Processor with Airplay ----- am I going to the right direction?

[Black Tang]

I’m thinking about putting a music/home theater system in few weeks/months.
Using Apple Airplay becomes a big part of my music listening world after I got an iPhone and Zeppelin Air.
Airplay feature becomes a mush when I look for a processor.
I have between 10K to 15K as budget in mind (less is better) to spend on the front speakers, processor and amp.
I will purchase the center/surround speakers once I save more $$$.
I would like to spend most of the 15K budget in speakers first, then amp and then the processor due to how the technology change in different type of equipment.

Below is what I have in mind.

Front Speaker: 803D
or 802D

Amp: Marantz MM7055 140W x 5 (I like matching equipment)
Or
Emotiva XPA-5 200W x 5
Or
Emotive XPA-2 300W x 2 for now.

Processor: Marantz AV7005 (Airplay feature)

What do you guys think?
Your opinion is appreciated.

[Kevin D]

How about any processor and amp you want with a $99 Apple TV?

Kevin D.

[Black Tang]

Not sure how apple tv works.
I'll look into it.
Thank you for your advice.

[dukester]

Not sure how apple tv works.
I'll look into it.
Thank you for your advice.

+1 for AppleTV. AirPlay works pretty well via iPhone/iPad.

[sgtjim57]

I have the apple TV running through my TV and into my Denon reciever via Toshlink and HDMI cables. Everything functions as it should. However, I feel the sound quality is not there when it comes to critical listening. For back ground and just playing it is a wonderful means of listening. I will eventually re-rip my CD's into ITunes in a lossless format and see if that will improve the overall sound quality.

[dukester]

I have the apple TV running through my TV and into my Denon reciever via Toshlink and HDMI cables. Everything functions as it should. However, I feel the sound quality is not there when it comes to critical listening. For back ground and just playing it is a wonderful means of listening. I will eventually re-rip my CD's into ITunes in a lossless format and see if that will improve the overall sound quality.

The sound quality of my WAV files over my mp4 are significant...going a step further, my Squeezebox through my C2300 sounds almost as good as my Oppo 83SE but my AppleTV through my AVR lags further behind. For me, I use the AppleTV for family use (videos/photos/bkgnd music) and the Squeezebox for convenient 2ch listening...critical listening is still superior via my Oppo.

[Black Tang]

Sounds like squeezebox is a better way to stream the music for convenience.
Correct me if I'm wrong.

With the money we invested in the audio equipment, we want the best sound quality possible, don't we?

[dukester]

Sounds like squeezebox is a better way to stream the music for convenience.
Correct me if I'm wrong.

With the money we invested in the audio equipment, we want the best sound quality possible, don't we?

For around $200 try the Squeezebox, i'm sure you'll be impressed. Only note is I initially had problems using Time Capsule. Added an Airport Express (Linksys Router), now no issues.

[Black Tang]

I've been reading a lot about what amp and processor to run either the 803Ds or the 802Ds.
I know McIntosh/Krell are the popular choice but they are out of my price range.

What can I get with $3,000 (amp and processor)?
Should I go with Marantz......probally not due to lack of power.
Should I go with Emotive or possible Rotel?

[dukester]

I've been reading a lot about what amp and processor to run either the 803Ds or the 802Ds.
I know McIntosh/Krell are the popular choice but they are out of my price range.

What can I get with $3,000 (amp and processor)?
Should I go with Marantz......probally not due to lack of power.
Should I go with Emotive or possible Rotel?

Audition as many units as possible to find your sound. Maybe start with Emotiva, and while you have it, audition other brands to compare...keeping Emo's return policy in mind. Also, my 803Di's sounded anemic via the 150w (AVR) vs 300w (separate amp)...may need more if you go 802Di. Lastly, make sure your choice has enough pre-outs for your needs and adequate room correction (i.e. Audyssey XT) if you go AVR route.

[aarsoe]

In my honest opinion the Marantz will not be sufficient for the 802D's. You need more power than that. Would probably be better to use the Emotiva - although I have never heard it myself..

[dukester]

In my honest opinion the Marantz will not be sufficient for the 802D's. You need more power than that. Would probably be better to use the Emotiva - although I have never heard it myself..

I too have not heard Emo gear however I agree that you may need a higher end Marantz (or other brand) to equal them. Emo has tremendous value (on paper) and from what experienced/knowledgeable owner's in this forum (as well as many critics) proclaim has resulted in outstanding performance. I would start there to maximize your budget for speakers.

[Black Tang]

Thank you for all your advice.
I'm pretty sure that a pair of 802D is what I want.
I just cannot resist the beautiful and sexy marlan heads.
They will sit at my living room for a very very long time.
Possible the last pair of the floor speakers I'll ever buy.
Maximize the budget on speakers is definitely a good way to go.
Of course, that will leave me with minimum to spend on the amp and processor.
However, I’m 100% sure that any separates I got to go with the 802Ds will outperform my current audio system, Zeppelin Air.
I will be a happy camper.