Low/Dollar Receiver (as processor) options

[tpremo55]

I'm assembling iteration one of a home theater and am looking for a low dollar pre-pro. I've looked at the emotiva UMC-200, but the lack of analog video inputs makes it less interesting to me. Good pre-pros that meet my needs start around $1000 and I'd rather spend the money on a projector.

Thus, I've turned to looking at older receivers. Requirements are as follows:
- pre-outs (I have an adcom amp I'll be using for main channels and a BGW pro amp for subs).
- HDMI switching
- Analog video in
- Good sound quality - better than average (I do listen to music here and have a "statements" front end)
- Reliability (lots of stories about HDMI boards and othe issues on units over the past few years - that said, I've got a long history of fixing broken stuff but I like knowing the project before I own it - see below)

Two options at hand today via a local CL avenue:

Marantz SR4002 - 2008 vintage. the last of the old style look and one of the first (and last) near entry level receivers to be as feature rich as it is. Challenges are power(not an issue), no setup through HDMI, and non-customizable labels(eh)... It can be had for around $200. Fully working, original owner.

Integra DTR-40.1 - 2010 vintage. More features than the Marantz, with triggers, better EQ, updated processors, etc. however, this unit needs a new HDMI board which is something I would need to repair. I've been under impressed with Onkyo sound quality and hesitate to go this route, but the newer unit is bound to please more so in other areas. Can be had for as little as $150, maybe less.

Goal is to get something that will allow me the pre-outs that processes most DVD and BR material today, that I can later upgrade to a serious processor and repurpose the older receiver.

Question: is the Marantz a solid piece of equipment? Would it do what I seem to think it will? Are their key limitations I'm missing?
Question: has anyone ever tried the Oven repair on HDMI boards? Is the integra a huge step up from the Marantz in features or SQ? Is there a source for replacement HDMI boards so that I can get an idea of self-repair costs?

I'm tossed between these options and have been looking for a,while for something that met these requirements. I've got to move quick if I want either of these, but I'm not otherwise in a hurry.

Any other recommendations are welcome. If anyone has an old faithful they are looking to get rid of, please let me know.

Thanks

[aud19]

I'd look and see if Pioneer, Marantz or Onkyo have receivers in the $600-$800 range that fit your criteria (pre-outs for an amp, HDMI, analog video etc).

They all make good quality and good sounding units.

Edit:

Can I ask what you need the legacy video inputs for? I ask because the Emotiva would be my recommendation as it's otherwise perfect for you.

[tpremo55]

I'd look and see if Pioneer, Marantz or Onkyo have receivers in the $600-$800 range that fit your criteria (pre-outs for an amp, HDMI, analog video etc).

They all make good quality and good sounding units.

Edit:

Can I ask what you need the legacy video inputs for? I ask because the Emotiva would be my recommendation as it's otherwise perfect for you.

Legacy is required for an old gaming system wherein we have many many games that the kids still play. Sounds kinda sill that we make that a requirement, but that's what it is. ...even though we have a PS3 as well. They use both.

Emotiva is still being considered. I've even considered going back and looking for a good deal on a UMC-1...

In the end, this is a temporary solution on all accounts. I may look to a XMC-1 when it's available - maybe 2015 AV budget. The receiver could then be sold, but would more likely either become one of the kids, or would take a new role behind SoundEasy or Ultimate Equalizer as an Amp section.

[aud19]

You could just connect the gaming system (video) directly to the TV and send the audio separately to the Emo...

I know that's not as "elegant" but....

[tpremo55]

You could just connect the gaming system (video) directly to the TV and send the audio separately to the Emo...

I know that's not as "elegant" but....

I've thought about that- and if it were a TV anywhere near the rack of electronics, I would probably do just that. Unfortunately, it's a projector about 20' run away form electronics. Yes, I could just buy a cable and your solution would absolutely still work.

[aud19]

You could also get something along these lines as an affordable solution.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/monoprice-component-ypbpr-s-pdif-digital-coax-optical-toslink-audio-to-hdmi-converter-rev-2-0/1309329076.p?id=mp1309329076&skuId=1309329076&st=hdmi%20to%20component%20converter&cp=1&lp=1

http://www.thesource.ca/estore/product.aspx?language=en-CA&product=1517009

[tpremo55]

I guess the other big issue I see [with the SR4002] - and this may be the biggest - is that the crossover freq for sub is at minimum 80Hz. Running the Statements at 80Hz is a big waste. I want to get closer to 40Hz. Looking at specs and trying to confirm.

[aud19]

Does it really? It appears to have full bass management/room correction but only down to 80hZ? That would be annoying...not a deal breaker but annoying.

Have you got a link/source?

According to this link:

http://www.audioholics.com/av-preamp...processor-bass

The Emotiva UMC-200 has some of the most flexible bass management options I’ve seen in an A/V processor regardless of price, but this can also be its Achilles Heel. Not only are you are able to independently adjust crossover frequency for each speaker group (ie. fronts, center, surrounds) but you’re also able to select the slope (12 dB/octave or 24 dB/octave). The crossovers are adjustable in 5Hz step sizes from 40Hz to 80Hz, 10Hz step sizes from 80Hz to 150Hz and 25Hz step sizes from 150Hz to 250Hz. All of this setup flexibility is a welcomed surprise but being the propellerhead that I am, I had to bench test it to ensure it all worked correctly. I mean come on, how could all of this be type of power be packed into such a modest product and function correctly? Let’s find out.

[tpremo55]

Does it really? It appears to have full bass management/room correction but only down to 80hZ? That would be annoying...not a deal breaker but annoying.

Have you got a link/source?

According to this link:

http://www.audioholics.com/av-preamp...processor-bass

Apologies, I was referring to a potential issue with the SR4002, not the EMO or the Outlaw. Both will handle this very well. Updated my post for clarity.
I was just looking at that component-HDMI converter last night by the way. I can go that route as well.

[aud19]

That's what I'd likely do then. UMC-200 and HDMI converter.

[tpremo55]

Ok, After your feedback and doing some more research, even as an interim solution I'm considering the Emotiva seriously again as well as a sub-$500 Yamaha. Like this one.

Still interested in opinions, but I like the features this has over the Emotiva at first blush - and for less or the same money (analog in, network play, app control, etc.). I've read great things about both the Yamaha and the Emotiva for sound quality. Will Emotiva still best it with SQ?

[aud19]

Pre/pro's usually have the advantage in SQ but having not heard that particular unit I couldn't say for certain.

My guess is the Emo beats it for SQ but if the other features and amp channels (to use in a secondary system without having to purchase another amp) have appeal to you and you only plan on using this setup temporarily as you stated, maybe that's the best route to go for now.

I guess it depends on how "temporary" it would be.

[tpremo55]

Well, I picked up a project for fun and temp use.
I picked up a Integra DTR-40.1 for a pretty good deal (I think) but the HDMI board has been reportedly acting up. I should have it hooked up to test what is going on later today.

I've seen a guy on Ebay that will repair audio problems with the HDMI boards for $75.
I'm also reading the threads on all the Onkyos with HDMI board issues and the DIY repair successes. They all seem to be focused on the SR606 and others, but I'm thinking there are likely similarities with this unit.

For now, I can get by without HDMI, but will need it soon.

If anyone has guidance on the repair, I'm all ears.

Thanks!