[michelemezza]

Hello.
I am going to chanhe my pre processor.
currently I have an Anthem AVM20, I would like to pass to something different:

Cary Cinema 11
Marantz AV7005

Any suggestions?

[Mr Peabody]

What is the reason you are changing?  I thought the AVM20 was a good performer, IMO the 7005 will have updated features but would be a lateral move at best in performance.  I'm not familiar with Cary.  You might compare the Rotel or Integra to the 7005 they are all in the same price range give or take.  Last I looked at processors it seemed there was a sizable step up in price to the next level of units.

I have the Marantz AV8003 which I feel does an excellent job within it's class.  It would be interesting to know how Marantz can offer the 7005 for $1k less than the 8003 with close to same features.  It would be hard to believe the performance was the same.  I have confidence in Marantz the 7005 is a good value though.

You might also consider the current NAD Master series processor.

[Phil A]

You may wish to look at accessories4less.com   - especially if interested in the 7005.  I went the opposite route when I got rid a previous non-HDMI pre/pro and got a 2 channel preamp with HT bypass.  I bought a used Integra pre/pro with HDMI 1.3 at a great deal a bit over a year ago and feel I have the best of both worlds.  I will be watching for whatever replaces the 7005 and if a couple of years down the road I feel the upgrade bug it might be the way to go for me

[ajzepp]

You may wish to look at accessories4less.com   - especially if interested in the 7005.  I went the opposite route when I got rid a previous non-HDMI pre/pro and got a 2 channel preamp with HT bypass.  I bought a used Integra pre/pro with HDMI 1.3 at a great deal a bit over a year ago and feel I have the best of both worlds.  I will be watching for whatever replaces the 7005 and if a couple of years down the road I feel the upgrade bug it might be the way to go for me

If the reason for the change pertains to sound quality, I wholeheartedly agree with what Phil said. When I added a two channel pre with HT bypass, it changed my life! Okay, maybe that's a bit dramatic, but like Phil said, it's the best of both worlds. I use my McCormack MAP-1 multi-channel analog preamp for HT, and my SAS 10a for music. The pair of Butler amps handle duties for both.

[Phil A]

The HT processing technology changes more rapidly.  I have my pre/pro for a bit and was using the analog multi-channel inputs with my modded Oppo BDP-83 and was fine for a bit until I sat down and thought about the long haul.  Did I really want to spend lots on an expensive pre/pro where the technology is going to change and it would be semi-obsolete for sure at some point or did I want to spend lots (but still less than I was looking at in a pre/pro) on a nice 2-channel preamp with HT Bypass.  For me, it was an easy decision.  The used Integra (DTC 9. pre/pro I bought over a year ago for $600 sound better than my old pre/pro on movies (not on music - but I don't need if for that) and for the price I paid if a couple of years down the road there's a close-out on a replacement for the Marantz AV7005, I can upgrade without breaking the bank.  I was so impressed with the Integra for HT, I bought a refrub Onkyo 1008 at accessories4less.com for the secondary basement system.

[Mr Peabody]

I was under the impression the MAP-1 was just a multichannel analog preamp with no video processing, I'm surprised it wasn't satisfying for 2-channel.  May have been just a synergy issue.

If the upgrade was due to sound quality it does make sense to use the bypass or have two systems.  Many even use receivers with preamp outs as a processor and depending on speakers you may even get away with using the internal amps for center and surround.

I think there are good processors that can do 2-channel well but they cost.  I had a Primare a few years back that was really good.  What I do now is have two systems that share my main speakers, I just physically switch speaker cables at the back of the speaker depending on which system I want to use, not a problem with bananas.

[ajzepp]

I was under the impression the MAP-1 was just a multichannel analog preamp with no video processing, I'm surprised it wasn't satisfying for 2-channel.  May have been just a synergy issue.

Yep, it sure is. I had been running an Outlaw Audio pre/pro for quite a while, and since I prefer to have my dvd/bluray player do the surround processing instead of a pre/pro, I picked up the MAP for double duty. I ended up getting more into tube sound, so that's when I added the tubed pre with the bypass. But if and when I go back to a pre/pro, like phil does, I can just focus on whatever is best for movies and keep my 2-channel line intact. I just am a weirdo I guess and prefer not to use the prepro for video processing. I've always preferred to just run the signal directly from the player to the projector. I like the sound better when the player does the audio decoding via the analog outs...the MAP sounds fantastic for movies. It's not as convenient as using an HDMI connection, but I dont' mind it.

[tvyankee]

Hello,

If you are thinking about putting your video thru it and want a piece with a good video processor i would go with Onkyo PR-SC5508 . And as a bonus it sounds very good too. As good a value as the Marantz is the video section is not very good.

Good luck

[ctviggen]

Yep, it sure is. I had been running an Outlaw Audio pre/pro for quite a while, and since I prefer to have my dvd/bluray player do the surround processing instead of a pre/pro, I picked up the MAP for double duty. I ended up getting more into tube sound, so that's when I added the tubed pre with the bypass. But if and when I go back to a pre/pro, like phil does, I can just focus on whatever is best for movies and keep my 2-channel line intact. I just am a weirdo I guess and prefer not to use the prepro for video processing. I've always preferred to just run the signal directly from the player to the projector. I like the sound better when the player does the audio decoding via the analog outs...the MAP sounds fantastic for movies. It's not as convenient as using an HDMI connection, but I dont' mind it.

This is OK, as long as you don't have too many inputs.  I have a HT computer and a Bluray player, and even then I use a receiver.  I do this because my Bluray player can't handle rear/side speaker locations that are longer than the distance between the front speakers and the user, and my rear speakers are way back.  I use a Dodd tube preamp, though, for music.

[Mr Peabody]

Coincidentally, I heard that tonight from a dealer/installer that the Onkyo processor had superior video scalers over the Marantz. 

[michelemezza]

Thanks for your answers  and sorry for writng so late (I was off for a couple of days).

The reason I want to change is that AVM20 does not satisfy me for sound quality especially in 2 channel music. It's not bad obviously, but compared with an old pre pioneer sp-d07 that I still have, the Anthem sounds less dinamic and less precise, especially in bass frequences.

In the last days perhaps I found a solution. Probably it is possible to add a 5.1 input to my Pioneer, and I will connect it to an Oppo 93 player.

I was thinkig to Cary cinema 6 or 11 because I read lot of very good reviews in terms of audio quality. And I was thinking to Marantz AV7005 to have integration of the HDMI switching coupled with an audio section fairly accurate.

[michelemezza]

ok. no way to modify my pioneer.
I had a look to accessories4less.com and the AV7005 is offered at very interesting price.
on the other side there is a cary cinema 6 used in offer.

my doubt is:
is it better to have a pre processor with hdmi switching integrated and a bit less detailed 2ch reproduction (marantz) or is it better to have a pre processor which is very good in 2ch reproduction but without hdmi switching?????

[WC]

my doubt is:
is it better to have a pre processor with hdmi switching integrated and a bit less detailed 2ch reproduction (marantz) or is it better to have a pre processor which is very good in 2ch reproduction but without hdmi switching?????

As in all things HT and Audio, it depends.

In my case it was easier to do the HDMI switching in the AVR since in my upstairs system the TV is mounted on the wall over the fireplace, so a single HDMI was much preferable to running multiple cables to the TV. In my downstairs system, the TV is older and only has one DVI input and since I have more than one source it was preferable running things through the AVR.

Does the Cary have any HDMI inputs? If not, you could run analog multichannel cables from a Blu-ray player to get the hi-res audio all the rest via s/dif. It wouldn't be all that different than your Anthem Pre-pro. If you run the HDMI to the TV and the sound to the Pre-pro, the issue is getting them to switch together.

[tvyankee]

Hello,

Just thought you should know if you don't already i think accessories4less.com has a refurb Onkyo for cheap, like 1400 bucks or something. Also i have heard the Marantz and the Onkyo and the Onkyo does sound better. Also i know that Cary makes nice stuff but i would try and go listen to this stuff before you go spending a lot of money on something you don't really need. Just thought i would give you the heads up.

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/ONKPRSC5508/Onkyo-PR-SC5508-THX-Ultra2-Network-9.2ch-A/V-Processor/1.html

Also the new model is coming out soon, the 09