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Affordable Processor with Fabulous 2 Channel ?

Gang,

I'm using my Mytek Brooklyn DAC as a pre for music and TV. It is fabulous sounding but I really would like to have 5.1 channel surround, and a single remote! 

Is there an affordable processor (used OK) that has at least as good 2 channel performance? Emotiva is right out. I owned one, and it sounded thin as paper. I note that there are a lot of Krell processors for sale at reasonable prices. 

Thoughts?

Erik
erik_squires
erik_squires OP
16,021 posts
 
I don't really care about Atmos. 5.1 is enough for me though! :) Maybe I'll check out the Bryston too. :) 

corvette01
99 posts
 
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!
caphill
673 posts
 
@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.
caphill
673 posts
 
@erik_squires 

Yes the Bryston SP3 will be a great choice if your priority is stereo listening. 
auxinput
2,920 posts
 

I really don't know if the older McIntosh processors were based on Marantz processors.  I would highly doubt this.  As far as the newer processors (MX122 or 8802 or 8801), they are completely different architectures.  For one, the Marantz does have individual boards that have discrete audio stages for each output channel.  It also has completely different power supply layouts.  McIntosh likes to use R-Core transformers and has different stages of power supply voltage regulation.  As far as I can tell, all McIntosh processors use op amp for analog stages.

If you hunt for pictures, you'll see that the internals are completely different between McIntosh and Marantz units.  It could be that the original firmware of McIntosh was based on a Marantz code.  I have no idea on this.

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