基本上，有着较佳的零件用料以及较高声音品质要求的欧美製高级环绕音效处理器，在声音方面的表现都具有相当的水准，只不过往往在外观与使用操作上不能完全让用家满意，而E.A.D.第二代的Theater Master则可以说对这些不足之处有相当的改良。就外观而言，第二代Theater Master的波浪状金属面板质感确实没话说，机箱的强度与电源的供应处理同样具有高水准；就操作而言，第二代Theater Master虽然没有银幕操作选单功能，不过所配备具有大型液晶触控面板的遥控器在操作上同样便利，而且由于液晶面板具有背光功能，在黑暗中仍然可以得心应手地使用；就调整而言，自动音压与延迟时间设定确实十分方便，各项系统的设定也可让用家调整至最切合周边器材的状态，环绕模式的自动锁定与优先选择更是贴心；就升级而言，这可以说是第二代Theater Master最富吸引力的强势优点了，Encore、Ovation及Signature三段式的升级可说非常契合消费者购买这类高价器材时的期盼，相较之下，Encore就显得更适合想要享受高品质环绕处理器却又不敢「放手一搏」的入门玩家，并且还有机会获得逐步升级的乐趣，这是其他高级环绕处理器的用家得不到的「特权」。

Enlightened Audio Designs Theater Master Digital Processor     
Home Theater Preamplifiers AV Preamps
Written by Kim Wilson   
Tuesday, 01 December 1998

Introduction
Enlightened Audio Designs (EAD) has re-invented their popular Theater Master digital processor with three distinct versions (Encore, Ovation, Signature). Each incorporates Dolby Digital, DTS and MPEG decoders ensuring worldwide compatibility with any audio format. The Ovation ($4,449), like the one I was sent, is an upgrade from the basic Encore ($2,995). It includes an HDCD circuit and balanced outputs along with upgraded 20-bit DACs.

Packaged with the Theater Master is a programmable touch screen remote with layouts of essential components like Laserdisc, DSS, DVD, CD and VCR. Teaching the Theater Master commands from other remotes is quite simple. The unit fits comfortably in the palm of your hand and is far more intuitive than remotes with multi-function buttons.

The new slimmer chassis unveils a bold new diamond fly-cut faceted faceplate. The attractiveness of the unit is highlighted by the elimination of controls. Only a bright blue display panel and a power switch adorn the front panel.

Installation
This is the first processor I've come across with more digital audio inputs (6) than analog (3), which is as it should be in our emerging all-digital world. The integrated video switcher has three video inputs with both composite and S-Video connections. Any video input can be assigned to any audio input. Gold-plated RCA type connections are provided for the six-channel outputs (L/C/R/Surr/Sub). Balanced outputs are available for the main left and right channels. An RS-232 communication port is available for connection with external system controllers such as EAD's Switch Master or sophisticated system controllers from Crestron and AMX.

The Theater Master is hands-down the easiest digital processor to set-up, I've used. Using the supplied microphone, you sit at the main listening position and hold the mic, slightly upraised. Just select Auto Adjust on the remote and the Theater Master does all the work. A pink noise test tone is emitted from each speaker, automatically adjusting volumes. Then two pulse tones are emitted from each speaker to calculate the distance between speakers to ensure proper time alignment. If for some reason the Auto Setup doesn't work or is unsatisfactory, volumes and time alignment can be adjusted manually.

Evaluation
Reviewing this unit was sheer listening pleasure. The Theater Master exhibited such a smooth and natural response without a hint of harshness anywhere in the spectrum, I could play everything as loud as I pleased. It never was fatiguing. Sonic performance just doesn't get much better than this.

Let's talk about imaging. The sound field of the multi-layered guitars on "Natural Flow" from Strunz and Farah's latest release Wild Muse (Selva) seemed to extend into the room at least three feet from the speaker plane. A palpable sense of air surrounds each note allowing it to breathe. Articulation and definition of the guitars is so masterfully reproduced you'd swear you're in the recording studio with them.