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Requesting Thoughts and Ideas

Have been off Audiogon for quite some time and need some help/suggestions on updating my home theater system. Over the last few months I have read everything possible on the newest options available for a pre-processor and blue ray player. At this moment this is my two areas that need immediate updates.

My current system:

Classe SSP 60 pre-processor
Nuforce Ref 8B amps
Sonus Faber Grand Piano Homes, Solo & Wall speakers
Samsung BDP 2550 Blu Ray Player
Dual Velodyne FSR 12 Subs
Sony 55 inch rear projection TV

System is 5.1 with no thoughts of adding any other speakers. Usage is 95% home theater.

Room is 16 X 16 that has been treated with GIK panels recommended by manufacturer.Room has an opening to the kitchen that will either be treated with heavy drapes or acoustical accordion doors.

The Classe pre processor has been a flawless unit but lacks HDMI as well the latest codecs, Audyssey XT 32 or similar room correction and 3D capabilities.

The upgrade on the Blu Ray player will probably be the new OPPO 103 at this point which seems like a no brainer.

So I need some help on defining the best options on the pre processor upgrade first and foremost. It is not in the budget to upgrade to the Classe SSP 800. From what I have read here are some affordable choices:

Integra 80.3 /Onkyo 5509
Marantz 7005 or latest with XT32
Denon 4311CI receiver
Anthem 700 series receiver

In any case will use the Nuforce amps to drive the system.Also contemplating either upgrading the amps to V3 status or moving in another direction like the 5 channel Butler amps since Sonus Faber speakers do well with tube amps.

Last upgrade will be to an 80 inch TV but not many choices at the moment.

Any help or suggestions will be appreciated.
hiflyer
hiflyer OP
99 posts
 
Thanks RW. I have followed much that you have said about this amp. The Nuforce amps tend to be a little dry and analytical and would like to add some warmth to the system.Did you get a chance to listen to it before purchasing or just take a chance?
vicdamone
850 posts
 
Personally, I would go with a new plasma display and 7.1 which would mean an updated processor.

No, your room isn't too small for 7.1.
airkitty
23 posts
 
Nice current system. I have been doing some very similar shopping but since I am a lousy typist here are a few thoughts to consider:
Oppo 95/105 and let the oppo decode the hi rez codecs and send the signals to your Classe via rca.
Marantz newest models do not have the XT32 room correction.
The integra/Dennon and Anthem are on my short list. I think I've decided on the anthem for one main reason, it gives you room correction up to 5,000 hz but you can limit the high frequency down as low as needed. I like my main speakers (carolina audio SM3) and do not feel compelled to eq them. My passive subs (Fried SM) need to be eqd and the anthem allows this to happen while letting my mains do their thing virtually unadulterated with eq. Nice.
zd542
5,339 posts
 
I'm not an expert with theater but can't you do HDMI outside of the processor somehow? Taking sound quality into consideration, moving from your Classe to one of the other choices you list will, most likely be a downgrade.
martykl
3,578 posts
 
A while back, I bought the Onkyo for use in a 2 channel system (music only) that includes subwoofers.

Before that purchase, I spent about a year auditioning the options:

Onkyo, Integra, and Denon pre-pros (XT32), as well as Marantz and Anthem (room correction, but not XT32) and several traditional high end models from McIntosh, Meridian and Classe, among others. I tried to find a 2 channel HK 990 for audition, but failed.

My take away was "Find the least expensive XT32 equipped model and call it a day." Hence, the Onkyo.

I know that others will disagree, but IMO, XT32 pretty much dominates the listening experience (in a stunningly good way) when there are subwoofers involved.

Caveat: If you're using analog sources, the equation may change.

Marty
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