Author Topic: Processor Reccomendations? (Read 5938 times)

jpschust · « **on:** June 04, 2004, 01:10:02 AM »

Well,

I've placed my order for my new MMG W's and MMG C to help on my way to a 5.1 surround system. Eventually I'll be going to a 7.1 system, but 5.1 is the focus for the next year or two. Can anyone reccomend a good processor at 1200 ish or under. Please don't move too far out of this range :-)

FWIW here is what i have:

Magnepan 10.1 QR's
Belles 150A, going to get a hotrodded 3 channel 150a for up front eventually
Bel Canto DAC 1.1
Denon DVD-2900
Bettercables cables all the way around

scb · « **Reply #1 on:** June 04, 2004, 07:06:13 AM »

arcam avr200

http://cgi.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/auc.pl?homeproc&1086400258

jpschust · « **Reply #2 on:** June 04, 2004, 07:19:54 AM »

scott, i really want just a processor, not a receiver (using my own amps to push the maggies)

scervin · « **Reply #3 on:** June 04, 2004, 07:40:02 AM »

Outlaw (Sherbourn is same thing), Rotel, used B&K Ref40, Anthem AVM-2 (audiogon). I'd wait and extend the buget if you are worried about 2 channel quality. You could also just get a Denon 3804 or whatever the latest is and use the pre outs. I'm waiting for the Emotiva gear to come out so I can purchase my buddies slightly used Parasound Halo C2 and A51. I'd really look into these pieces, but they are out of the budget. What happened to the 5802???
SC

scb · « **Reply #4 on:** June 04, 2004, 10:50:41 AM »

>> scott, i really want just a processor, not a receiver (using my own amps to push the maggies)<<

oh, duh...my bad

Tim · « **Reply #5 on:** June 04, 2004, 11:57:54 AM »

really, really like the Anthem stuff in a friends setup, he does 5.1 with all Paradigm's.

Lee · « **Reply #6 on:** June 04, 2004, 06:46:05 PM »

Quote from: Trey Is Wilson on June 04, 2004, 11:57:54 AM

really, really like the Anthem stuff in a friends setup, he does 5.1 with all Paradigm's.

That's where I'm going eventually... right now I've got Studio v.20s up front but I'm going to move them to the surrounds and pick up some Esprits or Phantoms up front.

jpschust · « **Reply #7 on:** June 05, 2004, 12:02:51 AM »

the reason ive moved away from the denon thing is that again i really just want its processor abilities. when paying for something like a 5803 im paying for an amp too- im getting less of what i want and paying more for it. the denon ain't gonna push my maggies to their full potential- I'm gonna have to use outboard amps.

Tim · « **Reply #8 on:** June 08, 2004, 09:01:38 PM »

next time I go to Juday's house I'll bring a camera and take some pictures of his setup... it's pretty out of control since he is able to get dealer prices.

jpschust · « **Reply #9 on:** June 08, 2004, 09:06:51 PM »

im about to go WAY over budget and buy some McIntosh stuff :-)

scervin · « **Reply #10 on:** June 09, 2004, 07:17:38 AM »

Why?? Budgets are there for a reason

I'd look into Lexicon then! I've never heard a McIntosh DD or DTS unit. I'm looking hard at getting the Halo Equip, but since I need a projector and screen, I'm sure the wife wouldn't appreciate a $5K purchase on new front end.

SC

jpschust · « **Reply #11 on:** June 09, 2004, 02:03:38 PM »

there were a number of factors, one of which being that i recently came into a lot of money and it enabled me to jump up to some significantly better units. i really love the Mc stuff and it seemed like a really nice option. Also, I'm getting the floor models so getting all the waranty, no breakin, better price than ive seen on audiogon for the same units, and some units that will retain their value.

scervin · « **Reply #12 on:** June 10, 2004, 07:28:52 AM »

Sounds like a deal. Wish I could "come into money" ! I'd still go for the Lex for HT though....

Nick in Edinboro · « **Reply #13 on:** June 10, 2004, 08:50:28 AM »

Quote from: jpschust on June 09, 2004, 02:03:38 PM

i recently came into a lot of money

jp, so it was you that was the powerball winner!?

+T for new toyz

jpschust · « **Reply #14 on:** June 10, 2004, 03:55:44 PM »

the reason i chose the mc stuff over the lex stuff is twofold- the lex stuff seems to be more suited towards movie watching whereas the mc stuff seems to be more suited towards music. also, the mc stuff will always hold its resale value whereas the lex stuff is a touch more questionable.

scervin · « **Reply #15 on:** June 10, 2004, 05:46:06 PM »

I see... looking for great 2 channel with decent HT. I assume you are looking to keep it one system. If this were the case for me I'd have 2 systems in 2 different rooms. Remember that a 2 channel room will suck for HT and a HT room will suck for 2 channel.

jpschust · « **Reply #16 on:** June 10, 2004, 07:30:34 PM »

scott, i think you actually got it kind of backwards of what i wanted. i wanted a system that did great multichannel for the sacd and dvd audio collection i have. i wouldn't agree with the notion that a HT room will suck for 2 channel- thats entirely dependant on the amp and pre. Some pres do really well with coming back and forth from multichannel to stereo but some do not. Again, the McIntosh unit i got does a very nice job of this.

scervin · « **Reply #17 on:** June 11, 2004, 07:52:23 AM »

" i wouldn't agree with the notion that a HT room will suck for 2 channel- thats entirely dependant on the amp and pre" In a properly designed HT room you want a "dead" room, so I'd say the room has a lot to do with this as well. This means treating the entire front wall and most of the sides below ear level. . For music you want a more "live" room. This is why you really need 2 sep. rooms if you want both to be great. I've spoken with Dennis Erskine about this as I need a multi purpose room and will be compromising each. With the money you are spending the room will have much more to play in the overall equation. You've got a great set of speakers and have your eye on some great components, don't ruin it all by not considereing the room. I know you have, as you have treatments. Since you are mainly looking for multi channel audio you will probably be alright and I've not really looked into treating rooms for this application. I curious to know which transport you are using for all your SACD/DVD-A material as I'll be looking to upgrade very soon. BTW, not to be a party pooper, but wouldn't the money be put to better use in an IRA?

SC

jpschust · « **Reply #18 on:** June 11, 2004, 10:51:17 AM »

lets work backwards- first off, i used a lot of the money i got, about 80% to put into an IRA, so I'm way ahead of you on that one :-) Roth IRA's, a kids best friend. as per a transport, im using a denon dvd-2900 which is great for now, but im looking to eventually go with a better transport. im also using a bel canto 1.1 for my dac. soon that will have to go in for the 24/192 upgrade

jpschust · « **Reply #19 on:** June 11, 2004, 10:52:45 AM »

forgot room treatments entirely. ok, the way im about to set up treatments in my living room isnt the best way of all time. i cant even use all my traps. this is because i rent and dont want to make a ton of holes everywhere- so im using my traps mounted on cheap black mic stands in the corners. if it were up to me id work the ceiling too, but i dont want those holes in the wall

scervin · « **Reply #20 on:** June 11, 2004, 11:47:52 AM »

Good man Jonny!! Always pay yourself first

My comments on room are just to point out that once you get to a certain point the room may make a bigger difference than the amp, cables, etc. Once I get my room complete I post pictures. So far I've treated the ceiling with linacoustic. FYI, the room is in my basement and I went with the exposed joist look and painted it all flat black, so I can do just about anything. Front and rear walls will have some treatment, but they won't be a complete wall of absorbtion. Like I said, I'm going to try and keep it sort of live for music and sorta dead for HT. Hopefully it will come out ok. I've yet to really talk in depth with an expert on acoustics for 5.1 audio, but my guess is that front and rear wall treatments would be needed for slapback. Please post any info you have on the subject. BTW, will this system be with the Maggies?

Good luck!
SC

jpschust · « **Reply #21 on:** June 11, 2004, 11:55:04 AM »

yah this is a system that is all maggie oriented with a velodyne sub. 2 10.1s in front, mmgw's in the rear, mmgc in the center.

Brian Skalinder · « **Reply #22 on:** June 12, 2004, 12:20:26 AM »

Quote from: jpschust on June 09, 2004, 02:03:38 PM

i recently came into a lot of money

Must've finally sold that MP2!!

I keed, I keed!!