Recommendation for AV processor

[sonerin]

Hi all,

I have the intention of changing my AV processor from the current Emotiva UMC-1. Below are the gears I have:

Front - CM8
Center - CMC
Surround - Pioneer.
Amp - Emotiva XPA-5.
Sub - SVS PC12 NSD.
BD - Panasonic BD60.
DAC - Arcam rDAC.
Console - PS3.
TV - Panasonic P50S10K.

Interconnects - XLO HTPro.
Speaker Cables - Kimber Kable 8TC. (front speaker)
- XLO pro (center)

My budget will be within 1K, what will be recommended ?

[Dmantis]

Well forget about new at that budget and start looking for a used Integra DHC80.2. I don't think you will be able to grab a DHC80.3 for 1K. You may however may find a nice used Marantz pre that will suit your needs for around your budget.
http://app.audiogon.com/listings/sol...2681-layton-il
Rotel is another good used choice.

You could however find a really nice Pioneer Elite SC model receiver and use that as a preamp. Great sound quality , pre outs unbalanced only but would make for a very nice preamp on a budget. I personally also like the Pioneer Elite SC sound with CM series B&W so you could actually use the internal amps as needed.

Check out Audiogon , I think you'll find what you need there.

[stuofsci02]

Why are you replacing your UMC-1?

It will be important to know what you do not like about that in order to recommend something else.

Cheers

[leej]

I just read a review on this new Denon http://usa.denon.com/us/product/page...3313ci(denonna)
It looks to be packed with features, Audyssey MultEQ XT and DSX Technology. If you search, probably you could find one for about 1K

[Whacked!]

Brand new Marantz AV7005's are on blowout with the new model coming out, but are a little more than 1k. I bought one from AVScience in summer 2011 for less than the current blowout price so they may be worth a call - not everything they have is on the website.

Also, check out canuckaudiomart and usaudiomart, they're good alternatives to audiogon for used gear.

Norm

[stevek]

ive had a pioneer elite"52" though not an "sc" and a denon 3312 with the cm9's and hated the sound.bought a nad t175hd and fell in love.you can get a reconditioned one with a warranty for 1600.00 from spearit sound.i paid 2k for a demo unit.very sweet sound.also using emo amps although they are upa-1.
nad also will allow u to update to new technologies by changing out boards on the rear panel instead of buying a new processor once todays technology becomes obsolete.i hope its true

[sonerin]

Thank you all for the recommendation. Will surely look into the options and see what will work out best on my budget. The reason I am changing the UMC-1 it is quite annoying with the drop of audio intermitently. I was being inform that this is due to the HDMI handshake issue. Firmware update suppose to fix this but I still do encounter this issue sometimes out of the blue. Sometimes I was using my BD player to listen to audio CD and when I switch back to watch BD movies there are no audio until I have turn off all the Emotiva Equipment and power back up again. Is really annoying at times. So if is within my budget, I will consider of changing the processor. Personally I love the rotel, will look more into other options as well.

Will it be a good idea to have an AVR as pre instead of dedicated processor ?

[abbfan]

How about using an Anthem MRX-300 as a pre/pro? ARC is pretty sweet.

[stevek]

i used an avr as my processor for some time and while it all sounded good the processor will be free of amps and should provide cleaner sound.there are lots of good ones out there new and used.good luck in your quest while i find it never ends it is a lot of fun playing with different gear.your cm speakers while not on the level of the 800 series they are quite good and capable of improving with your gear.

[aaa]

May I suggest that at his price your best option is to get a receiver with pre-outs.

One choice would be the Denon 4311Ci. Some time ago the Denon was available from on line sellers for about $1300, just a bit over your budget, perhaps it is still available. It is the only component at this price level with Audyssey XT32 and the ability to properly eq two subs.

FWIW, I would not buy an used A/V component without a warranty.

My budget will be within 1K, what will be recommended ?

[sonerin]

4311Ci sounds like a good choice, will look into that as well.

[mpauline]

How about using an Anthem MRX-300 as a pre/pro? ARC is pretty sweet.

The ARC is pretty sweet however I do find the Anthem MRX-300 to be a little bright sounding. Maybe it is just the difference that I find from my prior experience with Rotel pre/pro's.

[philw101]

I would recommend, Onkyo (i guess Integra in the US), Marantz, Anthem etc.

My Onkyo 5508 is a fantastic pre/pro - the Audyssey xt32 room correction really made my system come alive.

[sonerin]

Currently I am thinking of getting the Marantz 7005. Will make a comparison with 5508 and see if that fits my budget as well. Thank you for the recommendation.

[John22614]

Please let us know how you like the 7005, I'm thinking about getting one of those too.

[Skyblue]

The marantz is probably fine. I think the general advice with processors is not to invest all your money as that is the item most probable to get outdated by new formats.. And with 2K video and what not ahead, the current generation has but 5 more years if that...

[stevek]

i wouldnt base your purchase on who has the best room correction.i had been using the audysey with my processor and was never really happy with the results.i downloaded a spl meter to my phone and did it myself and it blows the audysey out the door.way better performance especially with the sub.base your decision on what sounds the best to you without the processing.its overrated.

[Kal Rubinson]

i wouldnt base your purchase on who has the best room correction.i had been using the audysey with my processor and was never really happy with the results.i downloaded a spl meter to my phone and did it myself and it blows the audysey out the door.way better performance especially with the sub.base your decision on what sounds the best to you without the processing.its overrated.

Wow. Hard to believe but I am glad you're happy.

[Hdale85]

I've been playing with a lower end Pioneer unit and their MCACC correction stuff and not terribly happy with it. I've always been pretty happy with what Audssey can do though.

[Hdale85]

The marantz is probably fine. I think the general advice with processors is not to invest all your money as that is the item most probable to get outdated by new formats.. And with 2K video and what not ahead, the current generation has but 5 more years if that...

Most current gen receivers are adding 2k and 4k passthrough functions so I don't see why it couldn't last you more then 5 years quite easily. I'm looking at the Denon AVR-4520ci specifically because it's rather future proof with the modern features it has.

[tpremo55]

I saw this (Emotiva UMC-200) pop up recently and wonder how nice it is.

http://shop.emotiva.com/collections/processors/products/umc200

The price is pretty reasonable and if you have the amp already it will likely do most of what you would need(?)