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I know this is one of those "Ask 100 people the same question, and you'll get 100 different answers" threads, but I am curious as to the input of the denizens here with regards to AVR and Processor recommendations. I've been doing research for a while, since my poor Denon Receiver is just too antiquated to handle anything newer than vanilla DTS tracks (AVR-1803) or 480p Component Video (Pushing 1080p through the component connections from my 360 results in "hazy" video). I've looked at everything from Rotel, to Classe, to Emotiva, and even some more "mainstream" gear from Yamaha, Denon, Onkyo/Integra, and Marantz. At the end of the day, though, I'm still as indecisive as ever regarding which I should invest in.
The thought of going with separates is definitely a thought - going with a processor would allow me to customize my amp solution later, spend more money for the video/audio processing now, and use the 5.1 External Inputs on my current Denon for amping duty (A travesty, yes, but it'll let me invest in a very nice amp later instead of cramming my budget into a single unit now). However, the price of most processors is the same as an AVR with an amp built-in, I've found, and it may be worth it (with some brands) to just get the AVR and be done with it.
What do you all think? A few features are mandatory for me:
I'd also like a processor with VGA/RGBHV inputs, since I have one or two legacy components with such an output. I'm a collector of legacy components, you could say, and being able to integrate them into the AVR/Processor would be nice. XLR Inputs/Outputs would be great for expandability down the road, but certainly aren't required. Main purpose is Movies, Games, and some serious music listening from time to time; 5.1 is the minimum required channel output/input, as I don't anticipate on having a large enough room for 7.1 anytime soon. Budget currently sits at just shy of two grand, and the speakers will be primarily B&W 600-series speakers, possibly with a CM Centre & Yamaha Subwoofer.
Currently, I'm heavily leaning towards the (hopefully) soon-to-be-released Emotiva UMC-1 for a Processor, and dropping the extra coin on a corresponding five channel amplifier (Either the UPA-7 or XPA-5), though I've also been interested on the 10-series Rotel Units if I can get a nice enough price break.
The thought of going with separates is definitely a thought - going with a processor would allow me to customize my amp solution later, spend more money for the video/audio processing now, and use the 5.1 External Inputs on my current Denon for amping duty (A travesty, yes, but it'll let me invest in a very nice amp later instead of cramming my budget into a single unit now). However, the price of most processors is the same as an AVR with an amp built-in, I've found, and it may be worth it (with some brands) to just get the AVR and be done with it.
What do you all think? A few features are mandatory for me:
- Quality Video Processor for legacy AV Sources
- Ability to disable any and all video processing for input-sensitive sources
- HDMI Connectivity with DSD Support
- Decoding of DTS-HD MA and TrueHD Preferred
- Multichannel Analog Inputs (5.1/6.1/7.1)
I'd also like a processor with VGA/RGBHV inputs, since I have one or two legacy components with such an output. I'm a collector of legacy components, you could say, and being able to integrate them into the AVR/Processor would be nice. XLR Inputs/Outputs would be great for expandability down the road, but certainly aren't required. Main purpose is Movies, Games, and some serious music listening from time to time; 5.1 is the minimum required channel output/input, as I don't anticipate on having a large enough room for 7.1 anytime soon. Budget currently sits at just shy of two grand, and the speakers will be primarily B&W 600-series speakers, possibly with a CM Centre & Yamaha Subwoofer.
Currently, I'm heavily leaning towards the (hopefully) soon-to-be-released Emotiva UMC-1 for a Processor, and dropping the extra coin on a corresponding five channel amplifier (Either the UPA-7 or XPA-5), though I've also been interested on the 10-series Rotel Units if I can get a nice enough price break.
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