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Need opinion on HT purschase

Currently I have some 802D with HTM4S and 805's i am using in a 7.1 system. I am in need of a significant upgrade on the electronics and power amp. I am considering the following option: The cost is almost the same for all... but there are some clear differences... what are the thoughts?

Macintosh option 1:
Pre MX-136
Surround Power C,SR,SL,BR,BL MC207
Main Power L&R MA402

Classe Option 2:
Pre SSP-800
Surround Power CA5100
Main Power L&R CA5200 ...bi amp

Classe option 3:
Pre SSP-600
Surround Power CA5200
Main Power L&R MA400

Mixed option 4:
Pre Marantz AV8003 or Integra dhc80.1
Surround Power CA5200
Main Power L&R MA400
porsche911s
8 responses Add your response
kr4's avatar
kr4
3,676 posts
 
Options 2 and 4 are the only ones with up-to-date HD codecs and processing via HDMI.

Kal
porsche911s OP
3 posts
 
thanks if I go with option two i am concerned about having enough amps... I am leaning toward option 4, but hesitant regarding the sound quality of the marantz pre... any thoughts
rxlarry99
49 posts
 
I have pretty much the exact same speakers as you in a 5.1 setup, and have been using a McCormack DNA 5-channel amp with satisfaction. I was also considering some of the same processors as an upgrade from my old Rotel RSP-1066, but looking to spend no more than $7,000. My narrowed down choices were the Classe SSP800, Arcam AV888, Integra DHC 80.1, Anthem AVM50v, and Marantz AV8003, but I decided to order the Arcam AV888. I'll let you know my thoughts once I get it calibrated and fired-up in my theater room.
sc2
101 posts
 
Option 2, except 2 5200's, bridge the LCR, Sound will be more even accross the front and the 802D will be much more alive!! 200 watts for the 802D's are to ineffcient for that speaker. Bridging will give you almost 400 watts.
vernneal's avatar
vernneal
438 posts
 
McIntosh, it retains its value and is magic with those B&Ws
porsche911s OP
3 posts
 
WOW !!! You guys are making this decision difficult. I love all the comments... they are exactly the tradeoff that i have been considering. The Mac retained value and classic sound and look. The matching the front speakers with 2 ca5200 will be more uniform... and potential issues with the preamp sound quality. this is a tough decision, however i almost feel like i can't go wrong with almost any choice other then perhaps spend a little more then i need to.
chatta
314 posts
 
I'll go with the option 4 IMO, the marantz has great feedback and reputation on HT's. It supports up to 1080p scaling, HDMI, dolbyTrueHD and dts HD.
finsup
289 posts
 
I agree about the Marantz.

The Integra (also part of option 4) has a much more robust room-correction system.

I mention this because sometimes the most significant upgrade you can achieve is in the room itself.
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