Home Theater Processor Recomendation

Beta

I could use some help. I'm not well versed when it comes to the HT side of our hobby.

I have a separate HT rig. It's a 5.1 system and I have no interest in adding more speakers. I have Polk in-wall LCi 265i mains, an LCi-C center and LCi 80 FX in-ceiling rears. I have a Parasound A21 driving the mains and an A31 driving with center and rears. Right now I am using a Denon 4310CI AVR as my processor. I'm not happy with the sound and I'm guessing the Denon could be my weak link in the chain. I realize the LCi's are 4 ohm speakers. However, the Parasounds theoretically should have no problem driving these speakers. However, I have to turn the volume on the Denon up fairly high to get to a desirable listening level when watching TV, sports etc.

So, I'd like to upgrade to a stand alone processor and ditch the Denon AVR. Any recommendations would be most appreciated. I prefer to purchase used or b-stock. Don't need the latest and greatest bells and whistles. Just a somewhat simple unit that will improve audio performance. Thanks in advance.

rpf65

I would re-run the calibration before I did anything.

Look at Accessories4less for factory refurbished units. Yamaha and Marantz are my personal favorites

rooftop59

Agree about re running calibration. I have a denon avr-x4200w and I love it. I previously had a Rotel RSP-1069 $2000 retail processor and honestly I like my denon and marantz better for movies. I will say that the Denon makes a few goofy choices with regard to speaker size and crossover, so check those numbers after you rerun.

I would consider a few other factors before "upgrading." Have you upgraded the power cables on the amps and receiver? It will make a difference, and they don't have to be megabuck.

Also, is that contractor grade wire running to the speakers? If so, I would consider changing it out if possible.

Finally, do you have a sub? A good sub will take a lot of pressure off those amps...

WLDock

Yes, I agree, your Denon was a higher end unit when it came out, so unless it has issues it should not be hurting the performance as a preamp.

Is Audyssey on or off? Is Dynamic Volume and Dynamic EQ on or off? How close to Reference do you have turn to for normal listening? Check settings!

As far as having to turn the volume up to hear more detail, some AVR speaker combos work out that way. When I was running a big $2k Onkyo AVR unit mated with Chane speakers I had to turn the volume up more so than the LSiM set I had at the same time doing comparisons. The Chanes are known to soak up power and stay clean and composed. I could crank up the volume knob to reference level and they would not strain at all.


IMO, I think it would cost a lot to upgrade to something new and might not be worth it for a 5.1 setup. Do you plan to stay with older formats? or is the more recent Is 4K, HDCP 2.2 a need?

You could however, find a used Anthem, Yamaha, Integra, or Marantz pre/pro.

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649442053-anthem-d2-audio-processor-with-arc1-mic-80000/
https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649450448-yamaha-cxa5000-112-preamplifier-in-excellent-condition-free-shipping-conus/
https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649386467-marantz-av-7005-preamp-excellent-condition-free-shipping-conus/
https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649422718-marantz-av7005/
https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649454560-integra-dhc-605/
https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649397595-av-controller-dhc-605-integra-refurbished-unit/

Emlyn

Have you considered a Parasound P7? It definitely does not have bells and whistles but is more analog than just about any home theater preamplifier out there now.

https://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=PAHAP7&variation=BLK

Mr_Hz

With Marantz' release of their newest 'king of the hill' pre-pro ... the 8805... you can find some deals on slightly used 8802a's (still 4K, HDCP2.2 with excellent HDAM op-amps for sound specs) in the ~1500 range. Depends on your budget, but you already have 2 HALO amps, good to stretch if you can to find a top-notch pre-pro.

mantis

One company I would recommend to your given system especially after reading your needs is Integra. They are well built, sound excellent for theater and are very nicely dynamic. I think looking into Integra is the way to go man.
http://www.integrahometheater.com/

Beta

Thank you all for the the reply’s. As always, the help that can be had here at CP is priceless.

When I installed this system back in 2010, I used 12 gauge wire. ICs are all Audioquest King Cobra. HDMI’s are all Audioquest as well. I have a 64 inch Samsung plasma. It was their top plasma back in 2010. I’ve been happy with it. As I may have said, I don’t pay much attention to the HT side of our hobby. I don’t really have the urge to upgrade my tv. I have an old a school Sony Blu Ray player. Audio when playing Blu Ray’s is really terrific. Audio while watching TV and sports is disappointing. Hence, my thinking to ditch the Denon if better audio can be had when watching tv and sports.

Would the unit in the link below be a decent upgrade?

https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/intdhc803/integra-dhc-80.3-9.2-ch-thx-networking-a/v-preamp/processor/1.html

Or, maybe a Marantz 7702 or 7703?

Thank you again!

FestYboy

It's all about the source when it comes to OTA audio, most mixes are intended for sound bars or built in speakers, not an HT system. Also, most mixers (people, not equipment) don't listen to the mix as a dynamic source and only watch the meters, and you can hear it.

mrloren

Good luck with OTA audio signal. Cox cable is not that great with either of their boxes. I've tried coax, optical & HDMI. None came even close to DVD let alone Blu-Ray. Fox sports is decent for NFL and college games.

mantis

I got a Integra DTR70.6 just chillin if you would like to have on board amps. It's in near perfect shape and sounds awesome. Very dynamic and clean.

jayu969

Would recommend Anthem if you can find some used equipment as it is expensive new. I have had a few of their receivers and also a few of there processors. All very good...focus is on sound quality. Not as many "bells and whistles" as other brands.

gp4jesus

If you’re certain you’ll NEVER touch 4K look on eBay @~ $250?

https://www.outlawaudio.com/products/975.html?gclid=CjwKCAjwmdDeBRA8EiwAXlarFgdjR5ax8NS1ZSCzItgcZDH5ymKkFpfS-77kTQHj52WuV_L0nPLTGRoC_m8QAvD_BwE

...crapped all OVER the Rotel* prepro it replaced
*pre HDMI

Otherwise (my next upgrade):

https://www.outlawaudio.com/products/976.html?gclid=CjwKCAjwmdDeBRA8EiwAXlarFqBxTY6K3R3P4qgQN5rkUPfhA91HdZ8HnQjH-FFF9u7QSqzk71K8YBoCCXwQAvD_BwE

tonyb

Before you go off spending a good chunk of change on a new processor. Maybe first see what you can do to improve the sound with what you have.

Re-run the calibration, tweek things to your desire. Read the manual on the Denon if you haven't done so.

Cables can also play a part, and can also play a part with the volume issues. What cables are you using and interconnects ?

gp4jesus

Do first what Tonyb (& others) said. Costs you time only.

motorhead43026

Agree on the Anthem recommendation.