Hi there,
Been a while since I posted and received great advice here last time I upgraded. I'm thinking it might be the time to fork out on a new Processor as my SR5005 is getting a bit outdated but not sure which way to go.
My current set up:
Marantz SR5005 (using pre outs)
Emotiva XPA-5
Speakers: B&W CMC2 Center, CM7 Fronts, CM1 Surrounds, Dual ASW2500s
Sources: PC via HDMI for Movies, Analog for Music, PS3 via HDMI for blu-ray, Cable Box via HDMI
I use this 50/50 for music and video and most of the music and video comes through the PC through XBMC and Foobar2000.
I've read all the reviews of the Marantz AV8801 and have been tempted. It seems like a total overkill though (and pretty darn expensive) with all those channels I'll never use (might go 7.2 in the future but will need to move house first).
The other option I'm considering is to save some cash and get an Emotiva UMC-200 and an Oppo 103/105, connecting the PC to the Oppo via HDMI to decode all audio/video and connect this directly to the TV and send the audio to the UMC-200 via PCM and simply process audio only.
Other considerations are also how easy to use each set up will be when switching sources through the relevant GUIs or Android remotes on my Nexus7 and simplicity for the wife to watch Blu-rays and TV with ease while I'm gaming on the PC (in the current when she turns on the TV, this triggers the system into action and the HDMI handshaking blanks the PC screen while the system turns on - very frustrating)
Which option would make the most sense in terms of sound/audio quality as well as generally usability?
Thanks!
Been a while since I posted and received great advice here last time I upgraded. I'm thinking it might be the time to fork out on a new Processor as my SR5005 is getting a bit outdated but not sure which way to go.
My current set up:
Marantz SR5005 (using pre outs)
Emotiva XPA-5
Speakers: B&W CMC2 Center, CM7 Fronts, CM1 Surrounds, Dual ASW2500s
Sources: PC via HDMI for Movies, Analog for Music, PS3 via HDMI for blu-ray, Cable Box via HDMI
I use this 50/50 for music and video and most of the music and video comes through the PC through XBMC and Foobar2000.
I've read all the reviews of the Marantz AV8801 and have been tempted. It seems like a total overkill though (and pretty darn expensive) with all those channels I'll never use (might go 7.2 in the future but will need to move house first).
The other option I'm considering is to save some cash and get an Emotiva UMC-200 and an Oppo 103/105, connecting the PC to the Oppo via HDMI to decode all audio/video and connect this directly to the TV and send the audio to the UMC-200 via PCM and simply process audio only.
Other considerations are also how easy to use each set up will be when switching sources through the relevant GUIs or Android remotes on my Nexus7 and simplicity for the wife to watch Blu-rays and TV with ease while I'm gaming on the PC (in the current when she turns on the TV, this triggers the system into action and the HDMI handshaking blanks the PC screen while the system turns on - very frustrating)
Which option would make the most sense in terms of sound/audio quality as well as generally usability?
Thanks!
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