Which processor????

[johnrcth98]

Been using my pioneer sclx86 as a pre/pro to an anthem mca 50 power amp and am considering swapping this out for a processor. Rest of the kit is oppo 105 blu ray and monitor audio platinum 200 av speakers. Any suggestions welcome!

 

[7760]

Hello!

Been using my pioneer sclx86 as a pre/pro to an anthem mca 50 power amp and am considering swapping this out for a processor. Rest of the kit is oppo 105 blu ray and monitor audio platinum 200 av speakers. Any suggestions welcome!

How about these for starters:

Arcam AV888

Audiolab 8200AP

Audionet MAP 1 or V2

Marantz AV8801 or its predecessor AV7701

Onkyo PR-SC5509

Primare SPA22 or 32 HD

Rotel RSP-1572 or its predecessor -1570

Yamaha CX-A5000

Anthem have a couple as well: http://www.anthemav.com/products/type=av-processor , and I'm sure so do Emotiva, Parasound, Lexicon and the like.

Having said that, seeing as you have the 105 already, how about sending its multichannel analogue output into a (less costly yet still great) non-HD-decoding unit, such as the Rotel RSP-1098?

In fact, does the Oppo not have a volume output control, so that you could plug it directly into the power amp (if you have no other sources, especially analogue ones)?

 

[ellisdj]

How much are you looking to spend?

How much do you watch movies or listen music - level of importance here

Do you have your room acoustically treated in anyway?

I think the upgrade you have in mind is a very good idea - the Pioneer is a good pro but not good enough for the speakers by a fair margin

There are a few to choose from as listed above - some are missing Meridian processors are very good. Bryston pro as well if you have the budget.

 

[johnrcth98]

Thanks guys for the info. Was thinking about the Yamaha and maybe even the anthem 50v, but that's a real stretch financially and I think Byston and Lexicon are really a step too far. Would there be a significant difference between the two? The Yamaha seems better specced but I've heard great things about the anthem and especially the room correction. It will be mainly for movies, but I do have a NAS drive, so it would be nice to have decent stereo and the PL200's really do sound great via the sabre dacs on the oppo. I know the real answer is to audition, but none of my local dealers do more than one of the models you guys mentioned so would take time to organise and listen to without a good recommended short list. Cheers!