Cheap Pre-Pro vs Expensive AVR

[bromains]

Currently running a 7.2.4 Klipsch system off a denon 3600h. I actually use about 8/11 channels through separate amps. Because of this I was considering getting another amp and do Separates for my next setup.


Something like the BasX mc1 from emotiva. The thing is, because of my work I get discounts on a lot of AVRs from marantz denon and other brands. But it's not uncommon for me to be able to get a 40-60% off a product like Marantz Cinema 40, bringing them down to the 1000-2000 range depending on the product.

So I understand that separates are better, but I wasn't sure how a more expensive AVR would compare. Like if you can get a Processor and an amp around 1500-ish but you could also get a like usually $3000 AVR for the same price how it would rack up. I know theres other things to account for just wondering if anyone had any advice that would help lean in one direction over the other.

I guess if i were to keep it a more straightforward question with examples.

How does a $1000 Processor like MC1 from Emotiva Stack up agains the processing of an AVR 2-3x it's price like Marantz Cinema 40

[Fors*]

Originally Posted by bromains

Currently running a 7.2.4 Klipsch system off a denon 3600h. I actually use about 8/11 channels through separate amps. Because of this I was considering getting another amp and do Separates for my next setup.


Something like the BasX mc1 from emotiva. The thing is, because of my work I get discounts on a lot of AVRs from marantz denon and other brands. But it's not uncommon for me to be able to get a 40-60% off a product like Marantz Cinema 40, bringing them down to the 1000-2000 range depending on the product.

So I understand that separates are better, but I wasn't sure how a more expensive AVR would compare. Like if you can get a Processor and an amp around 1500-ish but you could also get a like usually $3000 AVR for the same price how it would rack up. I know theres other things to account for just wondering if anyone had any advice that would help lean in one direction over the other.

I guess if I were to keep it a more straightforward question with examples.

How does a $1000 Processor like MC1 from Emotiva Stack up agains the processing of an AVR 2-3x it's price like Marantz Cinema 40

IMO, when it comes to speakers, (in particular the front soundstage,) separates like a processor and external amps (monoblocks for that matter) are better. They would work a lot less to produce the type of sound your fronts and center are capable of with less "colorization".

However, you should also consider how power hungry your speakers actually are as well. If they don't need a lot of power, an AVR like the Cinema 40 could very well get the job done.

I use an AVR (Denon 3800) as a processor, but have 3 monoblock amplifiers to power my front soundstage.....resulting in my AVR to easily handle only the surround and Atmos duties.

[bhampton]

too long didn't read version- I have inexpensive separates and no desire to ever upgrade.

I had many Denon AVRs as I would upgrade them often for some feature like HDMI or ATMOS. They were still mostly entry level models.

I decided to try Seperates and got a used Marantz AV7702mkII. This is an outdated processor but because it does ATMOS ... I don't feel like it's missing anything.

I was planning on waiting to get the AMP portion of the seutp but someone pointed out a great 16 channel amp was going very cheap on Ebay and I rolled the dice for about $300.

https://kahlaudio.com/product/crestr...wer-3900-msrp/

Using the balanced outputs from the Marantz processor I can bridge the AMP without modifications and so I have the front 3 speakers bridged and the subs use internal amps. I have a 7.2.4 setup.

I could get a newer processor.... I bet there are features now that are compelling for the newer ones but I'm happy with my setup and I haven't thought of upgrading lately.