2. home-theater
  3. 168872-163578

Best combination of HT and sound

I currently have a Marantz 8000 series that I purchased decades ago. It has power supply problems now but I loved the musicality of this receiver. Needless to say, as a past audiophile, I am in the position to upgrade my system. Looking for either a good HT system that allows 4K pass through with a good phono preamp. I've seen the Denon 960 and 2700 but really looking for a good 7.1 amp and pre -amp combo. Currently using Paradigm speakers for surround. Will change this if the right speakers fit my profile. Want low profile speakers. Any and all suggestions and comments welcomed
dennis041992
mahler123
3,648 posts
 
Budget?
And are you looking for a processor/AVR only or speakers as well?
I am not an analog Audiophile but what kind of a phono preamp do you need-mm or mc?  Most AVRs in the 1k range are mm only.
And do you want Atmos?
elliottbnewcombjr
5,953 posts
 
recently learned about how to integrate a high quality ’front 2 channel audio system’ and an AVR Receiver

1. AVR needs Front Pre Outs (go to the higher quality 2 channel front system)

2. Front System needs HT BYPASS Input.

Music, front system only needed, high quality sound

Video: AVR sends front signals to front system's amp, uses AVR's amps for center and surround speakers.

Video: AVR controls all volume, including the front pre-outs, so volume balance after calibration is maintained
auxinput
2,921 posts
 
It's going to be a challenge to find a HT processor or receiver that includes a phono preamp.  This went out of style a long time ago.  You might find one or two items, but they may be extremely expensive.  For example, the McIntosh processors usually come with a "MM" moving magnet phono input.

Otherwise, if you do a hybrid system like elliotbnewcombjr described, you can definitely find a preamp that includes a phono input.
dbphd
1,633 posts
 
The Schiit Mani provides MM & MC and may be as good as what you’d find in most processors. It’s small enough to fit nearly anywhere, and at $129 not a lot to lose if you don’t like it.

I use a hybrid setup comprised of Ayre preamp and Bryston processor.  Both stereo and surround sound are excellent.
More to discover