Are there really any high end pre/processors at a


I am playing with HT and have been into 2 channel for many years. I finally find a 5 channel amp that I can stand listening to but I am back to what has stopped me from setting up 5 channel; the crappy sounding processors.

I have tried several older processor (Lexicon MC12, Cary Cinema 11, Parasound P2 ECT) via analogue out to my Cambridge 751 and although interesting certainly not close to a really good preamp. I did try a newer Onkyo and I will leave the model number out because it was the worst sounding but I did get to try direct HDMI connection with that unit.

To clarify I do use very high end signal cables when going analogue so it is not the cabling. My HDMI cables are also very high end so again not the problem. I am using about $40K worth of very good speakers so let's eliminate them. For me it comes back to the processor. I really do not want to spend huge money on a processor because next week it will be worth nothing with technology so one thought was the Marantz 7005 but I am real open to any suggestions.
liveaudio
Ahh tell us which onkyo -dont be shy. This is not a magazine you can be honest
there are several pro/pros from a few years ago that are very highly regarded for audio performance - theses were in the 'cost no object' price bracket, but now can be had for a fraction of their new prices.

amoung those often cited for exemplary audio performance are Theta Casablanca, Proceed AVP2, Meridian 861 and 568, EAD, and Krell. of these, i've personally owned the Theta Casablanca, Proceed AVP2 and Meridian 568. to my ears, there was no comparison - the Theta Casablanca was hands down the best for audio. great sound steering for theater, and very near the equal of a dedicated 2 channel preamp for audio.

like the previous post, i've also gone back to using a dedicated 2 channel preamp and HT bypass for the processor, but if i was looking for a single box solution, the theta casablanca was the best i found.
My theory is "Why compromise on 2-channel if you don't have to?" Its worked well for me as I'm in 2-channel 90% of the time.
I've had the 180 degree opposite experience. I found the audio performance of my HT system so compelling that I ditched my ARC and Joule preamps in favor of an Onkyo pre-pro and switched from highly regarded full range audiophile speakers to a set-up that uses Ohm 100s (sometimes MMGs) with a pair of Rythmik subs.

I'm not going back any time soon, but I know that for other folks...YMMV.

Marty

PS The Onkyo features Audyssey XT32 Pro and I suspect that this software is a major factor in my satisfaction with the system's performance.