Newer prepro or older higher end

Sami

What would you rather have if the goal was to get most out of 5.1 or 7.1 setup? Newer unit like Marantz 7701 ($999 new) or Emotiva? Older unit for less, like B&K 50, Anthem for around $300-400 or an older unit in the $1k range like the Krell Showcase (~$800).

I would probably be pairing it up with Sherbourn PA 7-350. My current options are a Pioneer Elite receiver (with HDMI) and Sony TA-E9000ES 5.1 channel prepro. I am thinking it is time to retire the Sony from HT and use it as a spare preamp for music.

rooftop59

One crucial piece of info is missing...I am assuming that you running a BDP with multi-channel analog outs and good DACS? That's the main thing that kept me from going the older higher SQ (but sans HDMI) route.

Also, is this a dual purpose rig or primarily HT? If the latter then I would probably with newer. But for the former the older better SQ would be very tempting.

EndersShadow

Newer unit with latest technology (Marantz, Emotiva...)

TBH if your looking for movies Audyssey XT32 or it's a no go

Anthem MRX is good but only 4 HDMI unless you go with the X10 series but that's pricey.....

So for me I'd look at the 7702, 8801, 7009 or 7008.

For music the Anthems may be better but I don't know so I will let others comment.

Nightfall

Newer unit with latest technology (Marantz, Emotiva...)

I have read that the B&K AVR/Preamp stuff isn't very reliable. Unlike their amps. I have no first hand knowledge of this just passing along what I have read.

[Deleted User]

Sami,

What if you wanted 5.1.4 or 7.1.4? None of the older.units could give you that.

Halen

Sami

What would stuff like Audessey XT32 give you in a properly configured room? I personally would rather fix the issues with the room (this will be in a dedicated theater room, not living room) than resort to gimmicks.

Sami

@halenhoang that's a good point. Are there any material out there that are mixed for the additional .4 speakers?

[Deleted User]

Sami. If it is a dedicated theater room. From scratch. I would go new. One with support for object based audio. I personally don't like any of the calibration tools from the likes of Pioneer, or the other guys. I always end up re-tweaking it. I think it's a joke to be quite honest no offense to anyone. It's like using one of the video.presets or the Auto feature of a camera.

Halen

comfortablycurt

Newer unit with latest technology (Marantz, Emotiva...)

I first got into the audio hobby while building a HT system, and after a couple years I had sold off my HT gear and I was strictly 2 channel, and have been for years now. I'm planning on putting together a new HT within the next few years though. The main thing for me would be up to date technology, in at least some respects. I like to buy gear that's future proof as much as possible.

The main AVR on my radar at this point is the Onkyo TX-NR838. I'm currently using LSi9s and I plan to get more LSi speakers for the future HT, so 4 ohm stability is important. This can be somewhat hard to find with an AVR, but the 838 passes. It has WiFi and Bluetooth capability, which is a big thing for me.

A lot of this depends on the intended use though. My HT will be integrated into my 2 channel via the HT Bypass on my Parasound P5, so the music capability and such of the AVR is of very little concern. It would be strictly for movies and gaming, with occasional TV. Some people will be listening to a lot of music with their AVR, so different qualities may be of greater concern.

Sami

Do any of the newer units let you play movies direct from hard drive or USB stick? That would be something that would be very convenient versus streaming from LAN or WiFi. I can do that with some of my TV's so I don't see why not from an AVR or pre-processor (but the question is which one would offer such a feature).

comfortablycurt

Newer unit with latest technology (Marantz, Emotiva...)

The Onkyo TX-NR838 that I mentioned has a USB input, though I'm not sure if that supports video playback. I'd imagine it does, but that would be worth looking into.

I'm sure there are some that do though in either case.

Nightfall

Newer unit with latest technology (Marantz, Emotiva...)

I've never heard of an AVR playing video from a USB stick.

EndersShadow

Newer unit with latest technology (Marantz, Emotiva...)

Sami the newer units have HDMI 1.4 which includes ARC (Audio Return Path)... that allows the TV to send to the RECIEVER, so if your TV had Netflix, you can take that audio OUT of the TV and put it INTO the Receiver for your surround sound...

As far as streaming movies off a stick... well your into the WD Live TV/Fire TV arena as you will need some other device to do that.

As far as XT32, it from the before and after graphs I've seen does a VERY good job of calibrating the room best it can.

Of course first you need to optimize your room with treatments/placement as best you can (which I realize may be very limiting). The Audyssey does a really good job. Anthems ARC calibration does a decent job as well.

Here are my thoughts on the stuff out there, keep in mind these are just my opinions.

Integra w XT 32 - I have a Integra DTR 5.9. After the HDMI board fiasco I dealt with personally just dont trust them. Also the front face is a bit ugly compared to some other brands. Integra's are priced closely to the Marantz models models I'd want. 3 year warranty so better than Onkyo's 1. Pass.

Onkyo - Recently came out with their own EQ and dropped Audyssey. Haven't read much about it, but not really a fan of the brand. If no other choice would prefer Integra over Onkyo for warranty length reasons. Pass.

Marantz w XT32 - High quality parts, dont see a lot of complaints from owners. Similar pricing to Integra. Small window some folks may not like, my wife prefers to not see lots of LCD lines of text so for me this is a win. Has a app for your phone to control/view settings so the small window not that big a deal IMHO.

Denon w XT32 - Sister company to Marantz but Marantz has higher spec'd parts. Had a 1911 and didnt really like it. Pass on the brand.

Anthem MRX w ARC - Like the brand, like the features it has, lacking LOTS of hardware and software features compared to similarly priced model's from other brands. Only 7.1. Faceplate has a bit more junk than Marantz but still looks nice. Pass for now

Pioneer Elite - great reputation, lots of power, Class D. EQ is fairly top notch, but from folks I've talked to and reviewers who have used both they prefer the XT32 over MCACC.

Yamaha - not a YPAO fan but thats me. Never really read up on it for the last year or so so cant fully judge it. However @ZLTFUL went from Yamaha to Denon and loves XT32...

So thats kinda my thoughts...

Anthem for pure music is a GREAT AVR, however they are lacking lots of the additional features they deem "unnecessary" like anything over 7.1. If I was upgrading every 2-3 years then I could see skipping that tech now and waiting till it proves itself before buying another AVR with it. But I want it to last at least 5 years and I see that heights and wides are being installed/used/enjoyed lots more here lately so I want those as options. I also want ATMOS as an option in case it does take off.

For those reasons I'm looking at a XT32 model that can do Atmos and the object based stuff.

Additionally if your all about 4K you need to read up on HDCP 2.2 and what its going to do. For me its not important so I'm not keeping up that much with it right now.

Sami

4k pass-thru is pretty pointless at this time when the amount of 4k content is what it is. It would only make sense if I wanted to run a gaming PC to a 4k display.

Atmos seems interesting but I would think it will take considerable time until we will see any material that takes advantage of it. That would also mean an investment in additional speakers.

Looks like I might be better off staying with the stuff I currently have and pick up a 7702 or similar when the used prices drop to $500 or so. That is IF stuff like Atmos takes off. At this point I see no reason to drop $2k+ on a pre-processor that probably is "obsolete" in a year. By "obsolete" I mean in marketing terms having the latest and "greatest" technology.

mantis

Old, cheap unit with good SQ (B&K, Anthem...)

It really depends on your end goal here. Everything today is HDMI so if your trying to go that route , I suggest looking into Integra for your preamp. You will get amazing performance for 5.1 and very good quality for 2 channel.
You however could try to find a used B&K Ref70 which will sound better but they are buggy. Krell and Anthem are also buggy. The Integra or even a Onkyo Preamp used in my opinion is probably the best cost effective way to go.
Using a receiver as a preamp is never my ideal way to get this done but using a high end Pioneer Elite SC model with all the features you want and need might also give you what your after. If a tuff call as you also might want to use the internal amps for something , I'd test them out vs the external amp.

mrbiron

http://app.audiogon.com/listings/processors-integra-av-preamp-dhc-60-5-pre-pro-7-2-channel-new-in-box-2015-05-08-home-theater-85641-vail-az--3

littlewoodboats

The Outlaw Audio M-975 might work for you. No room calibration but I did not find that a problem with a little room treatment.

They sell new for just over $500.00 from a company with fantastic customer service.

http://www.outlawaudio.com/products/975.html

Sami

That Outlaw does look tempting.

littlewoodboats

There is a new model in the works that will cover DTS-X and Dolby Atmos but is supposed to be quite a bit more expensive.

The M-975 does not have any network or USB connectivity so that could be a deal breaker. I do all of that with my OPPO so it is no big deal for me.

If there is a downside to the Outlaw it is a rare software f a r t that prevented the OSD from displaying properly. Mine suffered this fate right after it was delivered. A call to Outlaw saw a replacement shipped the same day. A firmware update is supposed to have solved the issue and to the best of my knowledge it has. I have had no other issues. 30 day returns as well.

Good luck however you go.

Sami

Hmmm, new Outlaw 975 for $580 or refurbished Marantz AV7005 for $649? Marantz has more features like analog inputs, networking & XLR outputs. I don't think I would need the room calibration features.

Has anyone heard them side-by-side and can comment about 2-channel performance? The more I read about the Outlaw the more I believe it would be a nice musical pre-pro, just wondering if the Marantz is close.

rooftop59

On paper at least the Marantz looks like the clear winner. Outlaw has a great return policy, and I think A4L does to, you just probably have to pay return shipping. Probably worth the cost to hear them side by side with your own gear...

polkfarmboy

Something else, like???

I would go with an Integra 80.2 for around $800, it will sound great or just an older anthem d2.

WLDock

New is always nice!

Still, I say find a used used Onkyo PR-SC5508, 5509, 5530 or Integra DHC-60.5, 80.1, 80.2, 80.3 preamp since you already have an amp.

Sami wrote: »

What would stuff like Audessey XT32 give you in a properly configured room? I personally would rather fix the issues with the room (this will be in a dedicated theater room, not living room) than resort to gimmicks.

halenhoang wrote: »

... I personally don't like any of the calibration tools from the likes of Pioneer, or the other guys. I always end up re-tweaking it. I think it's a joke to be quite honest no offense to anyone. It's like using one of the video.presets or the Auto feature of a camera.Halen

Even with room treatments there is no perfect room. . There's going to be trial and error in using room correction software. 5-9 speakers and one or two or more subs...why not have some tools to play with? The software will work wonders for some and maybe not so much for others....rooms are that way...even without software and bad placement.

tonyb

Newer unit with latest technology (Marantz, Emotiva...)

halenhoang wrote: »

Sami. If it is a dedicated theater room. From scratch. I would go new. One with support for object based audio. I personally don't like any of the calibration tools from the likes of Pioneer, or the other guys. I always end up re-tweaking it. I think it's a joke to be quite honest no offense to anyone. It's like using one of the video.presets or the Auto feature of a camera.

Halen

Dang dude, you don't like anything new do ya ? lol

Except maybe dirty pictures....but even that's questionable.

Sami

Dirty pictures? Then I prefer something new, like Bad Girls...

tonyb

Newer unit with latest technology (Marantz, Emotiva...)

Sami wrote: »

Dirty pictures? Then I prefer something new, like Bad Girls...

Oh Lord....Tracy Lords that is. lol You had to really search for that one. LOL

Sami,
The thing with HT processors is, for me anyway, is that they lose value so quickly. A 2-3g processor becomes obsolete every few years at the going rate of technology changes. If you can live with that, buy new and be done with it.

If not, buy an Oppo, 103 or 105, cheaper than a processor and has analog outputs. Let the BRP do all the processing, you'll lose less money when tech changes again.

Sami

The problem with Oppo 105 is that it costs pre-pro money and is going to be obsolete just as much as a prepro. I don't really see the value in the Oppo at all unless it can play my movies directly from HD (the $649 Marantz has DLNA support just as the Oppo). I am leaning towards the AV7005 at this point although the $799 AV7701 wouldn't be a bad choice either but doesn't really offer any significant upgrades over the 7005.

tonyb

Newer unit with latest technology (Marantz, Emotiva...)

Eh....yes and no. A used 103 can be had for 4-500 bones and even when obsolete can still fetch a couple hundies in re-sale. Easier to swallow on the old wallet imho.

tonyb

Newer unit with latest technology (Marantz, Emotiva...)

True Skip, and as I stated, the 103 used is a bargain. If you had separate amps, why would you even need a receiver or pre/pro in a HT only system.

Polkie2009

I went with the 103 over the 105 because I knew I was going to be using it mainly for HT service. I've read about a number of 103 owners who tried running their 103 directly to power amps and basically using the 103 as a preamp. Unfortunately it didn't sound all that great, many had problems with annoying background noise they couldn't get rid of. I think others who tried the same with their 105 had mixed results. All in all, I think the 103 is a very well built machine and will keep it's resale value.

Sami

To be honest I rarely use a BDP anymore as all my BD's are on a HD. Same for music. It just doesn't make sense for me. Although the Krell below is tempting @$499 I think I will just go with the AV7005 route or wait another 6-12 months for AV7702 to drop below $800.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/KRELL-Showcase-7-1-Pre-Amplifier-Amp-Processor-Works-Perfect-Guaranteed-/191580813433?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2c9b1b3879