Separate Processor Selection

janmike

I am currently going through an upgrade and have recently acquired a Proceed AMP5 to replace my Rotel 2 CH for HT. The next phase of the upgrade path will be to purchase a separate processor to compliment the AMP5 for 5.1 HT. Currently I own a Yamaha RX-V1500 and while it has been good, it is time for me to move on. I have tried 7.1 for HT and will be staying with 5.1. Here are the speakers I will be using.

Front: LSi9's
Rear: LSiFX's
Centre: LSiC
Sub: SVS PB12-Plus

I have considered the Proceed AVP2 and just wanted to probe the forum to find out what the folks here are using as a separate processor (NOT AVR / RECEIVER). Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for the assistance folks.

Musophile

I'm using an Anthem AVM-20 and I love it. I wasn't looking for bias in my processor. Some people are looking for tube sound or bright sounds. I like mine more neutral. The controls were very easy and intuitive. If you choose to go that route, make sure you get the later version so it'll have Pro Logic II processing.

Zen Dragon

The Anthem looks good. Depends some on your price range. Here are some others that you might want to look into.
Outlaw 990
B&K Reference 30 and Reference 50
Sunfire Theater Grand

Musophile

Audiogon.com is a great place to look for used equipment. If you find a local seller sometimes you can go over to their house and demo the equipment.

Zen Dragon

How bout this Gem. Apparently showed up as a concept item from Butler Audio at the 2005 Home Entertainment expo. It does not appear to have been put on the market however. A waste for HT maybe, but could make for some interesting SACD multi-channel listening.

Butler makes some other interesting products including a full line of "Tube Driver Blue" tube amplifiers for home theater But my favorite produsct on display had to be their tubed home theater receiver. Labeled "Akai" because Butler built the prototype for that brand, the AVR7100 home theater receiver may be badged Akai or Butler if and when it sees production. I sure hope it does because this baby is loaded - seven channels of amplification (100 WPC), Dolby ProLogic IIX, DTS-ES, Dolby Digital EX, and Dolby Headphone processing, plus HD component video and HDMI switching for an expected retail price of $1300-$1400. It was definitely the coolest looking, most feature-packed home theater receiver at the show, and I hope it sees the light of day

Musophile

wow that looks hella cool. Did you hear how it sounded?

Zen Dragon

Nooooooo, I wish. The quote is from a review of the expo.
It does look bad a$$ though doesn't it?

Musophile

Check out this pre/pro. It's expensive but click on the bottom left photo. It looks amazingly cool.

http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=processors&product=17.1

janmike

AKAI, Wow does that bring back memories. First stereo years ago, a receiver, turntable and 2 speakers. I'm looking at around $2500 for the Processor. Actually the person I purchased the AMP5 from just purchased the Anthem 20. I should be able to grab something decent in the slightly used department. The proceed AVP2 will be around that price, although I have never heard it.

Musophile

Wow, you have a much bigger budget than me. I got my AVM-20 used for only $1200 dollars. With that kind of money you can get a really cool pre/pro.

Skynut

I just got a Sunfire Theater Grand II from Screename not too long ago and I really like it.....for now.
It really beats the Onkyo 787 I was using.

criverajr

I have used B&K AV30&AV50, I am using the Rotel 1068 for now and it sounds great, they can be had for around 1250-1300 used on Agon. They don't last long, if you see one and want it jump on it quick.

CRj

schwarcw

The Parasound C2 has received some great reviews, I haven't heard or used one. The Sunfire Grands (I,II,III and IV) are all very reputable. The older versions can be had for a decent price on Audiogon,

janmike

Excellent folks, this is great stuff. I am still probably a few months away from the purchase, but thought I would ask the experienced ones first before venturing out into unknown territory. The recommendations are very good, some familiar names. As for the budget, well that is my limit so if I can spend less-perfect.

The one thing I really like about the AVR is the ability to control all the other devices. I could use one remote for the AVR, TV, CDP, DVD. Do most of other the better processors have that programmable functionality?

McLoki

The main brands I have been looking at is

Rotel 1068 (1098 is nice but I don't need the screen for an extra grand) The lack of a tuner is a dissapointment and I dont really care for the looks, but the sound is supposed to be excellent. (I have heard the 1066 (previous model) on my system and it sounded very good)

Integra Research - Excellent reviews (both industry and user) I have been looking at the RDC -7 can be had used for 1400-1800 (look for the upgraded model, better bass management and Ultra 2 certified) New it has been replaced with the simiilar named RDC 7.1 This is also a REALLY nice processor, can add cards to just like a computer for different functionality but in all honesty, is just out of my price range.

Outlaw 990 - This is common enough that I really don't want to like it, but the reviews for sound quality are just excellent. (although it sounds like the interface to it could use some work) by far the cheapest one I am looking at and the only one I would consider purchasing new. They also have excellent resale so if you don't like it in a year, you won't lose your shirt on it.

Many systems come with a universal remote. If they don't just get one. (will cost you about 50-150 depending on model or style) basically the remote would be nice with a pre/pro, but should not be a deal breaker for you.

Good luck and let us know what you go with.

Michael

Skynut

I love the remote from my Sunfire. It was easy to program for all my other components however, screename told me that the remote was one of the things he did not like about this unit so I guess it is all contingent.

wingnut4772

I recommend the Outlaw 990. I have the Sherwood Newcastle P-965 it is based on and I love it. I wouldn't spend a fortune on a pre right now because in a year or two it wll be time to upgrade for one that accepts all the new HD audios out there via HDMI etc... blah blah blah.