2. home-theater
  3. 140849-114624

WHICH HT PROCESSOR

I am just looking for some input on a new ht processor. I started with the marantz 7704. I currently have a 5.1.4 for atmos with that system. I am using the same room for ht and two channel but did also recently get the mcintosh c2600 for two channel and am loving it. I have tried hooking up a spdif cable from the xbox for 4k movies  to the 2600 and just with two speakers the clarity kills the marantz. Just looking for that same clarity for ht processor. I was thinking the mcintosh mx122 but alot of people say just go with the marantz 8805. I don't think I need the mx160 since i have two channel covered. I also see the emotiva rmc 1 and it has some interesting features but no reviews since it is so new. Any input would be much appreciated.

My startup system consists of bw 804 d3's ( I do see where people say they are a little bright but so far I am enjoying them:) Marantz 7704, McIntosh mc207, bw 805d3 and htm1d3 for movies, fathom 212 that I turn up for movies and back down for music, source as described above and audio technical at lp5 ( I know it is a cheaper one but wasn't sure how much vinyl I would listen to but I am impressed with the quality of the new vinyl and sound I am currently getting compared to digital) -room 13 x 15 no acoustic treatments yet. I have also added some jbl 1400 arrays with the mcintosh c2600 and two rogue mono tube amps and am very happy with the results.
rwrightcpa
10 responses Add your response
caphill
674 posts
 
Are you looking for a new HT processor that supports 4K pass through with HDR? What about Dolby Atmos, DTS-X & Auro-3D? 

rwrightcpa OP
30 posts
 
caphill

yes looking for a ht processor that has atmos and 4k with hdr and any other bells and whistles that may also be included. I am looking to not spend more than 10k and open to used.


I have been following your discussion on your upgrade to the Lyngdorf Audio MP-50 from the classe and you seem happy but not 100 percent. 
Are you going to try another one also?
big_greg
6,623 posts
 
Doesn't the  Mcintosh  have home theater pass through?

I have a Marantz 7704 and use my Modwright LS100 for 2 channel and use the HTBP for watching movies.  There are some discussions out there where a group of enthusiasts did some blind testing with an 8802, 7702, 7703, and a 7005.  Their conclusion was that there was no noticeable difference in sound quality between them. 

I had the Marantz 8801 before the 7704.  I didn't do any side by side testing, but there's nothing "missing" to my ears.  I have not heard an 8805, but doubt you would notice a huge difference (if any) in sound quality.

I think you'll have a hard time finding a pre-pro that will come close to your Mcintosh, why not just use it?
rwrightcpa OP
30 posts
 
big_greg

Yes the mcintosh does ht bypass.

I was planning on using it just like you do in your setup.I am happy with the 7704 and what it can do with atmos ect. I was just testing the mcintosh and playing a movie with  spdif cable and just using the two main speakers and it sounded so much clearer than with the marantz. I did try the jbl's with this example and the marantz I was using the b and w's. Maybe I will try a few more tests comparing what I already have. Does the dac inside the mcintosh make a difference in this scenario?

Thanks for your input.


caphill
674 posts
 
@rwrightcpa 

The new flagship Marantz AV8805 will sound better than your AV7704. It will be a nice upgrade in audio performance for your HT needs. I would get the AV8805 if I were you. You said earlier that your budget for a new HT processor is $10k. You can get the Lyngdorf MP-50 which will be superior to the AV8805. The Room Perfect in the MP-50 works much better than the Marantz's Audyssey. The Lyngdorf is a better sounding processor than the Marantz AV8802/8805. 

I have sold my Classe SSP 800 about 4 months ago and purchased the Lyngdorf MP-50 cause I wanted Dolby Atmos, DTS-X & Auro-3D and the SSP 800 does not support those latest formats. That's the main reason I sold my SSP 800 and got the new Lyngdorf. 


big_greg
6,623 posts
 
@rwrightcpa Someone can correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think the DAC in your Mcintosh is engaged when you're using the home theater pass through.  My preamp doesn't have a DAC, it's sending the signal directly to the Marantz.

I might be less picky about sound quality for movies, although I think the 7704 does a terrific job, every bit as good as my old 8801. 

Keep in mind that the center channel is usually the most critical for home theater and that is going through the Marantz no matter what you do.  Give the home theater bypass a try before you throw the baby out with the bath water so to speak.
rwrightcpa OP
30 posts
 
@caphill 

I appreciate the advice. I am leaning towards the 8805 since if I change my mind I can always sell and not lose too much since there are some for sale here already on the gon.
rwrightcpa OP
30 posts
 
@big_greg     

 I believe you are right with the ht bypass. I should have been more clear. I currently have the two channel set up in another room and tested the McIntosh with a 4k movie with just the jbl's and there was much more detail. I am going to be incorporating the two rooms so I don't have to go between. I am eventually going to taking one of the systems to my vacation home to set up. So that is why I am getting another but going to keep the 7704 for the other setup. If that makes sense:)

I am going to be doing some more testing with my current equipment to be sure of what I am looking for.

Thanks for your advice.
caphill
674 posts
 
HT bypass input circuitry is analog and it will bypass everything in the stereo preamp including the volume control, DAC if your preamp has one, so the analog signal from your Marantz HT processor will be directed straight out to the power amp. 
frostdotcom
39 posts
 
Bryston sp3 with a 4k video board would be my choice.  Or talk to a dealer to see how close to $10k you can get an sp4.  

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