Affordable Processor with Fabulous 2 Channel ?

@doctock993

For your needs it seems like the Classe Sigma SSP would be your best bet. It has excellent stereo performance and very good HT or multi-channels as well. Unless if you want to go different route by acquiring a separate dedicated high end stereo preamp and separate pre pro or even AVR. This would be ideal but can be more costly if you want the best of both worlds. Otherwise, the Classe Sigma SSP ($5k & $6k) will be way to go if you want a single box solution. But keep in mind that AV formats are constantly changing and evolving as stated clearly by Soix in the earlier post.

Don’t worry about the rca or single-ended outputs for center, surrounds and subwoofer channels on the Classe Sigma SSP. They are still very good single-ended designs. Unless if you’re running very long interconnects or if you have noise issues in around your home then otherwise good quality rca cables would do just fine. Try to keep all cables as short as possible and don’t skimp on cables.
But you still want to use XLR balanced cables for the front LR channels outputs on the Sigma SSP especially if your power amp is also fully balanced design.

@caphill,

Thanks for the info. You are correct regarding Atmos processing on the Sigma mkll. Not sure why I thought it didn’t.

$6k retail is definitely easier on the wallet than the $10k Lyngdorf but I’m more inclined to get the Lyngdorf based on their Room Perfect technology. I’ve heard and read so many great things about it. Classe’s 5 band PEQ does help but it can be quite daunting to setup properly and the Lyngdorf’s is pretty much plug and play. Fully balanced XLR outs are also useful for my application. I realize there’s no such thing a “future proof”, but this is the closes it gets for me IMO. 

But who knows when I’ll get around to it. Maybe when I finally decide to sell my Classe, but I realize that I’ve missed my window by a few years to recoup even 50% of my investment. 

I don't really care about Atmos. 5.1 is enough for me though! :) Maybe I'll check out the Bryston too. :) 

I just bought a Marantz 7703 processor.I own a mcintosh mx 119 and an Integra  80.3.The 7703 is every bit a good as the McIntosh  for 2 channel and was much better than the 80.3!  The Marantz is last years model but has the latest  features.Still can be had for 1500$Very solid buy!

@corvette01

The McIntosh MX119 is a very old processor and was based on Marantz older processor (can’t remember model # but I think it’s the AV8003 or even older). The McIntosh MX119 is pretty much very similar as an older Marantz processor with McIntosh faceplate on.

Even the newer McIntosh MX122 processor was based on the Marantz AV8802 processor.