2. home-theater
  3. 1414399918

Help with AV preamp/processor

Please help me choosing the right AV preamp/processor for my system.

Inputs: blueray, airplay, raw streaming from the computer, sat/cable system.
Connected to Samsung latest 4K TV (UN78HU9000FXZA) for video output, and an audiophile-grade sound 5.0 system (~$40k value).

Requirements:
- Amazing audio quality. Top DAC with jitter suppression.
- Warm and deep sound - will be using it for stereo music (2.0 with serious speakers via power amp), mostly instrumental / vocal, in low/mid volumes - quality is the priority.
- Supporting 4K and 3D for video.
- Balanced XLR outputs.
- Need only 5.0 channels, maybe at some point will add 2 sides, so any 7.1/7.2 would suffice.
- Would be great to have an internal AirPlay support, not to use a separate Apple TV only for that...
- Price does not matter

Have been looking at Emotiva XMC-1, Marantz AV8801, Yamaha CX-A5000, but there are also many other products from Anthem, Onkyo, Integra etc.
I'm a newbie and don't have any experience with any of these, but have to buy online and therefore fully rely on your professional recommendations :)

Thanks a lot in advance!
raraavis-duplicate-0

Showing 1 response by mribob

mribob
229 posts
 
also consider Krell Foundation, great reviews. there is a used unit here on the 'gon for $4k.
Most manufactures will be releaseing new A/V processors for the new sound format, 11.1, for ceiling effect speakers in time for CES, since that is not needed by you, you may do well with a current model close out. I prefer Marantz sound over Integra, and most don't like Emotiva due to reliability concerns.
How do you like your new Samsung curved 4 k TV? I am thinking of getting that unit as well. Did you compare to the Sony?
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