Seeking Advice for AV Processor/Preprocessor

[msetexas]

Hi

In my family room (I have a separate media room) I have B&W 803s r/l and B&W HTM71 S3 center. I do not have surround sound in this room. Currently I have a McIntosh MHT100 (I use optical in from fire cube and/or LG C8PUA TV and McIntosh 7106 currently in 3 amp mode (it is 6x100 or 3x300) bi-wired to the 3 speakers. The main use of this room is for watching tv (90% and 10% for music).

I want to swap to MHT 100 for a modern processor/preprocessor with HDMI audio. In a perfect world, I would have discreet 2 outputs each for r/l/c and switch the MC7106 to 6 channels (2 for each speaker bi-amped). I would really like to stay at $1500ish and was considering the Marantz Cinema 70s. My hope was that it could pass 2 outputs for l/r in pre-amplifier mode with amp assign setting to 5.1-channel (bi-amp connection for front speaker). However, my understanding it that the amp-assign does not change the pre-out assignment.

I could stick with the Cinema 70s option and Y the outputs to the MC7106 in 6 channel and bi-amp my speakers, or send 3 pre-outs to the MC7106 and continue to bi-wire my speakers, or look for a different processor. I am open to everyone's thoughts.

Thank you in advance for suggestions.

 

[90sNintendoKid]

I went for the Denon 3800H which is the cheapest Denon/Marantz AVR with pre outs and 4 independent subwoofer outputs and more importantly for me, Dirac ART.

I don’t use the internal amplification and I use it in pre amplifier mode with external amplification.

Have you thought about whether bi amping is required? Then you could use your Mcintosh amp in a 5.1 setup.

 

[msetexas]

Thank you 90sNintendoKid - bi amping isn't required; I'm just trying to make the most of what I have (and since i don't run a sub in that room, using the bi-amp or at least bi-wire feature of my 803s would/should allow a little bass correction). The Denon3800H is one that I've considered. Given that I'm really a 3.0 setup, I question the cost difference (1800+300divac) vs Onkyo rz50 (1000ish with divac). I know some have concerns over rz50 power issues but I'm only using is as a pre. I also wonder if I should venture into the world of used?

 

[Chrispy]

I'd not bother with the passive bi-amping in first place and perhaps just use your current gear. What advantage will hdmi give you particularly, though?

Not a user of Dirac but you might want to use this handy comparison of the two avrs you mention https://www.zkelectronics.com/compare/denon-avr-x3800h/onkyo-tx-rz50

 

[msetexas]

Thanks Chrispy - one problem I face is that I'm using FireCube as a source and plan to switch to Apple TV 4k, additionally, I have several other HDMI sources. The McIntosh MHT100 predates HDMI so effectively, it is just a DAC - it is set to a single source and processes from toslink (it does have coax). It doesn't handle video at all in this setup and I can't switch audio without moving cables. I'd like to be able to let the kids easily switch to games, use my SACD, etc.

Also, I could always put the jumpers back on the speakers and not passive bi-amp.

 

[Chrispy]

Thanks Chrispy - one problem I face is that I'm using FireCube as a source and plan to switch to Apple TV 4k, additionally, I have several other HDMI sources. The McIntosh MHT100 predates HDMI so effectively, it is just a DAC - it is set to a single source and processes from toslink (it does have coax). It doesn't handle video at all in this setup and I can't switch audio without moving cables. I'd like to be able to let the kids easily switch to games, use my SACD, etc.

Also, I could always put the jumpers back on the speakers and not passive bi-amp.

Yep, hard to beat the convenience of hdmi. Just curious what it was particularly. Good luck on your selection!

I don't find value in passive bi-amping myself

 

[peng]

The Denon3800H is one that I've considered. Given that I'm really a 3.0 setup, I question the cost difference (1800+300divac) vs Onkyo rz50 (1000ish with divac). I know some have concerns over rz50 power issues but I'm only using is as a pre. I also wonder if I should venture into the world of used?

If you can get the X3800H when it is on sale, it would be the most cost effective option, and it is far superior to the Cinema 70 unless you need the low profile feature. The two has has the same preamp/dac circuitry and parts used except the 3800 has more channels and features. Even a year ago it had been on sale for less than USD1,500 but for some reasons it has not been at the level this year so far. If that low sale price is back, it would be a good value even for two channel use, especially for those who want to use DLBC/ART.

 

[hwest]

Hi

In my family room (I have a separate media room) I have B&W 803s r/l and B&W HTM71 S3 center. I do not have surround sound in this room. Currently I have a McIntosh MHT100 (I use optical in from fire cube and/or LG C8PUA TV and McIntosh 7106 currently in 3 amp mode (it is 6x100 or 3x300) bi-wired to the 3 speakers. The main use of this room is for watching tv (90% and 10% for music).

I want to swap to MHT 100 for a modern processor/preprocessor with HDMI audio. In a perfect world, I would have discreet 2 outputs each for r/l/c and switch the MC7106 to 6 channels (2 for each speaker bi-amped). I would really like to stay at $1500ish and was considering the Marantz Cinema 70s. My hope was that it could pass 2 outputs for l/r in pre-amplifier mode with amp assign setting to 5.1-channel (bi-amp connection for front speaker). However, my understanding it that the amp-assign does not change the pre-out assignment.

I could stick with the Cinema 70s option and Y the outputs to the MC7106 in 6 channel and bi-amp my speakers, or send 3 pre-outs to the MC7106 and continue to bi-wire my speakers, or look for a different processor. I am open to everyone's thoughts.

Thank you in advance for suggestions.

Anthem, hands down if sound is important. That's one man's opinion, one man that has listened to hundreds of combinations with the big boxers, go demo one and listen for yourself.

 

[agathastacy]

The Cinema 70s is a solid option for your use case, but you’re correct the bi-amp amp-assign does not duplicate the pre-outs, so you won’t get discrete dual pre-outs for L/R/C. Personally, I’d skip the Y-splitters and continue using the MC7106 in 3x300 mode; with the 803s and HTM71 S3, the added headroom is more beneficial than passive bi-amping gains for mostly TV content. If you want true flexible pre-out routing and better processing, a used Marantz AV770x or Anthem AVM series may be the cleaner long-term move in your budget range.

 

[Chrispy]

The Cinema 70s is a solid option for your use case, but you’re correct the bi-amp amp-assign does not duplicate the pre-outs, so you won’t get discrete dual pre-outs for L/R/C. Personally, I’d skip the Y-splitters and continue using the MC7106 in 3x300 mode; with the 803s and HTM71 S3, the added headroom is more beneficial than passive bi-amping gains for mostly TV content. If you want true flexible pre-out routing and better processing, a used Marantz AV770x or Anthem AVM series may be the cleaner long-term move in your budget range.

Why would anyone want such pre-outs?