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Looking for New AV Processor

Hi All,

I posted back in 2023, got some good advice, but never pulled the trigger on anything as I spent too much coin on camera gear! So I’m back, asking the same question as the options may have changed a little since 2023!

So let’s start with my current setup:

B&W CM10’s front left and right
B&W Center 2 front
B&W 685’s rear left and right
B&W PV1 sub
Yamaha CX-A5000 AV Processor

Monolith 7X Amp
Panasonic DP-UB820 Blu-ray Player
Sony 65” X900H TV

At the time the Yamaha CX-A5000 was a budget pick based on financials as I was moving from a Pioneer SC-27 receiver to an amp + processor setup, so I feel the processor is now the weakest link in my system, thus considering an upgrade and would to hear some expert advice. My budget is ~$2k - $2.5k and I’m going to buy 2nd hand.

Regarding video, my current processor isn’t HDR capable so I’m looking for at least 4K HDR10 capabilities in regards to video content, but ideally 4K HDR 10+ & Dolby Vision capable. With regards to music, most of my listening 24bit HD music. If there’s one characteristic of the sound I’d like to improve with this upgrade is that currently my setup can become a bit bright / harsh when watching movies (Blu-ray source mostly) and I’d like a bit more ooomph in terms of bass.

Looking at previous recommendations and searching ebay, the following are my current picks:

1) Marantz AV8805A

2) Anthem AVM70

3) Rotel RSP-1582

The Rotel is now a bit outdated and gets mixed reviews overall, especially regarding durability, but they always had the reputation of being a good pairing with B&W speakers? But both Marantz and Anthem get rave reviews so I think it’s between these two really? Advice welcomed as always.

 

Kev Doc

kdochert
bartsw's avatar
bartsw
225 posts
 

@kdochert 

It's also why I'm buying a used processor a generation or so old,

Or you can buy a new 8K AVR for $1k, use it as a movie processor and use the remaining $1.5k on a quality new or used 2 channel preamp. You'll get better sound quality for music going this route and it's all NEW.

bassbuyer's avatar
bassbuyer
877 posts
 

I have a Rotel RC 1572 MKII preamp and a Marantz Cinema 30.  I would recommend them both.  The Rotel has been very reliable in my experience.  

kdochert OP
30 posts
 

@bartsw 

A $1k AVR is where it all started as it happens laugh, music aside, it wasn’t hitting the spot sonically for TV and movies. The move to the separates brought a big bump in performance.

bjp9738's avatar
bjp9738
76 posts
 

@kdochert 

Honestly, it’s been a while since I last used Audyssey, but I do think ARC still has a slight edge.  It gives you a bit more control over the correction window and target curves. You can set individual correction limits per speaker group.  I always used that.  I’d typically limit correction to only below like 300 - 400 Hz to tame the room modes while keeping the mids and highs true to the speaker’s natural curve.  Otherwise it tries to create a completely flat curve which my ears don’t really like.  Maybe a small thing, but I liked and used it - with ARC you can remeasure individual speakers.  Useful if you make some position adjustments.  You don’t have to remeasure for everything, just the speakers you want to remeasure.  I always just felt ARC produced a more natural, cohesive sound, albeit with some tinkering with the generated curves.

bartsw's avatar
bartsw
225 posts
 

@kdochert 

A $1k AVR is where it all started as it happens laugh, music aside, it wasn’t hitting the spot sonically for TV and movies.

I'm not sure we're on the same page. That's the mistake you're making; you used an AVR for music. Even a Marantz or Anthem separate will sound dull and flat compared to 'affordable' preamps such as Galion, Rogue or Primaluna.

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