2. home-theater
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Upgrade advice for processor

I am looking to upgrade my surround processor. My current processor is a Rotel 1068. I am currently considering the Classe ssp 300 or ssp 600 or the Anthem D2. I would like peoples advice and opinions on these or other processors with a budget up to $3500. HDMI would be nice but not a necessity 2 channel sound is the number one thing I am looking for in the upgrade. Not that the multi channel isn't important to me but I am really looking for high quality 2 channel performance from the unit. Thanks in advance.
dwr
bryoncunningham
890 posts
 
Since you mention that HDMI is not a necessity, I would consider a used Meridian G68. I am very happy with mine for both movies and 2 channel.
pkubica
134 posts
 
You could also consider two units. I couldn't find a theater unit that produced the 2 channel the way I wanted it. For me, Analog = Tubes.

I have an Integra 9.9 for the theater application. Very good Digital section and can handle all the formats. Also has a Direct pass through.

The second unit is an ARC tube preamp connected to the pass through on the Integra and controlling all the Analog. Each unit is doing what it does best and you can select units to meet your taste and budget.

Paul
dwr OP
113 posts
 
Thanks for the responses so far folks. As of right now I am leaning toward the Anthem D2 and an Anthem MCA-50 for an amp. Keep the suggestions coming though.
bryoncunningham
890 posts
 
Since you mentioned that 2 channel sound quality is a priority for you, and you are leaning toward Anthem, I would consider getting the Anthem Statement A5 rather than the MCA-50, if you can stretch the budget slightly. I have the A5 and I can tell you that it performs quite nicely on both movies and music (though it is not my current music amp).
dwr OP
113 posts
 
I have looked at the A-5, but maybe you or someone can explain the difference to me between the A-5 and the MCA-50. It sure appears to me that besides the 3 more balanced connections which would be the center and surround connections the 2 amps are the same amp. And at $700 less new I see the MCA-50 as a better deal. Maybe I am wrong on that but someone will have to show me what I would get for that extra $700.
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