My vote goes to the Marantz 8801 since it seems to have all of the most current surround sound music formats and it's their top of the line processor. Having said that, just last year I went with my very first surround sound processor and due to my budget, chose the Integra DHC 40.2. Wanted the Rotel pre pro but that was a bit out of my budget. I couldn't be happier with the Integra and while it does contain the Audyssey room correction, I don't use it. Using an SPL meter and just working with all of the set up audio functions, I've got the system set up to where I want it trusting my own ears and gut. I then occassionaly tweak it here and there. The Intega does have 2 features within the Audyssey brand that I do use and absolutely love. Those are "Dyanmic EQ" & "Dynamic Volume". It's powered with a new Rotel RMB-1555 5 channel amp. While this Inegtra is not at the same price range and quality level as the Marantz, for the price it is an amazing unit. Hope this input helps somewhat.
Help with processor decision
I've been using a Denon 3808 receiver as my processor ever since I purchased a Parasound A52 last year to power my system (B W 804d LR, htm62 center, M-1 LR surround, with b w 600 sub). I purchased an Oppo-105 a while back for the better video processing, DAC and multichannel out (for SACDs). I'm about 70% music, 30% ht/TV. I have started listening to a lot of vinyl recently, so I do need a more musical processor (and I don't really have room on my rack for a two channel preamp). I run a lot of music (usb) and video (hdmi) from my Mac mini server through the Oppo as well. I'm torn between the following processors:
-Parasound p7 (would lose the hdmi switching, but could use the Oppo)
-Marantz 8801
-Yamaha A5000
I currently use Audessey XT room correction with my 3808. My room is 14 w x 18 l x 9-10 h sloping ceiling with the LR speakers on the short wall, and it is untreated with suspended hardwood floors. I am a little indifferent regarding room correction, but given my room I think it's been helpful for HT. Between my cable box and a possible xbox purchase, I may need more hdmi switching than the Oppo provides...
Any advice would be greatly appreciated since I plan to follow-through with a purchase THIS WEEK!
P.S. This will probably be the first of several upgrades in the near future (adding 2 surrounds to get 7.1, adding more powerful amps for my LR, upgrading center and sub).
-Parasound p7 (would lose the hdmi switching, but could use the Oppo)
-Marantz 8801
-Yamaha A5000
I currently use Audessey XT room correction with my 3808. My room is 14 w x 18 l x 9-10 h sloping ceiling with the LR speakers on the short wall, and it is untreated with suspended hardwood floors. I am a little indifferent regarding room correction, but given my room I think it's been helpful for HT. Between my cable box and a possible xbox purchase, I may need more hdmi switching than the Oppo provides...
Any advice would be greatly appreciated since I plan to follow-through with a purchase THIS WEEK!
P.S. This will probably be the first of several upgrades in the near future (adding 2 surrounds to get 7.1, adding more powerful amps for my LR, upgrading center and sub).