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Quality that counts

Tag McLaren AV30R

PEAKS

VERDICT High value meets the high end in this classy processor. Modular upgradeability unit to grow as budget allows. Performance still in the upper league

For the motoring enthusiast, the mere mention of TAG McLaren will evoke images of racing and performance. But these days, the marque is also racing towards a different goal: to establish a high-end reputation in audio circles.

Audio components branded TAG McLaren have been emerging for some time and have, indeed, delivered on expectations of top-class engineering, innovation, and sonic performance. For example, the AV32R AV processor is considered one of the best in its class.

The problem with such sophistication is that it comes at a price matching its sonic stature. Which is where the AV30R comes in. Designed to be a junior sibling to the AV32R, it manages to sell for significantly less, whilst still performing in the high-end league.

To get to the lower price point, TAG McLaren revised and trimmed cost from every element of the AV30R’s design, starting with the enclosure and the display, and including the remote control, packaging and the circuitry. However, it points out that the result still outshines the original AV32R in terms of both features and performance.

Critically, the AV30R also makes provision for ongoing upgrades via a modular construction approach that not only protects the initial investment by allowing the unit to maintain pace with the latest trends and formats, but also allows the user to tailor the unit to his or her personal requirements.

Not that the so-called base version is all that basic. Construction highlights still include a shielded all-metal enclosure with aluminium faceplate and switchgear.

In this rendition, it is a true 5.1 processor, compatible with Dolby Pro Logic and Pro Logic II, Dolby Digital and DTS formats, as well as TAG McLaren’s own TMS 5 matrix surround sound standard.

There’s also a 5.1 analogue by-pass facility, which allows DVD-Audio players or multi-channel SACD decks with 5.1 output sets to deliver their sonic wares via the AV30R.

The bouquet of upgrade possibilities is substantial, and includes expansion to 7.1 compatibility, which adds two extra rear surround channels to meet Dolby Digital EX and DTS-ES 6.1 requirements, as well as allowing matrixed 7-channel playback from 5.1 sources via the proprietary TMS 7.

Other modules that can be added are a reclocking board for more accurate decoding of digital signals, and software upgrades to allow decoding of HDCD audio CDs, MPEG-2 and DTS-ES 6.1 Discrete. In addition, the unit’s firmware is upgradeable via its TAGtronic bus connectors, ensuring ongoing relevance and regularly improved performance.

Versatility is another AV30R strength. It offers composite and S-Video connectivity for four video sources, as well as providing one optical and five coaxial digital inputs, all assignable. There are also six stereo input pairs, together with 5.1 analogue input and output sets.

Okay, so we’ve established that there is a lot more to the AV30R than a downscaled AV32R, and that it too belongs to the high-end league as far as functionality, construction and upgradeability are concerned. However, the acid test is just how well those on-paper attributes are expressed in the reality of actual performance.

While I’m on the topic of hands-on experience, a quick comment about the set-up of the AV30R, which is impressively simple, given the complexity of the unit. Clear markings ensure that connecting it up to a system is a logical and straightforward affair, while the rest is afforded via an onscreen display that’s extremely user-friendly.

However, it’s the actual performance that sets the AV30R apart from other processors, and makes one itch to reach for the cheque book.

Sonically, it’s what one doesn’t hear that makes the TAG McLaren so special. Its ultra-low noise floor and efficient rejection of interference ensures that the full impact of the music or the movie soundtrack is available to the audience.

As a result, it is able to extract and exploit a level of detail that lesser componentry would pay scant attention to. And that detail is then perfectly contextualised to ensure that the full value of its contribution to the appeal of the overall sound is not glossed over.

In AV terms, the AV30R initially sounds almost too neutral, with less of the in-your-face pyrotechnics that’s so often a trademark of the home theatre environment. However, given time to settle in (and some aural adjustment in the case of the listener), it’s soon clear that the TAG McLaren’s focus is on precision.

By the same token, the processor is able to create soundfields that are thoroughly convincing, while providing an expansive, three-dimensional canvas for the surround soundtrack. Even the physical constraints of the listening room seem to have no bearing on a delivery that’s as bold (or as intimate) as the original recording dictates.

DTS appeared to pip Dolby Digital to the post in terms of overall involvement and sonic appeal, but in real terms, both formats offer an engrossing AV experience when assisted by the TAG McLaren.

For old-fashioned folk like me, more good news is that the AV30R is not at all intimidated by the prospect of stereo, and again employs its considerable processing power and focus on accuracy to make the most of the signal on offer. Clearly, its revealing approach means that flaws are easier recognised, but it’s a small price to pay.

Is the TAG McLaren a cheaper, poorer version of the AV32R? Well yes, it is more affordable, but poor it certainly isn’t it. Instead, it’s an intoxicating, believable and sophisticated machine that can turn arbitrary movies into memorable experiences, and make stereo music come alive. It doesn’t get much better than that…