Good Processor

I use the Onkyo PR-SC5509 ( same as Integra 80.3) with Audessey pro ( we sell this) with Pass labs X250.5 ( other channels Primare Poweramp) and the results are stunning. It is extreemly holographic. I owned the Meridian 800DAXV4 and sold Meridian as well. The problem is that old technique is bettered by new technique. Meridian can play 3d, but it is not his strongest property. Integra has depth like the better highend has. Marantz, Denon, NAD, Cambridge are all 2 dimensional products. This means that there is almost no depth image. 2 dimensional audio I call STANDARD AUDIO. Integra uses new 32 bit burr brown dacs. And the video section is 12 bit and very nice. I would never go for old technique. Surround without professional roomcorrection is always asking for problems and acoustic flaws. With Audessey pro yo become a very balanced sound. A few years ago I owned the Pass XA100.5 and XP20. Now I have a better focussed image. in recordings voices are better separated than with the XP-20. I never heard surround this good.

I tested many hdmi cables with eachother. Audioquest Diamond is by far the best I ever heard. With a source in stereo it is even stunning. These days high quality cables are more important than ever. Depth will increase a lot wenn you use a processor what can give this like the Integra does. Difference between Audessey XT32 and Audessey Pro is huge. Dynamics are superior, focus is a lot sharper. I play 4 metres behind the speakers, more than 1 metre beside the speakers. And many recordings some instruments play even in front of the speaker. Audessey pro gives you also the tightest and best ballanced sound for your subwoofer. Without you never get this level. These days you even can use a very fast subwoofer to 120hz. This makes voices and instruments better focussed, even in stereo.

My only issue is that I am using some very revealing speakers, Merlin VSM which I intend to keep, and fear lesser quality electronics will stick out. From reviews I have read comparing cary, integra, lexicon even the older higher end units sound better than newer mass processors. HD codecs can output from bluray so that's not an issue. Video will go directly to projector so I don't necessarily need video processing. Considered cary 11a until read the negative reviews on avs forums. So lexicon 12? What series? Older theta Casablanca? Bryston? Budget ~2000 used. Thx.

you write

HD codecs can output from bluray so that's not an issue.

I don't understand your point.
So for a 7.1 system... you would need 7 high quality 1 meter interconnects.
That is not an issue?

And you won't have base management. (per Kr4) and that is not an issue?

If you don't care about the HD codecs...I could understand... For example... you want to run standard Dolby from your cable provider and rarely punch in a bluray.

I see these processors as computers (and just like PCs.. the life cycle is now closer to 5 years then new every 2) we are just now coming to the point where the technology improvements (room correction and high res formats) has slowed to the point where budget minded audiophiles > videophiles can enter and expect the value to last a bit.

I am into Blu-rays with the HD codecs. I use an oppo BDP-103; that has both digital and analog outs. The Oppo can also decode all latest Codecs.

Recently I purchased both a Marantz AV8801 and a pre-owned Lexicon MC12Bv5 with room EQ.

I compared the Marantz with HDMI from the Oppo (letting the Marantz decode HD audio) against the Lexicon using analog outs from the Oppo (letting the Oppo decode HD audio) into the Lexicon's 5.1 analog input.

To me the Lexicon is noticeably better. For what its worth; I was hoping that I would like the Marantz more due to it being newer with a warranty, and, the simplicity of single HDMI hook-ups. Also, the Marantz will display the audio format in nice big font.

The Lexicon sounds clearer than the Marantz and the musical notes (that exist all throughout movies) seem to float in the air. The Marantz sounds good, but, not near as good as the Lexicon. I am returning the Marantz. It is all about the sound. Amazing.. Considering the Lexicon is 10 years old.

David