2. home-theater
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How Important Are SOA Home Theater Processors?

The processor is the heart of a home theater. Every source goes in, is processed, flavored with DSP, and sent to the various channels. I wonder how much difference there is between an entry level processor (NOT a receiver, a separate) and a flagship? Is squeezing more and more features into the same box a positive? Are you paying for features like Imax Enhanced or DTS-X with very little content on discs and even less content being streamed? Do you really need more than a 7.2.4 setup? Do you really need SOA room correction or simply good room correction in a well treated room? Does it make sense to have the $$$ DAC in your processor when you know it will get stale in 5 years or better to put the money saved from an upgrade into a separate DAC? I see prices going up but question a lot of these additional channels/features as an upgrade, maybe just different rather than better.

Anyone do a processor upgrade and feel underwhelmed by their investment? Anyone do a processor upgrade and was blown away?

kota1

Showing 4 responses by kota1

kota1 OP
2,706 posts
 

The Marantz 8805 can be found on certain online stores for around $2500 with a 3 YR warranty vs the new Marantz A10 for$7K. The Anthem AVM70 is $3500 new vs the AVM90 for $7K.

Worth it? I am only interested in better SQ, not different features.

kota1 OP
2,706 posts
 

Thanks, in my system I have a 2 channel preamp/streamer that uses ARC. My Marantz processor has the paid $200 upgrade for Audyssey (not the $20 app upgrade) and a calibrated mic. I couldn't say one is better, maybe because I have a well treated room. The version of Audyssey that uses the mic that comes with the processor is a noticeable step down than either version.

I do like a warmer sound with music. Accessories4less has the 8805 for around $2500, 3 YR warranty which is around 50% of the MSRP. I don't need the 8K upgrade with my PJ so that might be worth a try.

kota1 OP
2,706 posts
 

I see user posts like this one and that is what got me thinking if it is better to upgrade sources instead of the processor. Someone listed a Marantz 7706 processor for under $3K and had this to say. I have seen similar posts from customers who have owned both brands:

Marantz 7706

Almost new, used 3 months ... great sound/flexability. Replaced a McIntosh MX-170 ($15,500) after lightning strike killed the McIntosh and was as good to my eyes and ears.

kota1 OP
2,706 posts
 

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