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surround processor with a decent phono stage?

I am struggling to find the right surround processor to complete my audio / HT set up. For years I was 2 channel only, and then a few years ago started experimenting with 5 channel home theater. I settled on a Rotel RSDX-02 all-in-one unit as my main box, and connected my Thorens turntable using a Rotel RQ-970BX as the pre-amp. All was good in my world, until I came across a too-good-to-be-true deal on a pair of Martin Logan Sequel II’s. They are now my mains. While my Rotel all-in-one still works well, I really need more power to drive the Logans, and I also decided to make the leap to separates.

I just bought a used Sunfire Cinema Grand 5 channel amp. Now I need to find a suitable pre-amp/surround processor. I’d like to get a decent quality surround processor that also handles 2 channel well – and has a decent quality phono stage built-in. (While I have been happy with the Rotel RQ-970BX phono pre-amp, it does add a bunch of wires to the rat’s nest.) My budget is flexible, I’d like to keep it under $2,000, but I always believe you get what you pay for. On the other hand, I don’t need all the bells and whistles, just a simple, easy to use unit that provides high quality sound for 2 channel and 5.1 movies. I’d connect a DVD player or two, along with my turntable, cable box, and maybe one other device.

From my research, my choices are the following:

Sherwood Newcastle AVP-9080 ~ $300
Rotel RTC-965 ~ $350
Sherwood Newcastle P-965 ~ $750
Outlaw Audio 990 ~ $900 (new)
Sunfire Theater Grand ~ $500 - $2000 (depending on model)
Integra Research RDC-7 ~ $1500
Arcam AV8 ~ $2500

Any comments or suggestions?
designdude
8 responses Add your response
designdude OP
23 posts
 
I am seriously considering a change of plans by forgoing a surround processor completely and using a multi-channel pre-amp instead. I almost pulled the trigger on a Mccormack MAP-1 last night. But I thought too long, and it sold. I would have had to install a phono card, but it would be a one box solution. The surrround processing would come from the DVD player itself, then 5.1 analog out to the pre-amp. I could get a Sony TA-P900ES and a stereo pre-amp, or maybe a Linn Exotik or Kontrol. The Linn units have some additional digital processing as well.

At this point I think I will go Sony TA-P9000ES and a Rotel RC-1070. Should set me back only $1K combined. Simple solution, a few more interconnects, but quality audio.
elevick
2,636 posts
 
Now that I've read the other members posts, my angle has changed: Getting a unit with phono is probably a waste of your efforts. Buy an outboard unit. My Sherbourn 7010A has phono but it can't touch the quality of my $179 Cambridge 640.
designdude OP
23 posts
 
Tiger,

I think your idea of a muti-channel pre-amp may just be the ticket. I googled the Sony, and came across this artice from Soundstage:
http://www.soundstage.com/surrounded/surrounded200206.htm. This approach would simplify things. Sadly, the Sony unit has no phono stage, but I could keep my Rotel 970BX phono pre and have a decent, simple 4-box solution.
bdgregory
1,712 posts
 
I would choose the best pre/pro ignoring whether it has a phono section. If the one you buy happens to have a phono section try it in your own room/rig. If you're satisfied, great, but expect to buy an outboard phono pre or use your RQ for it.

The sonics, user interface, and features of pre/pros are too complicated to compromise on.

As for the Sherwood AVP 9080 - I have one, and while it's a great buy at under $300, its user interface is clumsy for HT. The phone stage is flexible (MM/MC)but not very good sounding. I use it as a stereo preamp in my workshop system - it's great sounding for stereo and is remote controlled.
tiger
313 posts
 
Try a Sony TA-P9000ES. I run a Grace Ruby Red into the phone input and it sounds great. Best of all the unit can be had for 400-500. Be sure to get one that has the 2.1 software and its related remote. Cheap never sounded better. The build quality is just the best you can find.
mitch4t's avatar
mitch4t
1,610 posts
 
I have a Sunfire Theater Grand II and the phono section is decent. I have a separate phono preamp for my 2 channel setup, but I use the Sunfire for my 2nd turntable and it sounds quite nice. At your price point, you won't be disappointed with a Sunfire.
markphd
667 posts
 
If the pre/pro you like doesn't have a phono stage, consider a separate outboard phono stage.
elevick
2,636 posts
 
Sunfire IV or V.
Sherbourne is the same as the Sunfire for a little less money.

Both of these will crush the rest of your list!
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