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Help! Receiver or preamp? Im overwhelmed...

I need some help. Been gone for years and much has changed and Im just overwhelmed with the years of info on the forums. I dont want to make a foolish decision and would so appreciate the communities gracious knowledge and assistance.

Im 75% music and 25% HT. 

Gear:
Paradigm Studio 100 v4 mains Paradigm CC690 center 
Paradigm V2monitor surrounds
SVS PB13 Ultra Sub
Emotiva XPA 5 amp (200x5)
Keeping all the above

The old 5 channel Rotel HT1055 receiver (no HDMI) needs to upgrade even though I love the sound! Im fine with 5.1 and not interested in Atmos. Im also fine with a used item. What do you reccomend for some killer sound and updated HDMI?

jsbranham7
Post removed 
jsbranham7 OP
7 posts
 
@Winnardt, This is a valid point, especially understanding the corporate world. I don't doubt the audio world would be immune either. Actually, as subjective as audio is, it's probably ripe for the corporate picking. Just as an example, I called Marantz to ask a question today, and after receiving the callback, the individual from pre-sales team whom should be armed to the teeth with the knowledge to sell the products had less knowledge and understanding than I... whos been out of the hobby for 10 years, If that tells you anything. 
t-mac
14 posts
 
Some great responses. I’m watching with interest because I am going through pretty much the exact same ordeal but with different equipment.
I’m leaning towards Anthem Pre/Pro to go along with my Aragon amps.
There are some used Anthem products online if you hunt around. A lot of audio dealers sell products on eBay. Now that Anthem brought out new models I’ve been looking for a used AVM 60. The AVM 50’s are nice units also and closer to your price range. I probably wouldn’t go any older than that though.
Good luck!
mahler123
3,305 posts
 
Compare Anthem with Marantz, et. Al...

for me, room correction is very important.  I am not sure where Marantz, Denon, Rotel are with RC.  I would compare Anthem with Yamaha, and I already stated why I had a preference for Anthem
boomerbillone
355 posts
 
Hello jsbranham7!  I'm in just your situation, HT and surround sound music, hooray! I recommend the Emotiva MC-700 preamp/control center. It offers first class sound, but fewer decoding choices than a surround sound receiver. A used near top or top of the line Integra receiver can be had for less than $300 (likely $200 or less) and offers ten or more decoding choices (lots of fun) plus radio and the sound is B to B+ (quite good). You can always put it in another room if you upgrade to one of the very pricy Pre-Pros.  Use the "preamp outs" on the Integra receiver. I have three such setups running in my home. The Emotiva MC-700 controls the main system. There are five systems in all, one using the receiver as its maker intended.
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