Advice on A/V Preamp/Processors

[Kal Rubinson]

IMHO, the Marantz is the clear winner at that pricepoint but I have not yet heard the new Emotiva. Expecting one next week. On paper, it does everything and has the added advantage of DiracLive.

[BlueFox]

I need a new pre myself, but am having a hard time justifying $10k for the SP3. On the other hand, the lower priced Marantz has too many bells and whistles that can break. I only need a 5.1 system, not 11.

[crwilli]

Originally Posted by Kal Rubinson

IMHO, the Marantz is the clear winner at that pricepoint but I have not yet heard the new Emotiva. Expecting one next week. On paper, it does everything and has the added advantage of DiracLive.

Thanks Kal.

mods - Not sure why a thread looking for $2,000 equipment was merged with one looking for $10,000 equipment? I could have done that myself but considered the topic different albeit with the same title \ theme.

Anyway, sorry to the OP for the thread hijack. I am done.

[Kal Rubinson]

Originally Posted by BlueFox

I need a new pre myself, but am having a hard time justifying $10k for the SP3. On the other hand, the lower priced Marantz has too many bells and whistles that can break. I only need a 5.1 system, not 11.

AFAIK, there are no 5.1 pre/pros made any more. As for bells+whistles, most are there to be set once and forgotten but they can help.

[BlueFox]

I guess my bells and whistles is just that there are more things that can break. I like the minimal functionality of the SP3, but just wish there was something similar for around $5k versus $10k.

[Audiofan1]

Originally Posted by BlueFox

I guess my bells and whistles is just that there are more things that can break. I like the minimal functionality of the SP3, but just wish there was something similar for around $5k versus $10k.

Classe or Krell has pre/pro's around that price mark.

[ObviousCaveat1]

heads Marantz…..tails Onkyo….

no brainer….

O

[crwilli]

Originally Posted by ObviousCaveat1

heads Marantz…..tails Onkyo….

no brainer….

O

Why?

[nicoff]

Thank you for the recommendations. Several of you have recommended the Bryston SP3 due to its audio playback capabilities, but after experiencing the benefits of room correction in my Anthem I am a bit hesitant to "go back" sort of speak.

My "ideal" pre-pro, should be able to:

1. accept high resolution electronic files (FLAC, DSD) being fed electronically from a NAS
2. have room correction capabilities and, ideally, apply those corrections in the digital domain
3. have excellent (SoTA?) audio playback both in stereo and multichannel modes
4. good video processing (or ability to bypass video signals like 4k); I do not have a need for auro/atmos

I realize that I may have to compromise, but is there such an animal in the market like the "ideal' that I am describing? Or is my best option separate components? (I would not know where to start if that were the case!)

[moonhawk]

Originally Posted by Masterlu

Nico... I have had many folks move from the Anthem D2 to Bryston's SP3, and never look back.

Never had the Anthem, but the SP3 is unbeatable--Not having room correction will get you off the upgrade bandwagon, and the sonics are incredible--as is the customer service and the warranty.