I originally came from an Krell HTS 7.1. I currently use a slightly modified Krell S-1200. I have also had a Krell S-1000 in my system. There is definitely a difference between DVD audio and Bluray Audio. The DVD audio (using old school compressed DD/DTS) is grainy and has loss of resolution when compared to bluray audio. The S-1000 is very nice, but it is a downgrade from the HTS / S-1200.
The Marantz AV7704 / AV8805 are excellent processors. I have also had them in my system for testing. The AV8804 is excellent with strong bass/midbass and good impact on sound. Marantz has excellent power supplies in their processors. However, it does roll off the high frequencies some. The Krell had much better high frequency response. You just want to make sure you don't pair the Marantz with a warm amp because the sound may become too dull and you may lose visceral impact.
The Anthem is likely the best affordable modern solution if you are concerned about the rolled-off high frequencies of the Marantz.
It might not be an affordable option, but might suggesting trying to expand your budget for a Krell Foundation 4K. It uses op amps and doesn't have the great sound of the discrete analog stages of the HTS/S1000/S1200, but it's excellent and I think it's going to be better sound quality than Anthem. It is only a 7.1 processor. One of the things I really like about Krell is that they use linear power supplies for everything, including the digital section. Most processors will use linear power supply for analog, but will still use switching power supply for digital.
In my opinion, I would rather have a really excellent 5.1 system than a immersive 13 speaker Atmos system. I've been in Atmos theaters and it's interesting to have all the sounds floating around everywhere (like the ceiling), but I can still hear the flaws in the speakers/amps they use. It will likely be the same in your system if you really want the immersive experience, unless you spend a large amount of money on good speakers/amps.
The Marantz AV7704 / AV8805 are excellent processors. I have also had them in my system for testing. The AV8804 is excellent with strong bass/midbass and good impact on sound. Marantz has excellent power supplies in their processors. However, it does roll off the high frequencies some. The Krell had much better high frequency response. You just want to make sure you don't pair the Marantz with a warm amp because the sound may become too dull and you may lose visceral impact.
The Anthem is likely the best affordable modern solution if you are concerned about the rolled-off high frequencies of the Marantz.
It might not be an affordable option, but might suggesting trying to expand your budget for a Krell Foundation 4K. It uses op amps and doesn't have the great sound of the discrete analog stages of the HTS/S1000/S1200, but it's excellent and I think it's going to be better sound quality than Anthem. It is only a 7.1 processor. One of the things I really like about Krell is that they use linear power supplies for everything, including the digital section. Most processors will use linear power supply for analog, but will still use switching power supply for digital.
In my opinion, I would rather have a really excellent 5.1 system than a immersive 13 speaker Atmos system. I've been in Atmos theaters and it's interesting to have all the sounds floating around everywhere (like the ceiling), but I can still hear the flaws in the speakers/amps they use. It will likely be the same in your system if you really want the immersive experience, unless you spend a large amount of money on good speakers/amps.