Results 1 to 11 of 11
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January 14, 2021, 01:01 PM #1
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 Preamp: 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
Cartridges: Ortofon Cadenza Black, Lyra Helikon Mono Digital Source: Oppo UDP-205 DAC: Bryston BDA-3 Music Server: Aurender N100H
SSP: Marantz AV8801 Cables: Wireworld Electra 7 (P) Wireworld Eclipse 7 (I) Wireworld Eclipse 6 and 7 Biwired (S) Wireworld Platinum Starlight 7 (USB) AC Power Regeneration: PS Audio DirectStream P15 Power Plant and Shunyata Denali 6000s V2.
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January 14, 2021, 03:02 PM #2
- Join Date
- Jun 2017
- Location
- Kansas
- Posts
- 135
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: PS Audio Directstream Jr; 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
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January 14, 2021, 03:46 PM #3
Re: Help Me Pick a Surround Pre-Amp/Processor
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 Preamp: 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
Cartridges: Ortofon Cadenza Black, Lyra Helikon Mono Digital Source: Oppo UDP-205 DAC: Bryston BDA-3 Music Server: Aurender N100H
SSP: Marantz AV8801 Cables: Wireworld Electra 7 (P) Wireworld Eclipse 7 (I) Wireworld Eclipse 6 and 7 Biwired (S) Wireworld Platinum Starlight 7 (USB) AC Power Regeneration: PS Audio DirectStream P15 Power Plant and Shunyata Denali 6000s V2.
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January 14, 2021, 04:05 PM #4
- Join Date
- Jun 2017
- Location
- Kansas
- Posts
- 135
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: PS Audio Directstream Jr; 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
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January 14, 2021, 04:19 PM #5
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 Preamp: 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
Cartridges: Ortofon Cadenza Black, Lyra Helikon Mono Digital Source: Oppo UDP-205 DAC: Bryston BDA-3 Music Server: Aurender N100H
SSP: Marantz AV8801 Cables: Wireworld Electra 7 (P) Wireworld Eclipse 7 (I) Wireworld Eclipse 6 and 7 Biwired (S) Wireworld Platinum Starlight 7 (USB) AC Power Regeneration: PS Audio DirectStream P15 Power Plant and Shunyata Denali 6000s V2.
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January 14, 2021, 06:39 PM #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.
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January 14, 2021, 06:47 PM #7
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, Audio Research, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Avantgarde Acoustics, Avid HiFi, Ayre Acoustics, Berkeley Audio Design, Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Chord, EMM Labs, Esoteric, FirstWatt, Focal Headphones, Furutech, Fyne Audio Loudspeakers, GigaFoil, Gryphon Audio, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Naim Audio, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, SimAudio, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, Vivid Audio Loudspeakers, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.
https://suncoastaudio.com/
Phone: 941-932-0282
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/
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January 14, 2021, 06:56 PM #8
Re: Help Me Pick a Surround Pre-Amp/Processor
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 Preamp: 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
Cartridges: Ortofon Cadenza Black, Lyra Helikon Mono Digital Source: Oppo UDP-205 DAC: Bryston BDA-3 Music Server: Aurender N100H
SSP: Marantz AV8801 Cables: Wireworld Electra 7 (P) Wireworld Eclipse 7 (I) Wireworld Eclipse 6 and 7 Biwired (S) Wireworld Platinum Starlight 7 (USB) AC Power Regeneration: PS Audio DirectStream P15 Power Plant and Shunyata Denali 6000s V2.
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January 14, 2021, 06:57 PM #9
Re: Help Me Pick a Surround Pre-Amp/Processor
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 Preamp: 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
Cartridges: Ortofon Cadenza Black, Lyra Helikon Mono Digital Source: Oppo UDP-205 DAC: Bryston BDA-3 Music Server: Aurender N100H
SSP: Marantz AV8801 Cables: Wireworld Electra 7 (P) Wireworld Eclipse 7 (I) Wireworld Eclipse 6 and 7 Biwired (S) Wireworld Platinum Starlight 7 (USB) AC Power Regeneration: PS Audio DirectStream P15 Power Plant and Shunyata Denali 6000s V2.
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January 14, 2021, 07:09 PM #10
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 TapatalkPreamp: EMM Labs PRE
HT Processor: Bryston SP3
Amps: Bryston 28b3s, Bryston 4b3, Bryston 9bsst2
Digital: EMM NS1, EMM DA2
Speakers: Kef Reference 5, Kef Reference 4c, Kef Ci200RR-THX (surround/back)
Subs: Two JL Audio F212v2
Power: PS Audio PS10, Bryston BIT15
Wires: Wireworld Silver Eclipse XLR & SC, Ethernet - WW Platinum USB
Other: Stillpoint Ultra SS, ISO-Acoustics ISO Pucks
Video: Oppo 203, LG 65inch OLED
-Kyle
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January 16, 2021, 02:21 AM #11
- Join Date
- Jun 2013
- Location
- Ontario Canada
- Posts
- 657
Re: Help Me Pick a Surround Pre-Amp/Processor
Any info on 8806?
I have have 8805. It's pretty good. I recommend.Set-up 7.2.6
Amp: Mark Levinson 533, 2- Parasound 52+
Video: JVC 990, Panasonic DB9000, StudioTek 130
Processor: Marantz 8805
Speakers: Wilson Alexia, Wilson Mezzo, 4 Wilson Watch, 6 Dynaudio 600 in-ceiling
Subs: 2 JL F113
Power: Torus Wam 100
Wires: Transparent Reference for the front three, the rest Audio Quest FLX/DB 16/4 In wall speaker cable
Other: Primacoustic -Max trap and Full trap, Vicoustic -Wavewood and Cinema rounds. IsoAcoustic GAIA 1
AudioShark - The Best High End Audio Discussion forum.
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The AudioShark forum was created for sharing the passion of high-end Audio. We have Audiophiles from all over the world participating and sharing their knowledge. From novice to experts, you will find a friendly environment for discussing about High End Audio, Stereo System, Home Theater System, Home Stereo System, Home Theater Installation, Amplifiers, Speakers, Subwoofers, Integrated System, Acoustic treatments & Digital Room Corrections and many more.
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Audioshark is a community of like minded individuals. Audioshark welcomes participation from all manufacturers and owners of all brands and products. It is our belief that online forums provide a community of like minded audiophiles and music lovers to encourage the growth of this wonderful hobby.
Sincerely,
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AudioShark forum is a leading forum site for High End Audio Discussion, Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater System Discussion, Best Home Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater Installation Discussion etc.
The AudioShark forum was created for sharing the passion of high-end Audio. We have Audiophiles from all over the world participating and sharing their knowledge. From novice to experts, you will find a friendly environment for discussing about High End Audio, Stereo System, Home Theater System, Home Stereo System, Home Theater Installation, Amplifiers, Speakers, Subwoofers, Integrated System, Acoustic treatments & Digital Room Corrections and many more.
At AudioShark, we also have incorporated an exciting Marketplace where members can peruse terrific buys on used gear, as well as meet dealers and discuss the purchase of new gear.
We are as crazy about this hobby as you are! So come on in and join us! Audioshark.org the Friendliest Audio Forum!
Industry Participation Disclosure : The owner and administrator of Audioshark is the owner of Suncoast Audio LLC in Sarasota Florida. Suncoast Audio has a full brick and mortar presence in Sarasota with several great show rooms with many world class brands. More information can be found at http://www.suncoastaudio.com
Audioshark is a community of like minded individuals. Audioshark welcomes participation from all manufacturers and owners of all brands and products. It is our belief that online forums provide a community of like minded audiophiles and music lovers to encourage the growth of this wonderful hobby.
Sincerely,
The Audioshark.org Team

+1
Funny pics