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  1. #1
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    Help Me Pick a Surround Pre-Amp/Processor

    So for 2021 I'll be looking to upgrade my Marantz AV8801. My TV and Oppo UDP-205 are 4K and would like to finish it off with a new AV Pre/Pro.

    I very happy with my Marantz AV8801 so I'm leaning on sticking with the Marantz brand but I could be swayed.

    The small list of contenders are the Marantz AV8806 (when it gets released) the Marantz AV7706 (it should sound and have better picture quality than my AV8801?) and finally the Yamaha AVENTAGE CX-A5200.

    Please feel free to recommend others. The AV8806 would be at top of my budget but would love to keep it below.
    Paul

    Speakers: Von Schweikert VR-5 Anniversary MK II Front L/R, LCR-35 Center, VR-1 Rear L/R Sub: JL Audio F113
    Amps: PS Audio BHK Signature 300 Mono, McIntosh MC207 Pre-Amp PS Audio BHK Signature and Gold Note PH-10 Phono Stage/PSU-10 Power Supply
    Turntable: VPI HR-X 12.7 TONEARM (2) and SDS, Stillpoints LPI
    Tape Deck Otari 5050B II2
    Music Server: Aurender N100H
    Cartridges: Ortofon Cadenza Black, Lyra Helikon Mono Digital Source: Oppo UDP-205 DAC: Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE
    SSP: Marantz AV8801 Cables: Wireworld Electra 7 (P) Wireworld Silver Eclipse 7, Shunyata Delta NR (I) Wireworld Silver Eclipse 7 (S)
    Wireworld Platinum Starlight 7 (USB)
    AC Power Regeneration: PS Audio DirectStream P15 Power Plant and Shunyata Denali 6000s V2.

  2. #2
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    Re: Help Me Pick a Surround Pre-Amp/Processor

    I've had my Monoprice Monolith HTP-1 for a couple of months now. Overall, i'd say it's at least as good sonically as any other pre-pro in the sub-$5k range. Its headline feature is Dirac Live, including the option to purchase multi-sub Bass Control. My personal opinion is that Dirac produces a better result than Audessy or Anthem Room Correction. It's built by ATI (designed too?), which lends some street credibility that what's inside is worthy. If you go in for measurements, the guys over at the forum that measure everything seem to think it performed pretty well for an AV device.

    Only issues I've had so far are software based, and mostly of the nitpicky variety, and Monoprice has done a nice job of rolling out firmware fixes almost monthly.

    Other possibility might be the upcoming Anthem AVM70,
    Jeff

    Main System
    Streamer/Server: Aurender N100H; Disc Player: Oppo UDP-205; DAC: Topping D90SE; Preamp: Wyred 4 Sound STP-SE Stage 2; Power Amp: ATI AT542NC; Speakers: Focal Sopra No. 3; Cables: Wireworld, Kimber, Cullin; Power: Ansuz Mainz8 X-TC, PS Audio Dectet, Furutech outlets

    Basement Media Room
    Streamer/Server: Aurender N100SC; Disc Player: Panasonic DB-UP9000; Surround Pre/Pro: Monoprice Monolith HTP-1; Power Amps: Apollon NC1200SL (custom 3-channel w/Sparkos SS2590 op amps), Apollon AS3600 6-channel; Speakers: Focal Kanta No. 3, Kanta Center, 300 ICW8 (x6); Subwoofer: Rythmik F18SE (x2); Cables: Wireworld, BlueJeans; Power: Torus RM20, Furman Elite 20PFi; Room Correction: Dirac Live w/ Bass Control; Video: Sony 77" A9G OLED

  3. #3
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    Re: Help Me Pick a Surround Pre-Amp/Processor

    Quote Originally Posted by 2FlyingYorkies View Post
    I've had my Monoprice Monolith HTP-1 for a couple of months now. Overall, i'd say it's at least as good sonically as any other pre-pro in the sub-$5k range. Its headline feature is Dirac Live, including the option to purchase multi-sub Bass Control. My personal opinion is that Dirac produces a better result than Audessy or Anthem Room Correction. It's built by ATI (designed too?), which lends some street credibility that what's inside is worthy. If you go in for measurements, the guys over at the forum that measure everything seem to think it performed pretty well for an AV device.

    Only issues I've had so far are software based, and mostly of the nitpicky variety, and Monoprice has done a nice job of rolling out firmware fixes almost monthly.

    Other possibility might be the upcoming Anthem AVM70,
    Thanks Jeff.... I’m a big fan of Monoprice. I’ve been purchasing from them for many years. I’ve always been hesitant to purchase anything electronic from them just because I never listened to any of their products. However the Monoprice Monolith HTP-1 has me interested. I see nothing but good reviews from purchasers.

    I’ll most definitely add the Monoprice Monolith HTP-1 to my list. My question is are there any dealers that carry the Monoprice Monolith HTP-1 or is it exclusively from Monoprice?
    Paul

    Speakers: Von Schweikert VR-5 Anniversary MK II Front L/R, LCR-35 Center, VR-1 Rear L/R Sub: JL Audio F113
    Amps: PS Audio BHK Signature 300 Mono, McIntosh MC207 Pre-Amp PS Audio BHK Signature and Gold Note PH-10 Phono Stage/PSU-10 Power Supply
    Turntable: VPI HR-X 12.7 TONEARM (2) and SDS, Stillpoints LPI
    Tape Deck Otari 5050B II2
    Music Server: Aurender N100H
    Cartridges: Ortofon Cadenza Black, Lyra Helikon Mono Digital Source: Oppo UDP-205 DAC: Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE
    SSP: Marantz AV8801 Cables: Wireworld Electra 7 (P) Wireworld Silver Eclipse 7, Shunyata Delta NR (I) Wireworld Silver Eclipse 7 (S)
    Wireworld Platinum Starlight 7 (USB)
    AC Power Regeneration: PS Audio DirectStream P15 Power Plant and Shunyata Denali 6000s V2.

  4. #4
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    Re: Help Me Pick a Surround Pre-Amp/Processor

    It’s exclusively direct from the Monoprice website. No auditions or dealers. That was my biggest apprehension about making the purchase, actually.
    Jeff

    Main System
    Streamer/Server: Aurender N100H; Disc Player: Oppo UDP-205; DAC: Topping D90SE; Preamp: Wyred 4 Sound STP-SE Stage 2; Power Amp: ATI AT542NC; Speakers: Focal Sopra No. 3; Cables: Wireworld, Kimber, Cullin; Power: Ansuz Mainz8 X-TC, PS Audio Dectet, Furutech outlets

    Basement Media Room
    Streamer/Server: Aurender N100SC; Disc Player: Panasonic DB-UP9000; Surround Pre/Pro: Monoprice Monolith HTP-1; Power Amps: Apollon NC1200SL (custom 3-channel w/Sparkos SS2590 op amps), Apollon AS3600 6-channel; Speakers: Focal Kanta No. 3, Kanta Center, 300 ICW8 (x6); Subwoofer: Rythmik F18SE (x2); Cables: Wireworld, BlueJeans; Power: Torus RM20, Furman Elite 20PFi; Room Correction: Dirac Live w/ Bass Control; Video: Sony 77" A9G OLED

  5. #5
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    Re: Help Me Pick a Surround Pre-Amp/Processor

    Thanks Jeff!
    Paul

    Speakers: Von Schweikert VR-5 Anniversary MK II Front L/R, LCR-35 Center, VR-1 Rear L/R Sub: JL Audio F113
    Amps: PS Audio BHK Signature 300 Mono, McIntosh MC207 Pre-Amp PS Audio BHK Signature and Gold Note PH-10 Phono Stage/PSU-10 Power Supply
    Turntable: VPI HR-X 12.7 TONEARM (2) and SDS, Stillpoints LPI
    Tape Deck Otari 5050B II2
    Music Server: Aurender N100H
    Cartridges: Ortofon Cadenza Black, Lyra Helikon Mono Digital Source: Oppo UDP-205 DAC: Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE
    SSP: Marantz AV8801 Cables: Wireworld Electra 7 (P) Wireworld Silver Eclipse 7, Shunyata Delta NR (I) Wireworld Silver Eclipse 7 (S)
    Wireworld Platinum Starlight 7 (USB)
    AC Power Regeneration: PS Audio DirectStream P15 Power Plant and Shunyata Denali 6000s V2.

  6. #6

    Re: Help Me Pick a Surround Pre-Amp/Processor

    What is the budget? I have AVM60 for a couple of years now and no complaint whatsoever.

  7. #7
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    Re: Help Me Pick a Surround Pre-Amp/Processor

    I’m very happy with mine:

    M17 V2 - NAD Electronics

    I have the NAD in the family room and the Trinnov in the Home Theater. The NAD is a great performer, better than the Marantz I previously had.
    My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481

    "We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."

    Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.

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  8. #8
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    Re: Help Me Pick a Surround Pre-Amp/Processor

    Quote Originally Posted by kzhtoo View Post
    What is the budget? I have AVM60 for a couple of years now and no complaint whatsoever.
    I would like to keep in around $4,000 or lower.
    Paul

    Speakers: Von Schweikert VR-5 Anniversary MK II Front L/R, LCR-35 Center, VR-1 Rear L/R Sub: JL Audio F113
    Amps: PS Audio BHK Signature 300 Mono, McIntosh MC207 Pre-Amp PS Audio BHK Signature and Gold Note PH-10 Phono Stage/PSU-10 Power Supply
    Turntable: VPI HR-X 12.7 TONEARM (2) and SDS, Stillpoints LPI
    Tape Deck Otari 5050B II2
    Music Server: Aurender N100H
    Cartridges: Ortofon Cadenza Black, Lyra Helikon Mono Digital Source: Oppo UDP-205 DAC: Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE
    SSP: Marantz AV8801 Cables: Wireworld Electra 7 (P) Wireworld Silver Eclipse 7, Shunyata Delta NR (I) Wireworld Silver Eclipse 7 (S)
    Wireworld Platinum Starlight 7 (USB)
    AC Power Regeneration: PS Audio DirectStream P15 Power Plant and Shunyata Denali 6000s V2.

  9. #9
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    Re: Help Me Pick a Surround Pre-Amp/Processor

    Quote Originally Posted by Mike View Post
    I’m very happy with mine:

    M17 V2 - NAD Electronics

    I have the NAD in the family room and the Trinnov in the Home Theater. The NAD is a great performer, better than the Marantz I previously had.
    Hi Mike...the NAD looks nice but is a bit over my budget.
    Paul

    Speakers: Von Schweikert VR-5 Anniversary MK II Front L/R, LCR-35 Center, VR-1 Rear L/R Sub: JL Audio F113
    Amps: PS Audio BHK Signature 300 Mono, McIntosh MC207 Pre-Amp PS Audio BHK Signature and Gold Note PH-10 Phono Stage/PSU-10 Power Supply
    Turntable: VPI HR-X 12.7 TONEARM (2) and SDS, Stillpoints LPI
    Tape Deck Otari 5050B II2
    Music Server: Aurender N100H
    Cartridges: Ortofon Cadenza Black, Lyra Helikon Mono Digital Source: Oppo UDP-205 DAC: Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE
    SSP: Marantz AV8801 Cables: Wireworld Electra 7 (P) Wireworld Silver Eclipse 7, Shunyata Delta NR (I) Wireworld Silver Eclipse 7 (S)
    Wireworld Platinum Starlight 7 (USB)
    AC Power Regeneration: PS Audio DirectStream P15 Power Plant and Shunyata Denali 6000s V2.

  10. #10
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    Re: Help Me Pick a Surround Pre-Amp/Processor

    Find a used Bryston SP3 with the 4K upgrade. I still have one and it works great for HT.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    Preamp/Digital: Meitner MA3
    HT Processor: Bryston SP3
    Amps: Bryston 14b3, Bryston 4b3
    Speakers: Kef Reference 5, Kef Reference 4c
    Sub: REL Carbon Special
    Power: Shunyata Denali, Bryston BIT15
    Wires: Wireworld Silver Eclipse XLR & SC, Ethernet - WW Platinum USB
    Other: Stillpoint Ultra SS, ISO-Acoustics ISO Pucks

    -Kyle

  11. #11
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    Re: Help Me Pick a Surround Pre-Amp/Processor

    Any info on 8806?
    I have have 8805. It's pretty good. I recommend.

  12. #12
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    Re: Help Me Pick a Surround Pre-Amp/Processor

    Yes, I'm very late to this post. I use a Denon AVR-X4700H as my Pre-Pro and feed it to the Outlaw 5000x 5CH amplifier. I also have 4 13" SVS subs.
    George
    -----------------------

    Aurender ACS10 Music Server > Holo Audio May KTE R2R Ladder DAC > Pass Labs XP-30 Preamp > Pass Labs XA160.5 Class A Mono Blocks > Martin Logan Renaissance ELS 15A Speakers

    Powered By 2X BPT 3.5 Signature Plus Ultra Isolators | Shunyata Research Hydra Triton + Typhon | Shunyata Hydra 2 Power Conditioner

  13. #13
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    Re: Help Me Pick a Surround Pre-Amp/Processor

    Whoops, old topic
    Last edited by Mechnutt; February 9, 2022 at 02:10 PM. Reason: old topic
    My Gear- Mains System-Pass X250 amp, BAT VK-51se preamp, Luxman DA-06 DAC, Magnepan 1.6's, Thorens TD-145 TT, Dual Martin Logan Subs, Vintage Luxman T-110 Tuner, Cables-WW Platinum 7 USB, Cardas Parsec XLR, AQ Columbia DBS 72v XLR, Belden 8402 XLR.

  14. #14
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    Re: Help Me Pick a Surround Pre-Amp/Processor

    What's next in processors?
    Maybe
    More first run in 2.1
    More robust streaming in 5G
    ?

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