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ADVICE Please: Best Processor under $3K?

I am currently working on the system upgrade and hoping to get some expert advice. I am trying to figure out the best processor under $3K that is available in current used market. I need 7.1 set up and preferably balanced input but this is not a must...I mainly watch movie about 90% of the time and 10% music.

My candidates are following in order of preference.
1) Lexicon MC-4
2) Lexicon MC-8B (with bit of streach)
3) Arcam FMJ AV8
4) Theta Casanova
5) Integra Research RDC-7
6) Tag mclaren AVR 32R ex

I truly appreciate your advice or comment !!

Thank you !!
128x128masashik
mds's avatar
mds
119 posts
 
Hi Michael,

If you can operate a computer then you can program a Meridian 568.2. It is really very simple. Go to the Meridian Website and download there software setup for the 568.2. Then you can play with it and see how you like it. Also I have found the people at Meridian to be fairly helpful even when talking about used equipment.

Doug
michaeljbrown
146 posts
 
Thanks, Doug. I needed some input from someone who is familiar with Meridian.
daleda
5 posts
 
My advice is to order an Outlaw 990 for their 30 day trial for $1099 and pocket the difference (while all the various formats duke it out - you'll ultimately be faced with an expensive upgrade with the HE processors). Trust me - I've had the Krell HTS, EAD Signature, Proceed AVS, and Sony TAE9000ES thru my system (all 5.1) and the Outlaw is the best of the bunch (newer chips). As stated, the Anthem AVM30 is a good contender but to my ear doesn't justify the added $$'s. YMMV as always.
cdwallace
216 posts
 
I'll take Tag McLaren for 800. :)

IMO, I would take 6 and 3 in that order. However, I would definately consider Meridian to go to the top as well. The 568 is a smokin component.
flrnlamb
508 posts
 
Yeah, I just came from my 2nd demo of the new Audyssey outboard EQ today, at a speaker engineer's home. WOW! this thing is EASILY the most potent room correction/EQ on the market right now, period! This thing is a MUST HAVE for anyone serious about setting up superior home theater/audio systems.
While I've not yet been able to try one in my own system, nor compare it to other high end parametric EQ's (like Rives PARC, and TACT system's, which I'm familiar with), I must say, this thing does INFINITELY more than anything out there for the home market right now! It corrects for things that only extensive room acoustics and engineering, even equipment upgrades would only have fixed/adressed in the past. It appears to be a modern miracle of engineering for electronics/acoustics.
I'm surely going to delve much deeper into this matter, and see where my travels go with the Audyssey.
Right now, I'd pick the better sounding pre's on the market, and add the Audyssey!
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