Thanks for all the help everyone. Going to close this thread and start a more focused one. I am trying to decide on my receiver as I believe I found a set of Studio 100's to replace my long lost pair.
Have ~12K to spend on a new setup. Help!
I need some help. I have never thought to spend more than a few thousand on my entire home theater. However, the wife has told me to go crazy and order what I want (within reason <$12K).
A little about my needs, HT 80% of the time and Music 20%. I have small kids so in reality it will be pokemon and shaun the sheep 90% of the time :P
Processors:
I have owned Emotiva Products in the past: Umc200 and XMC-1 processors
I currently own a Marantz sr5015.
Amps:
I have owned an Emotiva XPA-5 amp. I currently still do.
Speakers:
I was in love with the sound of my Paradigm Studio 100's, I sold them and have not been able to find them again.
I currently own a set of Swan Diva 6.2f LR, and a Paradigm CC490 center. I currently only have 3 speakers (LRC). Do not have room for a sub at the moment.
What I am looking for:
I have always wanted a McIntosh setup. I have found literally 0 reviews of any of their processors.
Here is what I need from a processor: 4k support, don't need 120hz, I do not need any analog inputs as all my devices in my HT are digital (nintendo switch, nvidia shield).
I really like the McIntosh Mc205 or 207 (I really want the iconic blue meters)
For processors I can't afford something like the Mx123, but can fit a Mx122 or Mx100 into my budget. I can't find any Mx100s for sale but have found a few Mx122.
The amp will be visible in my room (which I want), but the receiver will not be so it does not HAVE to be a mcIntosh. I want a receiver that will support 4k/hdcp2.2 and will perform well audio wise....
On the edge of my thoughts are some better speakers along with all this.
I would appreciate any ideas on how to spread the money out and any experience with amps and processors.
Thank you.
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@vonhelmholtz which anthem did you land on? I am still trying to sort out mrx vs avm. The new avm 70 look pretty awesome. |
I went with an Anthem processor, 11 channel Emotiva Amp, Klipsh speakers and Hsu subwoofers. The subs were recycled from an old system. This was over your 12K budget by $4-6K. I think for your budget a Receiver and fewer channels would bring down cost. Also used electronics would help. For much less than &12K, Nakamichi showed the Dragon system at CES 2023. |
12K for a multichannel HT setup won't go far.... What I did that I am very happy with (full disclosure, I'm 90% music and 10% TV/movies): My 2 channel HIFi system stands alone. I have over $12K invested just in my DAC but you can do well for much less but if you truly want a good 2 channel system, you can upgrade a little at a time in the future. My 2 channel system has a second input into the amp. I run the preamp signals from my HT system to the second input and switch my 2 channel system to that input when I'm watching a movie. I also would put 80% of my speaker money if not more into the 2 front speakers. You may want to just buy a 7 channel syste and use the reciever for music. This is quite a 2 channel compromise but it may work for you. Jerry |
Look at the new Anthem separates, get a great pair of fronts and very good center and surrounds. Spend some money on themain L and R speakers so you can really enjoy it when you listen to music. Trust me, with a good sounding system you will listen to music more when you find yourself alone on those rare occasions ... |
