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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
 
One other thing to note: the Krell Foundation does not support HDR. It’s stuck at HDMI 2.0a, not 2.0b. There will be no upgrade to push it to 2.0b. Apparently Krell will release a new, larger system in 12-18 months. 

If you have a new TV with HDR, then I recommend finding a system with 2.0b. The NAD M17 supports that, with the 4k board. 
redphu72's avatar
redphu72 OP
78 posts
 
Avlee, thanks for the heads up. I’ll look into the NAD.  Any thoughts on the Arcam processor or receiver?
auxinput
2,920 posts
 

I would say that it is up to you on whether HDR is more important or if sonic signature / sound quality is more important.  These are definitely factors that will affect your decision.

I did take a quick look at NAD.  They have a good "generic platform" for keeping current via upgrade cards.  Based on what I have read, the NAD sonic signature is on the warm side, like Marantz.

Here's a post I made back in April with more detailed information on the Marantz 8802a:

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/help-w-preamp/post?postid=1411370#1411370

I haven't heard the Arcam.  Based on what I've read, it's a very good option for just about the best AVR you can get (though very expensive).  Are you looking at the ones listed on ebay?

redphu72's avatar
redphu72 OP
78 posts
 
One of the vendors contacted me and is recommending the Arcam AVR 850 as being far superior than anything out there, including the Krell Foundation. And it so happens that there are two available on eBay, however I did notice that it supports HDMI 2.0a and not 2.0b.  BTW what are your thoughts on Macintosh MC303 to power the L/R/C channels.
auxinput
2,920 posts
 

I would be very careful about listening to vendor opinions.  They do sometimes have their own agenda and they also do not necessarily know exactly what they are talking about.

It is possible that the Arcam may be better than the Krell.  I would hesitate to believe that because the Arcam is an AVR (with built in amplifiers).  It also does not have balanced XLR outputs.  I will believe that the Arcam sounds very good, however.

The cost of Arcam AVR is very close to cost of Krell Foundation.  The economy of scale tells me that better components would be used in the Krell (krell does not have any internal amplifiers).

I don't know the "sonic signature" of the Arcam, so I can't comment on how it would match up with MC303.  I do think that the Marantz would be too warm/slow for the MC303, but that might be what you want.

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