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Suggestions for replacement for my old Nuforce AVP-18 surround sound processor

Not really up on the surround sound processor market at all as I concentrate on my two channel rig.
But this is the HT system in the family room which the wife uses 96% of the time.
I bought the Nuforce AVP-18 and matching 8 channel 150w class d amp brand new a few years back and they have performed flawlessly and still do.
Running 7.1 setup and do not intend to change the speakers or power amp.
The only reason looking at upgrading the processor is that there are some newer formats it does not decode like Atmos etc. Email reply from Nuforce reveals they have no intention of ever upgrading the avp18 software any further so no further advancement can be made to it.

So whats out there?

Watch a mix of dvd/bluray from an Oppo 105d and the rest is streaming via netflix or Roku.
Tv is a 4k HD model.
Presently the Oppo is fed into the avp via HDMI and goes out to TV for picture/sound via HDMI.
All I should need are the regular RCA Analog outputs for the 7.1 to go to the power amp and two toslink inputs for a couple other devices as well as the usual HDMI IN/OUTS.

Processor only , not looking for a full on receiver.
Budget $1500 to $2000
Thank you and stay safe
128x128uberwaltz
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz OP
13,381 posts
 
A Krell Foundation might fit the bill, couple on eBay right now.
auxinput
2,920 posts
 
Sorry you have to look to the more expensive Krell Foundation.  Just keep in mind there are two potential models.  There is the original version, which only supports HDMI 1.4, and the "4K UHD" version.  A lot of times the original version sells for much less, but can be upgraded by Krell.
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz OP
13,381 posts
 
You get what you pay for most times.

I did see that on the Krell for HDMI, the one I am watching supports 4k.

However at this price the Anthem avm60 is still a very worthy contender and in black it did not get a thumbs down from the better half so still have options.
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz OP
13,381 posts
 
I have been looking at this Classe item as well but know nothing about it, anybody?

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisa3aed-classe-audio-sigma-ssp-surround-sound-processor-processors
auxinput
2,920 posts
 
I keep forgetting about that processor, mostly because it only has balanced XLR outputs for left/right, but since you are only going to use RCA interconnects to your amp, it shouldn't matter to you.  The Sigma SSP uses the same audio stages as the previous SSP-800 (which is a fully balanced design).  The Sigma is only 3-3/4" high, which is excellent for you.  However, the Sigma SSP also had two versions just like Krell Foundation.  The original only supports HDMI 1.4 and 1080p.  The newer "mkii" version will support HDMI 2.0 and 4K UHD and some limited Atmos decoding.  Here's a "mkii" version for a little more at $2799:

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisa4f8g-classe-sigma-ssp-mkii-7-1-channel-home-theater-processor-...

That being said, the Sigma SSP uses switching power supply for everything.  Since your AVP-18 also uses switching power supply, it's probably not a big deal for you.  The Sigma SSP will still be a significant upgrade from your AVP-18 in all areas.

I think the Krell Foundation will still have better sound quality.  One of the things I really like about the Krell design approach is that they use linear power supplies for everything, including both digital control circuits and DAC VREF power supply.  Most processors will use a linear power supply for analog sections, but still use switching power supply for digital sections.  I think the Foundation is going to sound smoother, fully and more natural than the Sigma SSP, but it's going to be $1700 more, lol.  The Sigma SSP will still be a huge improvement over your AVP-18, though.  I guess it depends how much you really want to spend, lol.
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