home theater processor suggestions?

07-29-12: Sidssp
Marantz AV7005

This, $1599 list. Even Outlaw Audio gave up trying to come up with a good
follow-up pre/pro and simply sell the Marantz AV7005 as their top line HT
pre/pro. The Onkyo PR-SC5508 pre/pro cost $600 more at $2199.

The Marantz's exclusive HDAM feature seems to give it some advantages in
the areas of bandwidth (10-100KHz) and therefore rise time (translating into
clarity) and very low noise. S/N ratio is 102-105 dB. Low noise is essential to
good dialog clarity.

Here's Kr4's review of the Marantz AV7005 in Stereophile and here's Mike Fremer's review for Home Theater.

08-04-12: Baranowski
I guess i need to get my hands on the marantz to listen to it. i would assume that i would have to hear a difference between it and my elite. the both decode the same and both have room correction... i just wonder will i notice a difference at all.

Given that the Marantz doesn't have the Pioneer's 7x130w amplification onboard with its attendant large transformer and the vibration and heat such a power section would generate, I'd be *really* surprised if the Marantz doesn't sound significantly cleaner with a lower noise floor. If my audition of Marantz's giant-killing PM8004 integrated amp is any indication, I suspect that the HDAM-equipped Marantz components have a leg up on the competition as far as clean gain, clarity, bandwidth, and s/n ratio, all of which translate into cleaner sound, better low level detail, and wider dynamic range. I'll be interested to read what you find out.

Really, check out the Marantz AV7005. Read the reviews. Check with a local dealer. See if you can take one home to audition. The products in the Marantz line that use their HDAM modules are price/performance overachievers.

Oh, and the AV7005 has balanced outputs and all the lossless surround decoding schemes your 2003 AV receiver does not.