You have 1000 dollars (HT AVR or Processor)

EndersShadow

Ok fellas I probably posted this once or twice, but heck if I can figure a good way to search for threads on this anymore...

I am looking to spend 1000 bucks on a receiver/processor. I "might" be able to get up to 1500, but its easier to justify with a lower cost. Here is my need/want list

Need:

6 HDMI 1.4 or more
7.1 (really want 7.2 pre-outs)
Audyssey XT32, MCACC pro, ARC
2 12v triggers (B&K & Dayton sub amp)
HDMI upscaling
3D capable
Ethernet audio playback


Want:

4k capability
3 12v triggers
Dolby Atmos
9.2 pre-outs
2 or 3 HDMI outputs
USB DAC input
Decent Phono input
DSD
Bluetooth

I am open to suggestions but just not sure what to look at. Marantz, Anthem, Pioneer are all on the table. I prefer to stay away from Denon as I just haven't heard great things about them.

I don't need amplification from this as the B&K amp will power the LSi speakers. So if its a AVR, great, but I don't really need it for amplification channels. I am much more focused on the video aspect of things.

Thanks in advance fellas.

voltz

Marantz closeout for newer model AV7701 $1199... just a thought

http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=MAAV7701&utm_source=slider&utm_medium=banner&utm_content=slide4&utm_campaign=Marantz AV7701 Closeout

gce

I have the Marantz SR7008 and it has everything you need. The new Marantz models are out now so you might find a deal on a 7008. I know I like mine.

EndersShadow

voltz wrote: »

Marantz closeout for newer model AV7701 $1199... just a thought

http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=MAAV7701&utm_source=slider&utm_medium=banner&utm_content=slide4&utm_campaign=Marantz AV7701 Closeout

IIRC that just has Audyssey XT, not XT32...

gce wrote: »

I have the Marantz SR7008 and it has everything you need. The new Marantz models are out now so you might find a deal on a 7008. I know I like mine.

That model is one I am actively reading up on. Accessories4less has it for 1k after shipping.

codyc1ark

Save the coin, we all know avr's don't effect the sound.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Sherwood-RX4503-2.1-Channel-Stereo-Receiver-with-Virtual-Surround-Sound/10740572

jeremymarcinko

FYI...The new Yamaha Aventage line now uses "reflected sound control or RSC" with its top YPAO software. I would imagine it is now more similar to Audyssey than different. I recently switched from a decent Onkyo717 to a refurbished RX-A1010 and the Yamaha although a year older in technology is a big step above the Onkyo. The GUI is much more responsive or quicker to navigate and although my Yamaha doesn't have the "RSC" mentioned above I prefer the YPAO to the Audyssey versions I have tried. (multxt and 2eq). YPAO is very transparent in comparison.

gce

EndersShadow wrote: »

That model is one I am actively reading up on. Accessories4less has it for 1k after shipping.

That's an incredible deal! I see it's only dropped 400 on Amazon. If you decide on it check with jdsmoothie on the AVS forum, he got me a deal when I bought mine new.

EndersShadow

gce wrote: »

EndersShadow wrote: »

That model is one I am actively reading up on. Accessories4less has it for 1k after shipping.

That's an incredible deal! I see it's only dropped 400 on Amazon. If you decide on it check with jdsmoothie on the AVS forum, he got me a deal when I bought mine new.

Yup, I will do that. This one may be what I end up with. My wife likes how it looks too....

And it doesnt have lots of bright lights at all.

polkfarmboy

I would choose the integra dhc80.3 over a 7701 any day of the week.

EndersShadow

polkfarmboy wrote: »

I would choose the integra dhc80.3 over a 7701 any day of the week.

Given my knowledge of Integra pricing, I doubt that the 80.3 is in my price range...

EndersShadow

Looking at a Marantz SR7008, Denon X4250CI or maybe a Pioneer SC-82/85 depending on pricing...

jeremymarcinko

I really think you are doing yourself a disservice not considering the Yamaha Aventage RX-A3030. It is nearly ten pounds heavier than the Marantz your looking at. Just sayin...I wouldn't let xt32 be the decider and I would take a minute to read up the performance evaluations of the Yamaha by comparison. In case you didn't know xt32 has to downsample all high resolution formats via pcm or dsd to 48hz to process therefore high resolution audio files will not have the added benefit of audyssey. TMK Ypao doesn't do this.

EndersShadow

jeremymarcinko wrote: »

I really think you are doing yourself a disservice not considering the Yamaha Aventage RX-A3030. It is nearly ten pounds heavier than the Marantz your looking at. Just sayin...I wouldn't let xt32 be the decider and I would take a minute to read up the performance evaluations of the Yamaha by comparison. In case you didn't know xt32 has to downsample all high resolution formats via pcm or dsd to 48hz to process therefore high resolution audio files will not have the added benefit of audyssey. TMK Ypao doesn't do this.

The extra 10 lbs matter not since I have a 76 lb beast B&K amp providing all my amplification...

On a pure video front I simply dont like Yamaha and their DSP modes..... I also dont like how YPAO works as I used it with my dads AVR I bought him.

I am trying to focus on pure video and HT aspect. My music while I have some 24/192 is mainly 16/44.1 so that high res problem doesnt affect me. I also use the main system mostly for Movies and TV (and kid TV @ that)....

I dont mind giving up High rez in the theater since my 2 channel system upstairs is much more 2 channel rather than HT focused...

gce

I had a Yamaha Aventage before my Marantz. The XT32 kicks A$$ over the YPAO!

jeremymarcinko

gce wrote: »

I had a Yamaha Aventage before my Marantz. The XT32 kicks A$$ over the YPAO!

Lol, you must like grainy sound and the noise that Audyssey introduces.

gce

jeremymarcinko wrote: »

gce wrote: »

I had a Yamaha Aventage before my Marantz. The XT32 kicks A$$ over the YPAO!

Lol, you must like grainy sound and the noise that Audyssey introduces.

Not even close to grainy.

jeremymarcinko

If you say so, but I'm not buying it.

gce wrote: »

Not even close to grainy.

WLDock

Wow man! There's a camp for every room correction out there. Many of the HT heavy hitters in the mags and forums that tried a lot of gear have noted the benefits of XT32 and Pro in terms of correction and sonics. Even posts from picky 2 ch audiophiles that did not like previous versions of Audyssey for their HT that like the improved resolution of XT32. Nevertheless, many from other camps have said great things about YPAO and all the others out there. Now there's Dirac Live, etc, etc.

Still, I have yet to hear of one being a Be-all and End-all.....but I sure have see some great graphs results out there from many of these powerful tools. Saw some wonderfull Audyssey Sub EQ HT result graphs. These tools really can help dial things if one takes the extra steps....pick the one thtat works for YOU and enjoy it!


Anyway...Dan the Integra DHC 80.3 might be within reach used?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Integra-DHC-80-3-Pre-amp-Processor-/221599616162?pt=US_Home_Audio_Amplifiers_Preamps&hash=item33985dcca2
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Integra-DHC-80-3-Pre-amp-Processor-/201211910596?pt=Receivers_Tuners&hash=item2ed92a19c4
http://app.audiogon.com/listings/processors-integra-dhc-80-3-pre-pro-2014-10-23-home-theater-45243-madeira-oh
http://delaware.craigslist.org/ele/4697141520.html

EndersShadow

WLDock wrote: »

Wow man! There's a camp for every room correction out there. Many of the HT heavy hitters in the mags and forums that tried a lot of gear have noted the benefits of XT32 and Pro in terms of correction and sonics. Even posts from picky 2 ch audiophiles that did not like previous versions of Audyssey for their HT that like the improved resolution of XT32. Nevertheless, many from other camps have said great things about YPAO and all the others out there. Now there is Dirac Live, etc, etc.

Still, I have yet to hear of one being a Be-all and End-all.....but I sure have see some great graphs results out there from many of these powerful tools. Saw some wonderfull Audyssey Sub EQ HT result graphs. These tools really can help dial things if one takes the extra steps....pick the one thtat works for YOU and enjoy it!


Anyway...Dan the Integra DHC 80.3 might be within reach used?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Integra-DHC-80-3-Pre-amp-Processor-/221599616162?pt=US_Home_Audio_Amplifiers_Preamps&hash=item33985dcca2
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Integra-DHC-80-3-Pre-amp-Processor-/201211910596?pt=Receivers_Tuners&hash=item2ed92a19c4
http://app.audiogon.com/listings/processors-integra-dhc-80-3-pre-pro-2014-10-23-home-theater-45243-madeira-oh
http://delaware.craigslist.org/ele/4697141520.html

Thanks, but buying a AVR used isnt something I want to do this time around, unless its a authorized refurd reseller.

My Integra HDMI board taught me that one thing quite well.....

tonyb

For HT I think the Marantz is up your alley. Let me ask a stupid question though, what are you hoping to gain by spending up to 1500 over what you have now ? The reason I ask is HT for me isn't worth the investment unless they make leaps and bounds in technology.....and so far I haven't seen it over your standard DTS HD Master audio.

Yeah, there are some gimmicks and other niceties, bells and whistles available, but are they worth that much coinage to you is the question you need to ask yourself. Since you have 2 different systems for HT/Music, which one do you use more ? Maybe that should be your guide to where to sink the money.

EndersShadow

tonyb wrote: »

Since you have 2 different systems for HT/Music, which one do you use more ? Maybe that should be your guide to where to sink the money.

Tony I use my HT setup in my living room everyday for at least 3 hours. At minimum its watching HD TV, but we do watch lots of movies as well. I use my 2 channel system once a month if I am lucky .

Also I am fairly happy with my speakers and gear upstairs. Once I get a remote volume feature added to the pre I bought from Rich, and my RS-II project speakers done I think I will be very very happy.

So my entire family would get enjoyment out of an upgrade down there, I'd get enjoyment from the upstairs upgrades (which have been discussed and are in the works for a later date).

tonyb wrote: »

For HT I think the Marantz is up your alley.

I am thinking the same Tony. The Marantz is likely the better deal over the Denon but I am still torn. More than likely 1k is my budget but the Marantz and Denon are for sale New for not a lot more so I may go that route to get the full 3 year warranty. The Pioneers are also still in play depending on the price for the SC-82 and SC-85.

tonyb wrote: »

What are you hoping to gain by spending up to 1500 over what you have now ? The reason I ask is HT for me isn't worth the investment unless they make leaps and bounds in technology.....and so far I haven't seen it over your standard DTS HD Master audio.

Yeah, there are some gimmicks and other niceties, bells and whistles available, but are they worth that much coinage to you is the question you need to ask yourself.

Tony since you asked, the tech I am adding is listed below in order of importance:

1. MUCH BETTER EQ - I have the lowest level of Audyssey (2EQ) which has been made MUCH better. My setup doesnt EQ my sub at all, and has very little if any correction it can add to my setup, and given my room setup, I can use all the EQ I can get to help.

1a. Sub EQ - the EQ I am looking at can now EQ my sub, set levels, and handle MULTIPLE SUBS to EQ them both. Even the Pioneer now can EQ my sub to some extent

2. More HDMI's - I use all 4 of the ones I have now so I cant add anything else to my system (HTPC, Xbox One, PS4, etc)

3. Multiple HDMI outputs - allows for a Projector & TV moving forward + an additional TV via Zone 2

4. Speaker options moving forward - I dont have a setup to to go 7.1unless I go in-ceiling, but 5.1 + heights is a viable option. All of these can handle that setup and the Pioneer can even drive the LSi 7's I'd use as heights. The Marantz or Denon "should" be able to handle them as well since thats all they'd handle.

5. HDMI 1.4 - My TV is 3D and can do Audio Return Channel, my AVR cant. I realize 3D is a slight gimmick, but its one I'd like to be able to do.

6. Network streaming - all these AVR's can stream my music from my computer & the web directly. They also accept formats above the 16/44.1 max on the Squeezebox Classic I have now.

Overall the AVR would be a step up to allow me flexibility in the future as tech gets even better. My setup really does need some EQ help given how open and weird it is.

On top of the MUCH better EQ (if I go with Audyssey I am getting 32x better EQ based on filters), I get more HDMI's so I am not stuck at what I have, ability to play higher rez audio direct, and if I go with the Denon instead you can add 32 bit DAC's to that list.

I also can control the inputs, volume, from my computer/phone making it just as easy to navigate my music as the Squeezebox.

Those ease of use/flexibility options to me are worth it. Plus then if I sell my Integra & Squeezebox Classic as a result I lower the cost of the investment even more.

WLDock

EndersShadow wrote: »

Thanks, but buying a AVR used isnt something I want to do this time around, unless its a authorized refurd reseller. My Integra HDMI board taught me that one thing quite well.....

I can understant that....$1K nothing to sneeze and nothing wrong with "NEW." Anyway...Denon...Marantz go for the one that feels the best in terms of GUI, daily use, etc. Also, XT32/Sub EQ is a good tool. Was impressed with these curves flattening a sealed 18" in less than ideal locations:
http://www.chanemusiccinema.com/forum/showthread.php?47690-A-thorough-test-of-the-SBE-118-Audyssey-Multeq-XT-XT-32-and-Other-EQ-Methods&highlight=XT32

tonyb

Gotcha Dan, personally I like the Marantz sound a touch better all things considered, but the TOTL Pioneers are right up there too.

I know you don't want to go the receiver route, but the B&k is getting dated and repairs are going to be a real possibility sometime in the next 5 years or so. You'd be out of luck while it's in the shop....which can be a month or more. Think about it.

EndersShadow

tonyb wrote: »

Gotcha Dan, personally I like the Marantz sound a touch better all things considered, but the TOTL Pioneers are right up there too.

I know you don't want to go the receiver route, but the B&k is getting dated and repairs are going to be a real possibility sometime in the next 5 years or so. You'd be out of luck while it's in the shop....which can be a month or more. Think about it.

That was my other thought as well. Hence why Pio is a consideration as the Denon (supposed to be capable of 4 ohm speakers, and I've seen proof of it in the wild).

The Marantz is listed as 6 ohm loads so not too sure it would work, but my preference is Marantz > Pioneer > Denon...

I just keep reading over and over folks that had Pioneer's moving to AVR's that have XT32 and liking the result better.

But that only takes into account EQ (which for me is the most important feature) and not amplification.

We will wait to see what I hear back on the cost of the Pioneer's, but I am leaning Marantz right now, I just think its got more of a focus on quality parts over extra features than the Denon (despite being made by the same company).

polkfarmboy

You know Tony makes a great point about what are you going to get spending all that money. I have owned the Anthem AVM 40 50 D2 D2V and Integra dhc 80.2 80.3 and the Pioneer sc01 sc37 sc75 and some Onkyo and Sony receivers. I never owned but took home a Marantz 8801 and returned it as it was nothing special.

I can say that all the really important features your looking for can be pretty much found in an old Anthem MRX 300 receiver. The sound is near the same as everything I mentioned when it comes to a bluray. Its a great way to save money and the B&K would be a perfect match for an MRX plus the ARC is better than XT32 for music and just the same for HT.

I found that I only got a significant upgrade by moving to a $12000 Krell HT preamp and its only just better than the d2v by a very small margin.

tonyb

Dan, then jump on the Marantz when a deal pops up. Better to get what you really want than to later second guess yourself. I might add though, after that purchase it would be wise to keep an eye out for a budget 5 channel amp to keep as a spare, just in case.

EndersShadow

polkfarmboy wrote: »

I can say that all the really important features your looking for can be pretty much found in an old Anthem MRX 300 receiver. The sound is near the same as everything I mentioned when it comes to a bluray. Its a great way to save money and the B&K would be a perfect match for an MRX plus the ARC is better than XT32 for music and just the same for HT.

MRX 300 = 4 HDMI. Need more than 4.

MRX 310 = 5.1 only & feature set is not as good as the Marantz/Pioneer of the same budget.

MRX 510 = 7.1 and thats it. Feature set still not on par with Marantz.

The MRX stuff is basically the same as my AVR I have now just better EQ. And thats an upgrade I cant justify for just better EQ. Because then when I get another HDMI device I am back in the same position and forced to add a HDMI switcher to my system which means more powercables, more HDMI cables, etc.

EndersShadow

tonyb wrote: »

Dan, then jump on the Marantz when a deal pops up. Better to get what you really want than to later second guess yourself.

The deals are out there right now on it, just need to talk to the wife about budgeting for it.

tonyb wrote: »

I might add though, after that purchase it would be wise to keep an eye out for a budget 5 channel amp to keep as a spare, just in case.

Yeah thats a thought, though worst case, I take my Parasound 1200ii 2 channel amp from upstairs and we run stereo till the B&K gets fixed.

Thats the more likely scenario, otherwise I am storing another amp in a closet thats got capacitors and whatnot slowly aging and needing to be replaced....

Thorton

PM sent.

WLDock

Well, the only way to know is to try one of these units out. IMO, if you buy new buy one that you plan to keep awhile. The value of AVR's, HT Pre/pro drop pretty fast.

polkfarmboy

WLDock wrote: »

Well, the only way to know is to try one of these units out. IMO, if you buy new buy one that you plan to keep awhile. The value of AVR's, HT Pre/pro drop pretty fast.

Thats why you go super high end used, you can flog em for what you paid.