products and ACT-3 is not an exception. After all, ACT-3 is an audio computer. I am sure it is fixable! I also hope for ACT-3’s success on the market. There is a few companies like Mondial out there that capable of creating excellent product without forcing a music lover to dig into “kind’s buzzing/hissing nonsense is eliminated, I am giving ACT-3 the 5 star ratingcollege fund” or get another loan. I am optimistic about the future of this product and would like to express my support to Mondial engineers who try to create a true High-end “golden” component for the price of silver. Provided the