I love it. I find none of the problems that people here are having.
I have a pioneer 414 DVD player, and a micromega stage 2 CD player hooked up. I also have a DTV IRD hooked up to it, but alas, no DD on it yet.

The sound is amazing, extreamly quiet, and very neutral. The switching speed is a bit slow, but considering how often I switch inputs, its no big deal.

I have a few problems, but NOTHING to do with how it sounds. They are operational, and can be corrected with firmware updates.

A: Remote.. my remote does not acurately control my dvd player or my tv. Works perfect with my Directv IRD though. (Sony Trinitron 32" and Pioneer 414)
B: Digital inputs. If I switch to something before hitting play, it will default to analog, and not switch to digital. I have to switch to something else and back. I would at least like to be able to hit that input to have it recheck the input type.
C: There is no C :>

Like I said, nothing serious. Output is more then enough, My system (a80, nad402, and nad314 with hsu subs, newform research 630s and signet 260b/us) is loud enough to shake the walls. The interface took a bit to get used to, but in the end sounds incredible. I am still trying to find DTS cd's and if anyone can point me to a place that has them at good prices (both movies and audio) please let me know.

I cant rate it as a perfect 5 stars, I have heard better, but you are pushing 3k or more at that point. At the 2k (1600 is what I paid delivered from www.onecall.com if you buy from them, tell them I told you to go, :> referrals get 1%) price point, you are really going to have to try hard to find something that sounds better. I couldnt find it.

OH, last point. The internal dac on the ACT3 sounds BETTER then the one in the micromega stage 2. Now it looks like I have a rather expensive transport... Dont know if thats such a good thing, but it sounds very nice.

Look & Feel, Ease of Use, Silent in Stand By Mode, Analog Volume Control, Numerous Digital Inputs, SOUND & VIDEO!!!

Lights are difficult to read, No RF Demodulator for L.D.

I have been using the Act-3 for less than 5 days now. Fortunately it was previously used and the chips are burned in and is playing well!

I loved my Adcom GTP-600 because it was pure Analog - but I had to have Dolby Digital and DTS.

So I tried first a GTP 750 and then a 760 - both machines have inherent flaws! The digital signal has a hight pitch "buzz", probably from the demodulator and the volume is performing in the digital world.

The ACT-3 is more like Theta's Casanova - Acurus placed their efforts on the right things. At first, I was upset about the on-screen menu. But I realized when you watch DVD straight to a TV wih Component Video - you can't use an on screen anyway!

I read reviews where people had trouble with humming and the processor incorrectly detecting Dolby Digital. I think people need to be more patient. These processors work great and sound great, butit takes time for them to detect the right signal. The Japanese receivers select quickly but they sound terrible. If you want a fast-detecting processor, buy a Sony, if you want good sound - buy an Acurus.

Now the good part - the bass and the audio adjustments!

I love the fact that you can balance Dolby Digital 5.1, 2.0, DTS, and Stereo separately. This allows me to really fine tune the "sweet spot" in my theater for all modes.

For those wondering why there is no pink noise for testing "dts", I say follow the instructions from Acurus and use the same balances for Dolby Digital 5.1.

There is very little difference between home Dolby and DTS - except in the rear channels. In movie theaters, we emit pink noise at 85 db for the front three channels, 82db for the rear channels , and 88db for the bass,

My suggestion is to balance the rears of DTS perhaps 1 to 2 db lower than the front channels and it should sound great.

My unit has the upgrade bass management system. This is great because I have full range Snells in the front. This way I can set the crossover in Surround modes at 80hz and Stereo mode at 65hz! This allows me to get the most out of my speakers and subwoofers.

Conclusion - the ACT 3 is like a baby version of the Theta Casa Nova for $2,500 less! Acuru' Customer service is great, the unit is sweet looking, and it sounds great.

My Gear

Front Speakers: Snell EIV
Center Channel: Snell ICM 1050
Rear Speakers : A/D/S Minis
Subwoofers: 2 Velodyne CT-120 (12 Inch Woofer)
Mitsubishi DVD Player - Progressive Out
Sony DVD Player
Marantz CD Recorder
Adcom GFA 5503 - 200 x 3 Front Channels
Adcom GFA 5200 - 75 x 2 Rear Channels (4 Ohms)
Mitsubishi Super VHS
Sony Hi-8 Deck
Mitsubishi Widescrean TV (WT-46807)
All High & Mid-End Wire Connections

Similar Products Used:

Adcom GTP 600, Adcom GTP 750, Adcom GTP 760

I am rather surprise at what people write back on my comments about this product. I even E-mail Mike from Boston and asked him to apologize for his crude remarks, when in fact I was being kind in clarifing my first review that he questioned me on. Any way, I did read the manuel (I am a book worm, and I read this manuel many times during lunch break), I visited the high end store that sold me the ACT3 about 2 to 3 times, E-Mailed Mondial 2 to 3 times, and even telphoned Mondial about the problems I was having with this unit. My last day with the ACT3 was like this: turn on VCR and ACT3 via analog sound stage (club or hall), turn off VCR and ACT3 to do some house work, turn on DVD/Laser Disc unit and ACT3's A/V-1 to pick up Laser Disc video (also includes DVD audio coxial), then as per instructions from Mondial themselves, turn on A-1 where I had the RF mod. input, the ACT3 turned automaticly to VCR (the VCR was off), restart A/V-1 to pick up Laser Disc video, then A-1 to pick up RF mod, the ACT3 turns off the video, restart A/V-1, then A-1 (the third time), got the video and the RF to work, then turn on 5.1. It took me 3 times to get the ACT3 to work. I traded it in for the Theta Casa Nova and this is what I get: turn on DVD/Laser Disc, turn on Casa Nova to LDVD (Laser Disc/DVD video and audio input #1), push A-D button to RF (Casa Nova has a built in RF mod), push Mode button for 5.1 digital, and yes it works. No automatic turning on VCR input when the VCR is off, no turning off video when turning on RF mod...and the sound, the Casa Nova is way better, no comparsion, even my rears are making the correct sound again (I was told by Mondial to turn my rears down to see if the analog modes would improve, they did not). I feel it is my duty to inform people with laser Disc/DVD comb units, that the ACT3 will cause you troblue. If you like Mondial products (I have an Aragon 8008BB amp and Aragon 47K phono stage - great products), try the Aragon Soundstage (see reviews on Aragon Soundstage), or if you like to hear something better and program everything yourself (where your in control of the machine) try the Theta Casa Nova.

A few more corrections: Yamaha and Pioneer no longer make a out board RF mod. I called by telephone the manufacture warehouses in Los Angeles CA. themselves. Pioneer supposely have the best RF mod because it had both Coaxial and Toslink inputs and outputs. I believe it went for around $200.00 or so. During my conversation with Pioneer I said "What, you no longer make a RF mod., but you created the Laser Disc." I guess Pioneer is finally giving up to the DVD. I have seen both the Yamaha and Pioneer RF mods on sale at EBAY. When I was trying to buy an out board RF mod. for the ACT-3 in the Los Angeles area about 6 to 9 months ago, I found only a Shure RF mod. for around $1000.00 and a Kenwood RF mod. for $175.00. I bought the Kenwood which only had a Coaxial input and output. Back to the ACT-3, the instruction book saids that for an out board RF mod, the Toslink would over ride the digital signal. This is no problem because the Kenwood RF mod was Coaxial, therefore as per instructions from Mondial themselves, they wrote me twice by E-mail with 2 different ways of connecting an out board RF mod. to the ACT-3, I connected the Toslink from the Pioneer DVL-919 digital audio output and the Coaxial video to A/V-1 for DVD, and the Coaxial RF output from the Pioneer DVL-919 to the input of the Kenwood RF mod. and then out by Coaxial to A-1 input on the ACT-3. The way of operation was as follows: push A/V-1 to pick up the video signal, turn push A-1 to pick up the RF mod. It was suppose to be this simple, and as I can read from other people's reviews, they got their LD/DVD comb via ACT-3 to work well. I am sorry, but my ACT-3 did all sort of things like turning off the video to turning on the VCR input. Maybe I had a bad machine, but I am happy that I no longer have it.

Ive owned the Act 3 for about 2 weeks now. I have mixed feelings about this unit but I must say that the pros do way out the cons.
The Cons
1. Very slight hiss. Not audible unless your ears are to the speaker.
2. A very slight audible popping sound when switching inputs.

The Pros.
1. Very detailed sound.
2. Seperation is outstanding
3. Sound stage is vivid.
4. Upgradable hardware and software.
5. Great product support.(Adam Gershon the Tech support was quite helpful in answering all my questions before and after I bought this unit)
4. 2 channel stereo is dynamic with much extended bass.
5. Dolby digital is excellent
6. Dolby surround is reborn. Dont sell the LDs just yet.
5. Clarity in all modes.
6. 2 year warranty.
7. Ease of use.
8. Straight up processor w/ out bells and whistles.

I must thank Patrick of One Call for selling me this unit.Although it took a little less than 2 weeks , It was well worth the wait.The price was fair(1719.00) considering I called EVERYDAY to One Call on the delivery of The Act 3.
Sorry Patrick but Thanks :).Anybody and everybody is sure to get a good deal at One Call. (I also picked up HGS 15 from Mike And Iluminati Cable from Chris at great prices)But dont take my word for it you have to call. Please dont forget to mention my name .

At Mondial as mentioned earlier I spoke to Adam Gershon. He is the Tech man of the Act 3 and will answer any and all questions regarding Act 3 without hesitation. Thanks Adam. Kudos!!! to a great Processor.

Well there you have it. A no holds bar review of the Act 3. Oh BTW my ratings for the Act 3 is well above 5+ stars.

Clarity, User friendly, Able to upgrade at reasonable prices

No component inputs or outputs

This proccessor is in a league of its own. It is a remarkable piece of machinery. I enjoy it very much. Compared to other preamp proccessors, there is nothing like it for the price. I teamed this unit up with Dynaudio's audience 5.1 theater system with two subs. The imaging is amazing in stereo mode. In surround mode, there are no words to describe the happiness and satisfaction it brings me when turning on the power to the act 3. I use bryston amplifiers, and a sony dvd player. I would like for the people at acurus to incorporate component switching in this unit. I know they have to keep the price down, but lets make this processor untouchable by competitors. Thanks for a wonderful gift.

Superb 5.1 Surround Modes (Dolby Digital AND DTS)Extremely easy to operate, and flexible with upgradability

The ACT-3, at $2000 is an outstanding buy. Don't know about the DSP modes, as DSP modes are generally CRAP so I avoid them anyhow. I run television in Pro Logic or Stereo, and it sounds fantastic off of DSS. The Video switching runs a pristine signal through it (no degradation) and the system is SO easy to use that anyone in my house can turn the system on and enjoy TV, DVD, VCR or CD's with just the push of a button. Everything is automatic to make it easier to use. The system locks on to the last mode that you had it in, unless it is Dolby Digital, or DTS, which it switches to automatically as well. I'm not sure why the last reviewer commented on this as a neagtive...That's one of the best things about it. You select your source, and it determines the format for you, or locks onto the last mode you were using. You never HAVE to change modes. It is much less complicated to set up, and to use then the Theta Cassanova, or the B&K Ref 20, with better sound quality in Dolby Digital, and in Stereo. This piece is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, especially at the price point. Add in future upgradability, and you can't go wrong.

Similar Products Used:

B&K Ref 20, Theta Casanova

Superb stereo playback, upgradeability, simplicity at its finest. Plenty of input / outputs for me.

Remote could be slicker.

Some of the following reviews absolutely crack me up. I for one would be embarassed to post a negative review on this site that was due to my not understanding simple functionality of the product. Anyway...

I have had the ACT-3 for over a year and am very pleased with it. I have gone through several other system components and have not even considered replacing this unit. Afterall, this unit performs so far above its price, it would be thousands of dollars for very slim ( inaudible?, but perhaps prestige factor ) improvements.

Currently, I am using it with my NHT 2.9s and am using Classe amplification. The combination is very good for a mid to high level system.

Due to a new home ( basement not built, yet ), I am only using it for stereo and am very pleased with the results. Very smooth, articulate and nice sounding with my VERY picky speakers. I used it for nine months as a home theater processor and was pleased. DD and DTS sound superb, of course the other surround formats are subject to personal preference. Honestly, I never really used them much.

I have a Sony DVP-S7000 and experimented with using the ACT-3 and Sony DAC. I ultimately found the the ACT-3 DAC to have a smoother, more laid back sound than the Sony. This was an important improvement to me as my speakers can sound a bit bright in the top. Thus, my Sony was used as only a transport for two channel music.

Audio is such a personal experience that I would never dare to tell someone that their opinion on how a product "sounds" is right or wrong. But to slam a product due to not understanding how to work it is comical. Also, as an FYI, I have used the product with four different high-power home theater amps ( ATI, Marantz, Classe ), in two homes, with three speaker arrangements and have never experienced a "hum, baby."

If you are in the market for a good processor that you would have to be in the real high-end to outgrow, I would strongly recommend you audition the ACT-3.

Similar Products Used:

Rotel products, B&K gear, several high end receivers.

Excellent Sound on Music & Cinema

It's too good for the money

It's really a very good sounded Multichannel-Pre and almost on stereo too. But when you wants to have an RF-Demodulator, so try the internal version from www.bde.de It*s the best Demodulator I've heard for so less money.

Have a lot fun with your stuff
Markus

Similar Products Used:

Lexicon, EAD, Parasound, Denon, Meridian, Classe.....

upgradable, lots of features, sounds great, sounds great, back lit remote, nice solid look to it,

use of the remote is rather tedious

I found that if the Act3 is conected to anything that has a cable (tv cable) pluged into it, that this is the reason for the humm. In my situation anyway. If my cable goes directly into my tv and I have an s-video from the tv to the act3 I get humm. If I go cable to vcr than to tv still get it. If I unplug the cable all humm is gone an my system sounds great no other noise at all. I have called mondial designs and asked them about this and they knew about but gave me a sugestion. Buy one there little boxes that will remove the humm. So they do know that this problem exists. I dont need cable anyway so i leave it unlpugged till the wife wants to watch tv... next problem...signal detection, yes im having that problem too. If I turn the preamp on and I turn my dvd player on and spin up a dolby digital disk the Act3 will remain in stereo mode until I press the select button on the remote twice. The first time I press it the signal light will jump down to pro logic, the second time I press it, it will jump back up to Dolby Digital mode and play fine until I change the format. However if im playing a DTS dvd the Act3 will select DTS mode on its own. Other than these 2 set backs this unit is perfect. I am mainly concerned with the quality of sound that I get and it is superb. I get no his at all. for the price of this unit, and the suport that you get from the comany who gave us this fine piece of equipment you can't realy go wrong. If you are a fan of good sounding music and movies, find you one these units..................

System Used

Acurus.............Act3 Preamp
Acurus.............A200x2 Front
Acurus.............A200x2 Rear
Acurus.............A200x2 Center
JVC................S3500U VCR
Panasonic..........A110 DVD
B&W................Center Speakers
B&W................Rear Speakers
Polk Audio.........Front Speakers
Boston Acustic.....Sub
Sony trinitron.....Tube 35'

Similar Products Used:

none