Need some input on a pre/pro

[joe schmoe]

I have a Denon AVR-887 and HDMI to a new Panasonic TC-L42E60 LED TV. Turns out that the Panny causes the Denon processor to lock up (found a few threads on the internet about the problem). It has to do with HDMI 1.1 (AVR-887) and HDMI 1.4 Panasonic differences.

Any way, it is now time to upgrade the Denon.

My buddy, sold me his Anthem PVA-7 and I have been using the pre-amp out off the Denon into the Anthem for 7.1 HT set up.

I have looked at a few pre/pro units and for my budget (we're broke right now, as we just bought a new house) I am leaning towards an Integra 80.3. I'm also liking the Emotiva UMC-200.

The Integra is $2600 and the Emotiva is $600. Not sure which way to go or which unit is better for a HT application. I do like the fact that the Integra was Audyssey features....

Any users or input on which way to go would be appreciated...

[Brgman]

What is your budget?
That is a wide spread so are you saying you can afford the Integra?
If so there are many to consider in between.
Marantz andRotel,BK,pioneer elite and more so with Audessy and 1.4 HDMI what else do you want in the unit?

[Yamaki]

I have an Integra pre/pro (DHC 40.1) and love the flexibility of all the HDMI inputs it has (and all the other COAX, Optical and analog in/out flexibility too) plus I have a whole rack full of Emotiva amplifiers. I purchased the 40.1 before I embarked on my amplifier upgrade and was introduced to the Emotiva line.

So this would be a hard choice for me but in all honesty I'd go with the UMC-200 simply because it will do all you need a pre/pro to do at a very attractive price.

It has a room correction package called "EmoQ".

I've talked with some folks who have the UMC-200 and they are very happy with the processor and it's features. The only downside is that the UMC-200 has 1 HDMI out vs. 2 as with the 80.3 but having only one has not been a limitation for me.

If I was looking for a pre/pro now, I'd give the UMC-200 some serious consideration.

[asindc]

Going with Integra or Marantz would be the best bets, IMO.

[doggiehowser]

If you don't need a dedicated Pre/pro, most mid to high spec AVRs tend to have preamp outputs anyway and are better bang for the buck.

But whether you are using an AVR or dedicated prepro, look to get these features:
Ability to decode HD audio and apply room EQ at the same time (some older ones don't)
Supports good room EQ (recommend at least MultiEQ XT but XT32 preferred)
SubEQ

If you are the type to expand/upgrade here's what I would also look:
Audyssey DSX (supports up to 11 channels of surround)
DTS NeoX (DTS version of 11 channels and now supported in some movies such as Dredd, Expendables 2 etc)
Audyssey LFC (if your sub is causing problems with neighbors or the next room)

Personally I'm wary of Emotivas for prepros because their firmware was atrocious for the longest time for the first unit. Not even sure of otf

[joe schmoe]

Thanks for the responses...I am trying to stay away from AVR as I don't want the unnecessary heat and use of the internal amps....That is why I'm looking at dedicated pre/pros...

After reading quite a few reviews on the Emotiva UMC-200 I think it is off he list as people have had problems with it.

Now, looking at the Integra 80.3 and the Denon 4311CI...Still leaning towards the Integra but the Denon looks quite capable, as well...

[dirtbag]

Marantz

[joe schmoe]

Originally Posted by dirtbag

Marantz

I have looked at Marantz...NOT impressed with the lack of wifi, unit has to be hard wired to the network or thrilled with the looks!! The cyclops window is just FUGLY IMO!

[joe schmoe]

BUMP...Are there no other pre/pros to consider or people using these that I have looked at??

Local dealers don't have Integra in stock...Other dealer has a Marantz, but again, don't liek the features or lack there of.

[stollen]

One thing to consider on going with a full blown AVR vs just a processor is if your amp happens to break for some reason you at least have a fallback to power all your speakers while it gets fixed.

I have been thinking about what to use in our future theater room for a while now and am pretty set on either the same Integra you are looking at (if I ignore my own advice ) or something like a Pioneer SC-65. Pioneer uses their own room calibration (not Audyssey) it seems to work well based on Home Theater's review of the SC-68.