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The Rotel is now a bit outdated and gets mixed reviews overall, especially regarding durability, but they always had the reputation of being a good pairing with B&W speakers?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
Some great advice as usual on this forum, thanks everybody. So having dug around on eBay for a few days I’ve pulled the plug this time.............and bought the Technics unit! I went Marantz AV8805A, I’ll give some feedback after I receive it and get it setup. I’m sure I’ll be back with many more questions! |
@cavalier @cavalier Please share! Diversity of experience is important! After haveing a baby Theta processor I rapidly went through Emotiva and Onkyo before getting a prior generation Anthem processor which was audibly superb. Lacked even 4k bit fabulous audible performance. I thought a mew 4k receiver would integrate well with my stereo amp. Perhaps the Anthem processors are significantly better than the receivers, but I remain unsatisfied with the features of the room correction |
, I’m kidding......actually the Technics post brought back fond memories of my first hifi system and it was awesome (at the time)!