Pre-Pro Comparison/recommendation

[o0OBillO0o]

Originally Posted by Kal Rubinson

That's not what I was told when the MX121 was announced. There is a lot of Marantz in there.

Kal - if you look at M. Fremer's review, maybe relook?, he says words to the same effect.

Sent using A.Aficionado

[Mr_Sukebe]

I know this is the Mc area of the site, but you did ask about comparisons to other manufacturers aswell.
I home dem'd a Marantz AV processor (think it was a 7000 series unit about 18 months ago) against the fairly ancient Meridian 568.2mm (legacy processor, roughly 10 years old). At the time, I easily preferred the Meridian solution, which did surprise me a little with the online comments of "you've gotta try this new fangled xxx, technology has really moved forward".
Since then, the 568.2mm has been replaced by a Meridian 861v4, which takes things up another notch or two and is on par with any stereo digital source I've tried (e.g. the Linn Akurate DS streamer that I home dem'd a few months ago).

The 861v4 can be had for sensible money s/h, but be aware that assuming you want to process HD audio from BDs, you also need a second box called a HD621. They're not killer expensive, but you need to be aware.

[TWiiii]

I compared the MX150 and the big Dennon unit at the time and I found the MX150 smoother sounding, but it could have been the difference between the 207 and the Dennon amp.

[doggiehowser]

Originally Posted by rjryan

Thanks for the clarification on the 8802. It may make the short list.

I completely understand the separate 2 channel thing. Just not sure I can do both. I had some issues with my present Marantz piece that I outlined in my other reply, so I think it's the next piece on my upgrade list.

In my case, the 2 channel route bypass adds only 1 component the stereo preamp

I still need the same speakers and power amps. Just that all my 2 channel stuff get hooked up to the stereo preamp's inputs. And my multichannel gear remains powered off when i listen to music.

[rjryan]

Originally Posted by doggiehowser

In my case, the 2 channel route bypass adds only 1 component the stereo preamp

I still need the same speakers and power amps. Just that all my 2 channel stuff get hooked up to the stereo preamp's inputs. And my multichannel gear remains powered off when i listen to music.

That would definitely be the ideal. Fortunately, I've got some time to ponder and demo. Who knows...maybe a two channel and upgrade to my Cambridge bd751 would be the ticket

[MichiganMike]

Originally Posted by rjryan

I'm researching an upgrade for my Marantz AV 7005.

I use a McIntosh C48 preamp for my 2 channel listening and a Yamaha CX-A5000 preamp processor in my home theater. Yamaha uses a pair of ESS Sabre 9016 DACs for each of the eleven channels in the CX-A5000 and other design features to preserve the audio signal quality. The Yamaha is not a McIntosh, but in my opinion is worth an audition.

You may find the review at the hometheaterhifi web page interesting where the author compares the Yamaha CX-A5000 to his Marantz AV7005 in certain bench tests and his conclusions.
Yamaha CX-A5000 11.1 SSP (Surround Sound Processor) - HomeTheaterHiFi.com

[Kal Rubinson]

The Yamaha is a recent $3000 msrp prepro (I reviewed in 3/14) and the Marantz is an older $1500 msrp prepro (I reviewed in 3/11). It would be banner news if the Marantz was preferred.

[doggiehowser]

I don't think the Yamaha is HDMI2.0 compliant though where the Marantz AV8802/7702 are.

The 8802 will also get a free update to HDCP2.2 compliance when that becomes available.

I am inclined to wait.

[MichiganMike]

Originally Posted by doggiehowser

I don't think the Yamaha is HDMI2.0 compliant though where the Marantz AV8802/7702 are.
.

I performed a search on Google and confirmed that Yamaha offered a firmware update to make the CX-A5000 HDMI 2.0 compliant. In my experience, Yamaha, like Marantz, has been diligent about offering firmware updates for its flagship preamp processor.

I also appreciate the ease of updating the Yamaha by the internet connection. This is much more user friendly than the process for updating the USB firmware for my McIntosh C48.

[rjryan]

These all seem like really great options, and I'm very grateful for all the advice! I actually had a Yamaha RXv 2800 prior to my current system. Very neutral sound. I've not had any experience with their Pre-pros, though. Others that I've glanced at were the Cary and Anthem.