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HELP me choose an AV reciever or processor please

I would really appreciate some input from some experts. I currently have a Sony 555ES reciever and it is time to upgrade my system. I also have a Phoenix Gold MX1260 amplifier.

My problem is I cant decide if I should buy an AV processor and pair it to the MX1260 or just purchase a new AV reciever. Currently I have been looking at the Sony 5400es I don't know which AV processor to get.

I really want something that can handle all of the HDMI 1.3 switching. I only want to run 1 cable to my TV. I also like the systems that are able to auto calibrate the speakers.

So should I be searching for an AV processor and pair it with the MX1260 or sell the MX1260 and just by an all in one reciever? Please help I've been racking my brain for a while now.
nsxxtreme
saki70
907 posts
 
Nsxxtreme ;
How many HDMI inputs do you need ?
larry_k1
3 posts
 
How about another direction as I'm in the same boat! The question is do I go with a pro/proc like those mentioned above with HDMI 1.3 built in, or go with a used higher end unit (thinking of MAC MX135, 120 or 136) with a separate HDMI 1.3 external switcher (get ‘true HD’, etc.)? Waiting for Oppo BDP 83 to be released, would that serve the same function as the switcher? I still want the best I can get for 2 ch sound as well. That is just as iportant. Thinking of MAC monoblock 501's for front and MC205 for the surr. Can spend 4-5k for the pre/pro. Thanks
srwooten's avatar
srwooten
694 posts
 
I love my Onkyo TX-NR905. Has Audyssey, great GUI, nice remote, really good sound, plenty of HDMI's, and decodes the new Blu-Ray HD audio formats. Nice to look at too.
johnnyb53
3,510 posts
 
02-10-09: Nsxxtreme
My budget is around $1k-2k for a reciever or processor.

...I have never really been a fan of Onkyo. Marantz and Denon are basically the same thing aren't they?
Onkyo has been leading the entire industry in HDMI switching, extraction, and processing. Their Integra DHC9.9 pre/pro is right in your budget. Japanese companies have a different business model than US ones. In pianos, Yamaha makes everything from a pressed wood mass-produced piece-o-crap to totally handbuilt concert grand pianos that equal and in some ways surpass Steinways.

It's the same with electronics. On one hand Onkyo makes home-theater-in-a-box products for under $1K, but on the other hand, they make some seriously good gear. Their A-9555 integrated amp is shockingly good for its going price; they offer a similar amp topology under the Integra name as a 7-channel power amp for $3K.

Finally, Denon and Marantz have been bought up (rescued) by the same holding company, but they are still distinct companies with their own R&D dep'ts and designs. Other audio companies in this group include Boston Acoustics and McIntosh.
larry_k1
3 posts
 
Thanks all. The question becomes am I sacrificing the quality of 2 channel sound by going with a medium (with latest HD switching) processor vs. a higher end processor with an external HD converter. Or at the end of the day will it come down to the quality of amps, interconnects, etc. and the processor is not a factor?
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