Processor

bwest1000

I know that this may be in the wrong forum area, but I feel the 2 channel arena is as close as I can get to old school purists or people that might be more in tune with the question I want to ask. Anyway, I am interested in purchasing an old surround sound processor. I have a small, modest listening space, and I don't need things like multi room audio, balanced inputs and outputs, a microphone for recording the room acoustics, XM etc. I want simple and streamlined and it seems that the newer the processor the more stuff I don't think I really need. I have a Marantz SR7001, and I have never really lived in a space that used all the features that it provided. I certainly can't reconcile getting something with even more rooms and more shenanigans. I want something to send a dolby signal to separate amplifiers for one room. Is it too simple a request? What do you all think? I've been an AV guy for ~ 20 years. Just sold a set of totem dreamcatchers to go with the polk's lsi series's larger sound. In moving up, I also want to pare down to things that I'll actually use. Thank you all for any advice or guidance as to the initial question or as to where this post might be better suited.

McLoki

Are you looking for dolby digital (5.1) or dolby pro-logic? is DTS needed? how many channels are you going to be running? What speakers and what amplifier? What are you doing with it? (Movies only - mainly 2 channel with some movies - etc?) What will your source typically be? Is a turntable input required?

There is the opportunity to get something pretty close to exactly what you want - just need more information to pull it off.

Michael

bwest1000

Well, I have a KLH model 20 system for vinyl that is isolated from everything else. I like it's mid century modern aesthetic and I like the sound now that I replaced all the caps. So, that is off the grid as far as the processor is concerned. I would like dolby 5.1. That is one thing with new processors - I don't have room for 7.1 speakers. Most room arrangements cut even 5.1 close as far as just logistics and wall space. I outlaw 2150 for 2 channel to run my LSi25s, and I actually have audioengine wireless speakers with a sub attached for my rears with an added sub to fill out that sound. I have a dreamcatcher center still, can't seem to get that to sell, but I'll probably get a polk LSi, aperion or axiom center once the dreamcatcher sells. I mainly listen to loud music of all types, and I watch all kinds of movies from old Japanese art house to the newest blockbusters. My music is everything from dubstep to Miles Davis to Prarie Home Companion. Thanks for all the help.

McLoki

budget?

bwest1000

I would like to keep it under $1000.

nwohlford

If you don't need any video switching and music is the main focus, look at the Aragon Soundstage.

bwest1000

Would you mind explaining why you would go with the Aragon?

nwohlford

The Soundstage's real strength is as a great two channel preamp included in a 5.1 processor. It also has a very good digital section. Plus if you can find one, they go for about $500 whereas comparable products from that era often sell closer to $1000 (if not more).

tonyb

Whats wrong with the Marantz ? I know it may have bells and whistles you may never use, but you don't have to use them.

polkfarmboy

Maybe an old Sunfire ? Plenty of folks love the sound and may chime in as to why

Syndil

You might think of simply pairing a dedicated surround processor such as a Technics SH-AC500D with your Outlaw RR2150, utilizing its external processor feature.

bwest1000

Nothing particularly wrong with the Marantz. I dont really need its amplification powers anymore, so I am thinking that I could trade in a monetary lateral position while trading up in overall build quality for perhaps an older device that has trimmed down features that I will actually use. I really like my Marantz in some regards, but it always seemed under powered, even with the Totem's biamped. I was thinking of doing exaclty that, Syndil, thanks to the external loop processor, I can use the outlaw to still power the fronts. The power and clarity of the outlaw is of no comparison to the Marantz, and I believe that externally looping the Marantz as a processor actually degrades the sound. That, I would like to reiterate, is just my opinion.

Syndil

There are a few external processors out there you might consider. I mentioned the Technics because it is one of the few that will do both Dolby Digital and DTS in the same unit. I used to use an Adcom GDD-1 back in the day, which was a very nice processor with an absolutely transparent bypass mode, but it only did Dolby. I've not actually used the Technics.

One thing you need to keep in mind when looking for a processor is making sure the processor has its own preamp section. Some processors such as the Rotel RDA-985 are intended to be paired with a muilti-channel preamp with a multi-channel input and therefore do not include a method of controlling the volume. Since you will likely be running your surround channels directly from the processor it will need its own volume control.

bwest1000

I appreciate the help. Anyone else have any thoughts? Am I going the wrong direction entirely? Should I keep the Marantz as just a pure processor?

lordkevin

It is nice information...

tonyb

bwest1000 wrote: »

I appreciate the help. Anyone else have any thoughts? Am I going the wrong direction entirely? Should I keep the Marantz as just a pure processor?

If you don't need the newer surround formats like DTS HD master audio, the Anthems are great sounding processors along with the Cary cinema 11 which both will do 2 channel very well.

Another route you can go is to get a tubed 2 channel pre amp from Dared, Yaqin, dodd, Rogue, AR, and a host of others. That would up your game for 2 channel listening paired with the outlaws SS power. Just get a Y spliter for the ic's going to the amp, connect the outs from the Marantz on one side and ic's from the pre amp on the other. That way you don't have to loop a pre amp by way of the marantz. Just keep the receiver for the occasional movie while also keeping your 2 channel seperate. Thats actually the route I'm thinking of taking myself since I just don't have the room for 2 systems and using an avr as a pre.....kinda sucks to put it bluntly.