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Modern Processors, What to DO?!?

Hello All!

I am thinking of making my way into the home theater realm again after 10+ years with a two channel rig.  As it stands, I still have a fantastic 2.2 Classe/JMLabs/AudioPhysic setup that I would like to preserve the sound of as much as possible, but I want to be able to expand into home theater as well.

I am thinking about something that is up to snuff with the current 4k landscape and possibly ATMOS or other processing capabilities including height channels.  Now this is not a MUST, but I'm thinking, since it is available, I might do something in this realm so as to at least preserve the video capabilities of my current setup (future proof 4k Samsung with umbilical and external hookups).

Options that have come up in my research thus far are the Marantz 8802a, Anthem 60 and if I really wanted to stretch the budget I could go for Classe Sigma SSP or Krell Foundation.  

I'm just not sure where to go...looking at all of the change that has happened makes me want to just quit and stick with what I know, but what fun would that be!

Thank you for your input!

Ben
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7 responses Add your response
erik_squires
5,268 posts
 
What about NAD? They have a fairly decent history lately of actually providing upgraded modules for their processors.

That or a used Krell, and forget an upgrade path.

Best,

E
auxinput
1,538 posts
 

In watching the last 20 years of home theater evolution, I don’t know that I would label anything as "future proof". NAD is a good choice, as Erik said. It looks like they have a generic architecture across all their products. They have released an upgraded 4K card as well as Atmos/Dirac card for their M17 processor. You’re locked into the NAD sound, which is excellent if that is what your looking for.

If you want everything right now, pretty much the choices are Marantz, Anthem and NAD (each with their own sonic signatures). If you want upper end audiophile level stuff, you will have to give up something. Classe Sigma only has 7 outputs and only 2 XLR. Krell Foundation is excellent and they already support 4K, but I suspect Atmos/DTS:X are going to be a long way away (if at all).

pweg
25 posts
 
in my system i had a new Marantz. It lasted about 2 weeks and was replaced with a Cary processor. 

vvvv musical 

worth a try if u can get one 
soix
2,133 posts
 
Any processor you add to your system will likely change the sound, which doesn't sound like something you'd prefer.  If I were you I'd just get a good AV receiver with preamp outs and use that for HT processing and powering the center and surround channels.  Just take the front L/R preamp outs from the AVR and plug them into an unused input on your stereo preamp and switch to that input when you want home theater (just set a reference volume level on the stereo pre if it doesn't have an HT pass through), and you have the best of both worlds.  I did this and it works very well, especially if stereo is your priority.  It's also a lot cheaper and takes up much less real estate than a good prepro and additional amps.  I'd recommend something like the Yamaha Aventage RX-A870, which has decent sound, all the features and power you're likely to need, and unlike many others has proven to be very reliable.  Hope this helps and best of luck. 

reubent
3,587 posts
 
+1 what @soix said......

You can add HT/surround to your existing system, without changing anything in your existing system. I've done this several times over the years when I needed to have a combo/HT system that did not negatively impact my 2-channel sound. Now, admittedly, you will compromise the potential overall quality of your HT sound quality by using the HT receiver to power the center and surrounds. However, it will not affect your 2-channel sound quality at all. Matter-o-fact, you can have the HT receiver turned off when you are listening to strictly 2-channel audio.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
bearotti OP
160 posts
 
The more I look and research, the more I am drawn to proceeding with something in the "legacy" realm of audiophile quality audio.  Something like a Classe 800, or an older Krell.  

I have never had Krell in my system, but always thought it would be worth a try.  

What I'm looking for now, more than before is something with an awesome front array...solid DACs for the L/R channels and great build quality, so that it can stand with the rest of my system for years to come....until I can build a dedicated room!

Thank you for your continued input :)
auxinput
1,538 posts
 

I ran with a Krell HTS 7.1 processor for many years (before that I had a Bryston SP2 and Sunfire processor). I loved the Krell so much more than I did the Bryston SP2. It just had so much strength in the audio - everything was so much more solid. The Class A circuits in the Krell just "sang" in my configuration. The Bryston was weak in comparison -- no matter how high I turned it up, it just didn’t seem like the audio got loud.

When the HTS died, I went on a search for another processor. After trying a Bryston SP3, Theta Casablanca (and even Emotiva), I actually came back to a Krell S-1200U 3D. The Krell just sounded awesome and I had my original HTS sonic signature back with the ability to support DTS-MA and TrueHD bluray audio formats. This unit is limited to 1080p video (but I don’t care about 4K, Atmos or anything more than 7.1). I also feel the Krell has the best Class A discrete audio circuits. (the Foundation is actually based on op amps, not discrete Class A).

The newer Bryston SP3 had a much more laid back type of sound (probably due to big power supply, but no localized capacitors in the audio circuits). Some people love the Bryston. It is the only one at this level that supports 4K. (Though there are new McIntosh processors that support 4K). It also had that affect that I could not seem to turn it up enough to get the impact from the sound that I wanted. The Krell had so much more midrange/high power and excitement.

I did not test the Class SSP-800, but I have read that it is very clean sounding (silky smooth, in a sense). It does have all 7.1 balanced XLR outputs (where the Sigma only has left/right XLR).

If you decide on a Krell, look for the S-1200U 3D model.  This is the latest model and supports HDMI 1.4 with 3D. There are older S1200s and even more older HTS, but you have to look at capacitor lifetimes. These Krell’s are designed to have the main power supply ON all the time (that’s why they are constantly warm). You can always turn off the master switch on the back of the unit. It takes about 30 seconds for the unit to "pre-boot" once you power it on.  But many of these older used processors have had the power supply running 24/7 for years.

McIntosh has a lot of different HT processor models that are out there. They look just awesome (have always loved the aesthetics’ of the McIntosh front panel), but I was somewhat hesitant from reading about the bugs that exist in these processors and the fact that McIntosh never fixes them. Krell actually responded to and fixed a bug in my --discontinued-- S1200 firmware earlier this year. Many people just love the sound of the McIntosh processors. Based on my limited listening with McIntosh, I thought it would be too warm for me.

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