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Component recommendations: best bang for buck.

Hello all. My first post for had very little traffic so I figure I try again. I plan on getting a pair of Martin Logans classics down the line. For now I’m looking for recommendations on the best set up for my budget of around 10-15K. My preference: HT and Audio is about 40%/60% respectively. Looking for a scalable system for future upgrades and future home/space addition. My current space is an open concept that measures about 45’x35’, 10 foot ceilings and hardwood floors with area rugsx3.

From my research, mostly reading reviews, I’ve narrowed it down to starting place:

Marantz 8802
McIntosh integrated amp: MA 8900 OR 9000

No specific brand loyalties, however I’ve read that the McIntosh equipment maintains its resale value. Open to suggestions for new or used items and going with separates as well.  Located in Oakland. Thanks very much.
128x128redphu72
avlee
84 posts
 
I think the toughest part of all this is that you’ll find that the world
of surround processors is littered with compromises.  For instance, the Classe sigma SSP won’t include a 12V trigger...which might be a deal breaker. The McIntosh MX160 doesn’t have an HDMI 2.0b compliant chipset so you can never get HDR10 or DolbyHDR. The MX122 is literally a Marantz 8802 with some mods. The 8802/Anthem AVM 60s are probably the most solid choices, as in full of features, but the AVM lacks aes digital connectors and the Marantz has an Fm tuner I didn’t care for. The Krell system has a trigger and 2.0b chipset, but doesn’t have a USB port!

it kind of goes on and on. It’s super frustrating. 

Auxinput has a point about the loss of the newer codecs if you bypass the processor to go to the TV. It’s all about compromises, I guess. What can you live with?
redphu72's avatar
redphu72 OP
78 posts
 
Hey guys, can't thank you enough for guiding me through all this mucky muck.  Lots of good info that I need to digest and my head is spinning.  On top of that, I'm trying to get a Sprinter van so I can set up shop for near season of track day/racing.  At this point, I believe I'm going to choose either the Krell or Marantz.  With the Marantz, isn't it more a receiver where theres an amp to drive the center and rear speakers for HT and then I'd just need a 2 channel amp to do the R/L for the audio?  If this is the case, would you recommend the MC402 (only because it's available).
auxinput
2,920 posts
 

The Marantz 8802A is NOT a receiver.  It is an HT processor (as I have said earlier).  This means it requires an external amplifier for every speaker you want to connect.

There are Marantz AVR receivers that do have amplifiers built in, such as the SR7012.  While these are okay, they are not going to have the sound quality of the 8802A processor.  They will also not have balanced XLR outputs (which are better than RCA outputs).

The MC402 is a 2-channel amplifier. Just keep that in mind.

redphu72's avatar
redphu72 OP
78 posts
 
Could you tell me what I may be missing out on if In chose the Krell over the marantz; basically what would you choose from the classifieds and retail if you were in my position.  I'm only asking as there is a sale for a combo Krell Foundation and Krell Chorus 7200. 
auxinput
2,920 posts
 

My own preferences are probably different from yours.  I care mainly about sound quality.  I do not care about 4K.  I do not care about Dolby Atmos / DTS:X.  I do not care about room correction (I did not like Dirac room correction when I tested it).  After testing several HT Processors,  I went with a Krell S1200U 3D, which was the best quality sound for my tastes.  As I said, the power supply is somewhat undersized at 13,200uf for the analog section (4 x 3300uf).  I soldered in another 2 x 15,000uf to these sections.  This gave me much more fully and powerful bass, fuller midrange and less brightness/leanness.  The Krell Foundation may not have this problem because it only uses op amps.  The discrete Class A analog circuits of the S1200 are very demanding on the power supply current.

The Krell Foundation would be missing these features compared to the Marantz 8802a.  They are what I call "bells and whistles" features:

- 11.1 channels output (Krell only has 7.1 channels)

- Dolby Atmos surround decoding (not required for 5.1 channels)

- DTS:X surround decoding (not required for 5.1 channels)

- Auro-3D decoding upgrade

- Bluetooth and wireless networking, for DLNA and streaming audio, including Apple Airplay, internet radio, Spotify, Pandora, SiriusXM.

- 4K video processing and upscaling (Krell just passes through video)


For my own personal preferences, I like the high resolution, high detailed, high impact sound for both music and home theater, so I would be choosing the Krell Foundation for myself if I was in your shoes.  I think that MC303 is an awesome choice for your future and I think it would match well with the Krell Foundation.  For the surround channels, it looks like there is a McIntosh MC152 on audiogon for $3k.  I understand if you didn't want to spend this much right now for surround amp.  You don't have to.  For example, you could throw in something like a low cost Parasound A23 for around $650 for now.

There are other people who like a very laid back warm sound (they don't like the "in your face" detail and impact of the Krell sound).  In these situations, the Marantz 8802a would be a better choice for them.  It's all about personal preference.

On the AV Receive discussion.  You could go ahead and get a Marantz SR7012 AV receiver for about $2k or an Anthem MRX 720 for $2500.  This would save you money in the end because you would only need to get an external 2-channel preamp+amplifier or integrated amplifier for your music.  The 40% of your home theater listening would not be as good.  It depends on how much you really want to invest.

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