Processor recommendations?

dagame27

I'm looking for a processor as a go with my Anthem Pre 2l and Adcom 555, currently being used in a 2 channel system. I currently have a Harman Kardon receiver doing the job, but is has no HDMI. Any recommendations? The cheaper the better, but my max would be about $400 and used is fine.

tonyb

A current HT processor with HDMI...even a few years old....under 400 bones ? I think your stretching reality there my friend. Marantz would be the closest with some decent SQ....even Emotiva goes for more than that. You could however find a decent used receiver with HDMI in that price range.

dagame27

Tony, the receiver route was one I was thinking of; just wasn't sure if a HT processor w/ HDMI was a more attractive option.

unc2701

I'm also accepting the inevitable switch to HDMI. Onkyo PR-SC885 or Integra DHC 9.8, 9.9 are in that range; Integra 40.1, 40.2 have been known to go that low. They suffer from a HDMI board with caps that aren't rated for high temp & fail, but there's someone on ebay that repairs them for $75, so you can get a deal on broken ones that just need a quick fix.

If they haven't failed, you can easily prevent issues by just putting a fan on it.

tonyb

dagame27 wrote: »

Tony, the receiver route was one I was thinking of; just wasn't sure if a HT processor w/ HDMI was a more attractive option.

Generally speaking a processor will offer up some better SQ along with greater tweeking ability. TOTL AVRs are getting close though too. If your priority is better sound, in a processor it will cost more than 4 bones, if the priority is HDMI.....that can easily be had for that coinage.

Be careful of some older stuff with HDMI, some still won't process the newer blu-ray codecs.

EndersShadow

tonyb wrote: »

A current HT processor with HDMI...even a few years old....under 400 bones ? I think your stretching reality there my friend. Marantz would be the closest with some decent SQ....even Emotiva goes for more than that. You could however find a decent used receiver with HDMI in that price range.

Agreed. A Processor for 4 bones w/o HDMI is very easy. Add HDMI and your prob looking at 600+ easy if not 1k.

Going with a AVR w/ pre-outs is a better solution, just be careful what your looking at. Accessories4less if your friend here IMHO and would look hard at their offerings.

tonyb wrote: »

Generally speaking a processor will offer up some better SQ along with greater tweeking ability. TOTL AVRs are getting close though too. If your priority is better sound, in a processor it will cost more than 4 bones, if the priority is HDMI.....that can easily be had for that coinage.

Be careful of some older stuff with HDMI, some still won't process the newer blu-ray codecs.

If looking at HDMI, just make sure its HDMI 1.3 or 1.4 and your golden.

As a total aside I have been debating upgrading from my Integra DTR 5.9 (which has 4 HDMI's) myself and if I do I will PM you and see if we cant work something out.

tonyb

Maybe he can offer you 4 bones for the Integra....plus a personally autographed life size pic of H9 ?

Gaara

Outlaw Audio 975 or Emotiva UMC-1/200. All three go for around that used.