Modern Processors, What to DO?!?

I ran with a Krell HTS 7.1 processor for many years (before that I had a Bryston SP2 and Sunfire processor). I loved the Krell so much more than I did the Bryston SP2. It just had so much strength in the audio - everything was so much more solid. The Class A circuits in the Krell just "sang" in my configuration. The Bryston was weak in comparison -- no matter how high I turned it up, it just didn’t seem like the audio got loud.

When the HTS died, I went on a search for another processor. After trying a Bryston SP3, Theta Casablanca (and even Emotiva), I actually came back to a Krell S-1200U 3D. The Krell just sounded awesome and I had my original HTS sonic signature back with the ability to support DTS-MA and TrueHD bluray audio formats. This unit is limited to 1080p video (but I don’t care about 4K, Atmos or anything more than 7.1). I also feel the Krell has the best Class A discrete audio circuits. (the Foundation is actually based on op amps, not discrete Class A).

The newer Bryston SP3 had a much more laid back type of sound (probably due to big power supply, but no localized capacitors in the audio circuits). Some people love the Bryston. It is the only one at this level that supports 4K. (Though there are new McIntosh processors that support 4K). It also had that affect that I could not seem to turn it up enough to get the impact from the sound that I wanted. The Krell had so much more midrange/high power and excitement.

I did not test the Class SSP-800, but I have read that it is very clean sounding (silky smooth, in a sense). It does have all 7.1 balanced XLR outputs (where the Sigma only has left/right XLR).

If you decide on a Krell, look for the S-1200U 3D model.  This is the latest model and supports HDMI 1.4 with 3D. There are older S1200s and even more older HTS, but you have to look at capacitor lifetimes. These Krell’s are designed to have the main power supply ON all the time (that’s why they are constantly warm). You can always turn off the master switch on the back of the unit. It takes about 30 seconds for the unit to "pre-boot" once you power it on.  But many of these older used processors have had the power supply running 24/7 for years.

McIntosh has a lot of different HT processor models that are out there. They look just awesome (have always loved the aesthetics’ of the McIntosh front panel), but I was somewhat hesitant from reading about the bugs that exist in these processors and the fact that McIntosh never fixes them. Krell actually responded to and fixed a bug in my --discontinued-- S1200 firmware earlier this year. Many people just love the sound of the McIntosh processors. Based on my limited listening with McIntosh, I thought it would be too warm for me.

In watching the last 20 years of home theater evolution, I don’t know that I would label anything as "future proof". NAD is a good choice, as Erik said. It looks like they have a generic architecture across all their products. They have released an upgraded 4K card as well as Atmos/Dirac card for their M17 processor. You’re locked into the NAD sound, which is excellent if that is what your looking for.

If you want everything right now, pretty much the choices are Marantz, Anthem and NAD (each with their own sonic signatures). If you want upper end audiophile level stuff, you will have to give up something. Classe Sigma only has 7 outputs and only 2 XLR. Krell Foundation is excellent and they already support 4K, but I suspect Atmos/DTS:X are going to be a long way away (if at all).