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I am an avid vacuum tube music lover and own many different loudspeakers and electronics. Its time to develop a video system in the home. Please recommend some good processors and/or even receivers for a 5.1 system.
I was intrigued with the Sunfire Ultimate receiver but don't know the product very well and don't know if a receiver is a complete compromise or not. They generally are but the Sunfire looks very interesting. In regards to separates, how about Anthem, Myriad or others? Are there some user friendly electronic standouts worth considering without spending a small fortune. Any starting point suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your time.
John
Follow Ups:
The Naim AV2 is a processor/pre that may sound good. I haven't auditioned it, but it would be high on my list to check out. They are pretty serious about 2 channel audio.The Tact Audio TCS mk2 looks interesting as well, if you want to get into digital room correction.
Assuming this will be an "intergrated" system - best advice is to keep your
present analog preamp and route it thru an HT processor with a bypass switch. The Anthem AV20 is a very good place to start for giving you the best of both worlds. A good all around HT processor for both HT and 2 channel does not exist IMO - don't go down that road - Danger Will Robinson!
BTW - all of the Sunfire gear is highly overratted! YMMV as always. The link below is also a good place for info.
I have been on the same journey. Here are my suggestions, assuming of course that video switching is not important to you & your main interest is sound quality: buy a used Rotel processor, they are as "musical" as you are likely to find at the price point, plus on the used market they are dirt cheap, because the older ones don't have component switching or DTS-EX, etc. However, if you are looking for a 5.1 system as an add on to your current 2 channel system, a used processor becomes a cheap way to get into HT. You will need 3 more channels of amplification & extra speakers, plus setup can be a bit of a challenge, but you are using tubes right? So you are likely up to the task ;-)Myriad & Acurus processors have received good reviews, but I have not heard them. If you don't need the lastest or greatest, there is lots of prefectly good used stuff out there.
I just discounted the "reasonably priced" portion....
I consider my stereo system and music tastes audiophile. many would disagree. Never the less, back in the early 90's I purchased one of the 1st Dolby Pro systems for video. 3-4 years back, I was ready to try the newer decoders via a midpriced receiver route. Every piece of hardware that I brought home sucked...horrible sound! I tried almsot every popular brand.Disheartened, I simply hooked up my old dolby system, and was once again very pleased.
Well, about a year ago, I bought a huge hdtv - Hitachi Ultravision. Reluctanty, about a month back I decided to buy a Harman Kardon AVR235. I pre out from the 235 to amps for my fronts and sub. The 235 handles the surrounds and rears.
Long/short: The system is fabulous. If you are like me,e.g., mainly a stereo audiophile, but desiring a less than perfect/pricey home theater, try the 235. not only does it do a more that satisfactory job, it has so many features and capabilities to play with that it is worth its price for that alone! Perhaps in the years that have pased since I last tried out dsp's and decoders, all similarly priced systems from the various makers are as good. I know that the 235 is certainly worht a try given my above comments. I must confess that I liked it initially for its asthetics alone, then after looking at a few specs decided to try it. ---can be had for around 360 - 499.
note this: I am using diffrerent pairs for each location, plus a non-matching sub and center. gotta b fun. 235 allows easy xover settings, db and distance adjustments for each...e.g., all 8 speakers. and more.
Not sure how much you want to spend, but the Bryston SP1.7 Pre/Pro and 9BSST Amp would work nicely.
Consider the Outlaw 950 if you want a pre-amp/tuner combo.
NAD makes a very nice pre/amp processor (#163) which has gobs of features and is extremely user frindly. Sounds great as well.
Not bad with analog input, not good with digital input...
Antonio Melo Ribeiro
Try www.avsforum.com for lots of info.Kal
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