Quality AV Receiver with 3D Capabilities?

[Tony Wood]

I've been very happy with my current 5.1 surround sound system - Rotel pre/power combo + B&W 600 S2 series speakers.

However, having recently upgraded to Blueray and a 3D Plasma, I'm craving more functionality than my Rotels can deliver. I need a receiver with HDMI 1.4a inputs to enjoy HD audio formats & Bluray 3D. I also need to resolve the lip-sync problems I'm currently having.

I don't plan on replacing the B&Ws or adding more speakers - I don't have space - but they're all bi-wired so could easily be bi-amped.

I thought about keeping my RMB1075 power amp and just replacing the RSP1066 processor with an HDMI 1.4a equipped processor, but Rotel don't seem to offer anything that would fit the bill at the moment. So I was thinking of replacing both with the Onkyo TX-NR5008 or Pioneer SC-LX83.

Does anyone have any advice on what would be the best solution (budget upto £2,500 max) to use with these B&W speakers, please?

 

[MUSICRAFT]

Tony Wood:
I've been very happy with my current 5.1 surround sound system - Rotel pre/power combo + B&W 600 S2 series speakers.

However, having recently upgraded to Blueray and a 3D Plasma, I'm craving more functionality than my Rotels can deliver. I need a receiver with HDMI 1.4a inputs to enjoy HD audio formats & Bluray 3D. I also need to resolve the lip-sync problems I'm currently having.

I don't plan on replacing the B&Ws or adding more speakers - I don't have space - but they're all bi-wired so could easily be bi-amped.

I thought about keeping my RMB1075 power amp and just replacing the RSP1066 processor with an HDMI 1.4a equipped processor, but Rotel don't seem to offer anything that would fit the bill at the moment. So I was thinking of replacing both with the Onkyo TX-NR5008 or Pioneer SC-LX83.

Does anyone have any advice on what would be the best solution (budget upto £2,500 max) to use with these B&W speakers, please?

Hi Tony Wood

I would highly recommend that you hold on to your RMB1075 and add Onkyo's excellent PR-SC5508 AV processor. The Onkyo processor will bring you up to date with most of the latest technologies and will also offer a massive step up in performance over the Rotel processor.

As good as the TX-NR5008 and LX-83 are however a combination of the PR-SC5508/RMB1075 will be be alot better.

All the best

Rick @ Musicraft

 

[Tony Wood]

Thank you for your suggestion Rick

I guess the PR-SC5508/RMB1075 combination leaves options for future upgrades - funds and wife permitting.

Would you expect to see much improvement if, in the future, I then replaced the RMB1075 with Onkyo's PAMC5500 9 channel power amp? Or would that not make enough difference to make it worthwhile?

Best regards

Tony

 

[Anonymous]

Hi Tony

i`m running with the 5508/5500 combination at the moment and its superb, it has to be the combo to beat at any price for up to 10 grand

and thats including for music as well, not my opinion but the opinion of all the audiophiles that we`ve had here a lately

cheers Allan @ ideal av

 

[MUSICRAFT]

Tony Wood:
Thank you for your suggestion Rick

I guess the PR-SC5508/RMB1075 combination leaves options for future upgrades - funds and wife permitting.

Would you expect to see much improvement if, in the future, I then replaced the RMB1075 with Onkyo's PAMC5500 9 channel power amp? Or would that not make enough difference to make it worthwhile?

Best regards

Tony

Hi Tony

Your welcome.

Yes, start off with the PR-SC5508/RMB1075 and then later upgrade the RMB1075 with the superb PM-MC5500

Fwiw, i am currently using the PR-SC5508 with the Plinius Odean and this combination is just exellent

All the best

Rick @ Musicraft

 

[Anonymous]

PR-SC5508 would be an excellent choice. Keep in mind the PR-SC5508 has XLR outputs. Doess the Rotel amp have XLR inputs as well?

I do own the TX-NR5008 and I'm a happy owner. Much detail in mid and high, an open sound stage and very musical, also in stereo. But in your case having a nice amp I'd go for the PR-SC5508 too.

 

[BenLaw]

Apologies in advance for a bit of thread hijacking!

MUSICRAFT:I would highly recommend that you hold on to your RMB1075 and add Onkyo's excellent PR-SC5508 AV processor. The Onkyo processor will bring you up to date with most of the latest technologies and will also offer a massive step up in performance over the Rotel processor.

As good as the TX-NRr5008 and LX-83 are however a combination of the PR-SC5508/RMB1075 will be be alot better.

All the best

Rick @ Musicraft

Hi Rick.

I've been looking at pre-pros at this sort of level. The onkyo seems to have passed me by tho. It's obvious competitor would seem to be the Marantz AV7005. RRP is a bit cheaper on the Marantz but there seems to be more discounting of the Onkyo.

How do you think the Onkyo would sound with Primare amplification (A30.5) and into ATC speakers? Would you see any problems with XLR to RCA interconnects? What source are you using and are using HDMI or multichannel analogue?

Thanks in advance

Ben

 

[Frank Harvey]

Tony Wood:
I've been very happy with my current 5.1 surround sound system - Rotel pre/power combo + B&W 600 S2 series speakers.

However, having recently upgraded to Blueray and a 3D Plasma, I'm craving more functionality than my Rotels can deliver. I need a receiver with HDMI 1.4a inputs to enjoy HD audio formats & Bluray 3D. I also need to resolve the lip-sync problems I'm currently having.

I don't plan on replacing the B&Ws or adding more speakers - I don't have space - but they're all bi-wired so could easily be bi-amped.

I thought about keeping my RMB1075 power amp and just replacing the RSP1066 processor with an HDMI 1.4a equipped processor, but Rotel don't seem to offer anything that would fit the bill at the moment. So I was thinking of replacing both with the Onkyo TX-NR5008 or Pioneer SC-LX83.

Does anyone have any advice on what would be the best solution (budget upto £2,500 max) to use with these B&W speakers, please?

Hi Tony.
Although the current crop of midrange AV receivers offer excellent value for money, if you did keep your power amplifier, you'd be better off going for a dedicated AV processor, which will ring out more quality from your system. The Onkyo and Marantz pre/processors will both be a great step forward for your system in this respect, and you may feel that one of these with your own power amp is more than enough for you.
Of the many deems we've done between the two, we find people prefer the Marantz if it's being used more for music than movies, and the slightly fuller featured Onkyo if it's more for movies, although it's no slouch for music either.
I think you'd be lookingto update your speakers before you think about changing your RMB1075. But when you do, the corresponding Marantz/Onkyo power amp will be a good step up, or you could take a look at Rotel's multi-channel power amplifiers which are based on digital amplification.
The only reason I see for going for an integrated AV receiver would be to scale down what you have, and enjoy a quicker resale should you ever decide to change it in the future.

 

[BenLaw]

FrankHarveyHiFi: The Onkyo and Marantz pre/processors will both be a great step forward for your system in this respect, and you may feel that one of these with your own power amp is more than enough for you. Of the many deems we've done between the two, we find people prefer the Marantz if it's being used more for music than movies, and the slightly fuller featured Onkyo if it's more for movies, although it's no slouch for music either.

This is a comparison I'm interested in. Are you able to say what the difference in the sound is that leads to the music/movies advantages/disadvantages? Would you say overall quality is similar given the similar pricetag? Have you heard them into ATC speakers at all?

Thanks,
Ben

 

[Anonymous]

A processor may be the best option if you want to keep your amplifier, but you should definitely audition
the new Arcam AVR400. HDMI 1.4, pre outs and a British-designed power
amp.

 

[MUSICRAFT]

BenLaw:Apologies in advance for a bit of thread hijacking!

MUSICRAFT:I would highly recommend that you hold on to your RMB1075 and add Onkyo's excellent PR-SC5508 AV processor. The Onkyo processor will bring you up to date with most of the latest technologies and will also offer a massive step up in performance over the Rotel processor.

As good as the TX-NRr5008 and LX-83 are however a combination of the PR-SC5508/RMB1075 will be be alot better.

All the best

Rick @ Musicraft

Hi Rick.

I've been looking at pre-pros at this sort of level. The onkyo seems to have passed me by tho. It's obvious competitor would seem to be the Marantz AV7005. RRP is a bit cheaper on the Marantz but there seems to be more discounting of the Onkyo.

How do you think the Onkyo would sound with Primare amplification (A30.5) and into ATC speakers? Would you see any problems with XLR to RCA interconnects? What source are you using and are using HDMI or multichannel analogue?

Thanks in advance

Ben

Hi Ben

The AV7005 is good but ultimately i've found it to be thin sounding. I've found the PR-SC5508 has got top notch processing and a strong output stage which was confirmed when i used it to also drive ATC's SCM100ASL Professional monitors. This coupled with its more potent presentation should be a far match with the clear sounding Primare amplification and certainly with ATC's monitors flat and honest presentation.

Btw, XLR - RCA interconnects will be fine and i've used coaxial, HDMI and multi channel inputs using Yamaha's BD-S1900 and BD-S1067 Blu ray players.

All the best

Rick @ Musicraft

 

[MUSICRAFT]

Hifi test monkey:A processor may be the best option if you want to keep your amplifier, but you should definitely audition
the new Arcam AVR400. HDMI 1.4, pre outs and a British-designed power
amp.

Hi HiFi test monkey

Unless Tony wants to reduce the box count then going down the route of the AVR400 (compared to the PR-SC5508/RMB1075 combination) is going to be a fairly considerable step backwards as far as power and performance are concerned.

All the best

Rick @ Musicraft

 

[Tony Wood]

Thank you for all your comments and views guys.

Having taken on board all your comments, I think the Onkyo PR-SCS5508 route sounds right for me.

You've all been very helpful..