Suggestions for HT Surround Sound Processor

[britrover]

I’m looking to add a separate Surround processor for my HT set up. Currently my fronts L + R are powered by McIntosh MC 7200, the center channel and surrounds + subwoofer are hooked into the Harman Kardon AVR 235. The HK is acting as a part processor and part amp as well.

I’m just beginning to look at processors and so far have B&K and Rotel on my list……………any suggestions on other brands I should look at also I listen to a lot of music so would like something that matches well with my McIntosh. I do want to get a processor that has 7.1 capabilities and can be used with SACD and DVD A

Any direction / suggestions would be much appreciated

[Azeke]

What is your SSP budget?

Regards,

Azeke

[aud19]

Yeah budget will go a LONG way of dictating which pre/pro to get. Though frankly with things like HDMI switching, room correction, new Dolby formats etc coming out... I'd likely stick to a "budget" pre from the likes of Outlow, Rotel, Sherwood Newcastle, Nad etc. until those features arrive on the next generation units.

[Shane Martin]

Aud,
The Sherwood has HDMI switching(coming via an external HDMI box) and Room Correction. Easy choice there.

Another interesting choice is the Arcam which runs around $2100 US. I assumed that when you mentioned the B&K and Rotel, you were in that range.

[britrover]

Range is up to $2.5K. I'm keen on getting a musical processor that is warm sounding ,pairs well with my McIntosh amplifier and also sounds good for HT.

[aud19]

Yup Shane that's why I mentioned it However, there's still the new Dolby format coming and a breakout box is a good compromise/solution but it is a compromise. I just wouldn't spend much more than a couple grand personally at this time. The Sherwood would certainly be on my short list though :T

[britrover]

Thanks for the input so far……I did some research and am looking at getting a used Krell, Parasound, TagMclaren or Sunfire probably 5.1 set up as I really don’t have space for a 7.1 set up currently.

I'm leaning towards a used Krell 5.1 processor or a Sunfire Theatregrand Any thoughts on which will be more musical pre-map to be paired with the McIntosh.

Cheers

[gd]

Used Krell, huh?... that suggests you favor audio quality over the latest HT features.

Perhaps in a league with Krell -- and at the outermost edge of your budget -- is the Cary C6... haven't heard it myself, but the few reports I've seen on other forums are very enthusiastic.

Arcam is excellent -- and very flexible -- for $2K, you could use their loaded receiver as a pre/pro.

And frankly, as a solid music machine, I wouldn't dismiss the Rotel out of hand, either.

At that price point, try to audition at home if you can.

[Azeke]

There is a gentlemen in the Pawnshop selling his RSP 1098 within your budget.