Pop Picks or Best HDMI AV Proc under $1500...

Others in the $1500 give or take price range, new or used, are the Anthems of course, but now the sister co of Denon, Marantz has a nice unit that can be had for around 1700.00 new, and Parasound too has a substantial offering. The Marantz supports local networking file playback too.

so it seems there are more than just a couple processors to consider in the $1500 or so, neighborhood.

I don't think the Parasound has HDMI 1.3A though.

Thanks Kal

Still operating under the assumption the dedicated, if not uber expensive, processor is a higher performing device than it's associated receiver brethren...

Would you say then, ‘Among that lot it is a 'pick em' situation as there is no clear cut winner?’ Possibly making tangible support and their particular 'bells & whistles' listings more pertinent to given preffs or needs, and the tact better taken here?

Or must one move upwards substantially to gain overall better performance over that of a likewise outfitted receiver which is being used solely as a processor?

My thinking as I alluded too is or was, a dedicated AV processor outfitted on par with it’s receiver cousin, should be the higher performer of that pair.

I suppose a better question, if so, might be, “OK, by how much?”

Marginally? Noticeably? Night and day? The latter assessment would give me enough motivation to secure one and sell my reciever. I simply can not justify busting that move for just a couple ‘perhaps’ benefits they provide over what is already paid for and on hand. Namely HDMI OSD info during playback, and Audacy functionality with an outboard amp.

There are no other prepros under $1500 and the Onkyo/Integras are creeping up in price. Along with the Emotiva, there is also a promised one from Outlaw.

Kal