New Receiver? Marantz SR-5005

Why not go with more B&K gear? I used to sell Marantz & B&K. Marantz was slightly ahead of Pioneer ELITE, since it was the same guts with modified audio circuits and nicer face plates. B&K sound quality beat them hands down. It was smoother and less brittle and fatiguing. Buy used, since the brand really takes a hit in the used market. Presents a great value though. Made in the USA too. If you are looking up then maybe something like McIntosh, but it's going to cost a lot more.

Thanks,
This is only the first step in my upgrade. Pre amp for 2 channel will come next. $'s will make it a slower process.

Have looked at B&K but it does not offer what I am looking for in my price range.

Using the ext dac my thinking is that only volume circuits will be in use during 2 ch. Is that correct? If so I would really like to get rid of the B&K but am concerned with sound quality. Will the medium priced OnkyoTX-NR709, Denon 3311, MARANTZ SR5005 be equal or better than the older B&K?
Other suggestions? Must have Audyssey eq xt, and at least 2 zones.
Thanks
Steve

You may see an improvement over what you have with the Marantz, but I doubt it is going to measure up to the B&K sound even with the MultEq.

It's always been a problem that the higher end lines lag the consumer grade gear in the latest connectivity, processing and features. There is usually a delay in the release of the technology or use of (licensing). They try to gauge what will be popular and keep the gear a bit less cluttered instead of loading it up with everything. Meridian would be a high end exception, because they are engineering their own products/processing to license. Their 800 series card based architecture was an attempt to future proof a piece of gear. Very expensive equipment though.

A baby step might be the new Anthem Receivers. Not sure who they are outsourcing, but it looks a bit like Pioneer from the back. They are dropping some features like S-video, so they can up the quality in other areas. Anthem Processors might also be worth a look used. They did offer some upgrade paths for future formats, so you may find something that suits your needs there. A Bryston processor would be worth a look since you have the Bryston amp. Going to be less features, but likely better sound. For sure good matching with your amp.

B&K is fairly unique in that they provide a product that bridges mid-fi to hi-fi gap. They will eventually get some of the features you are looking for but you will need to wait. I think in the future all of your content will reside in a cloud, so you can stream it where you want it. Keep that in mind.

We were a Gallo dealer from the beginning, and I run Gallo Ref MKII myself. Just FYI.