2018 Preamp-Processors

[Scott Y.]

What 11+ channel preamp-processors are expected to be released in 2018?

Any clues on when they will be announced?

January 2018, I'm converting my space from 7.1 to 7.1.4, changing the cubic footage from 6590+ down to 2850.

 

[Hetfield]

The Outlaw Model 976 was just released. It looks like a very nice processor.

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[Hetfield]

What 11+ channel preamp-processors are expected to be released in 2018?

Any clues on when they will be announced?

January 2018, I'm converting my space from 7.1 to 7.1.4, changing the cubic footage from 6590+ down to 2850.

Oh scrap that, it's not Atmos or DTS-X, sorry.

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[Verdinut]

Hetfield,

I agree with you. I don't think Outlaw made a good decision in not including some important audio features.

OK, Atmos is not that popular but having left out some DTS processing software won't help sales and the product as used may be harder to sell as well.

Marantz have just released the AV8802 Preamp/Processor, a 11.2ch unit. It's not cheap at $4000, but I am sure it would meet any serious A/V demand.
There's a preview on it:
http://www.audioholics.com/av-preamp-processor-reviews/marantz-av8802-preamplifier

 

[Scott Y.]

I'm putting in 8 surround speakers, four in-ceiling so I want to use all 11 channels at some point. I considered Receivers but I'm not going to use a Receiver's amps for the LCR so I'm looking at other power options for the surrounds and height speakers.

 

[Hetfield]

Hetfield,

I agree with you. I don't think Outlaw made a good decision in not including some important audio features.

OK, Atmos is not that popular but having left out some DTS processing software won't help sales and the product as used may be harder to sell as well.

Marantz have just released the AV8802 Preamp/Processor, a 11.2ch unit. It's not cheap at $4000, but I am sure it would meet any serious A/V demand.
There's a preview on it:
http://www.audioholics.com/av-preamp-processor-reviews/marantz-av8802-preamplifier

They did that on purpose actually for people that don't want Atmos and don't want to pay for it. They have another processor coming out later this year with DTS-X and Atmos.

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[lovinthehd]

I'm putting in 8 surround speakers, four in-ceiling so I want to use all 11 channels at some point. I considered Receivers but I'm not going to use a Receiver's amps for the LCR so I'm looking at other power options for the surrounds and height speakers.

I'd just get an appropriate avr with pre-outs and use external amps as needed for LCR or other channels...more cost effective than a pre-pro and amps for every channel, the avr for surrounds should be fine.

 

[PENG]

I'm putting in 8 surround speakers, four in-ceiling so I want to use all 11 channels at some point. I considered Receivers but I'm not going to use a Receiver's amps for the LCR so I'm looking at other power options for the surrounds and height speakers.

I understand your point but can also see where HD's coming from. The fact is, in you new smaller space, something like the upcoming AVR-X8500H or the SR-8012 that is already available can easily do the job and if you still can add external amps using the pre-outs if you want to. I have the Marantz AV8801 that has been trouble free to 4-6 years now, but wish I had gone with an AVR, that is much easier and cost effective to upgrade. So my next upgrade will likely be a "downgrade" to an AVR, but still use my external amps.

Since you don't want to consider AVR, I would say the best option would be the new Marantz SR8805 that should be out soon. Or as Verdinut mentioned, if the AV8802a has all the features you need, it will be just as good as the 8805 in terms of sounding quality related features and you should be able to get one for <$3000 (probably much less) in a few months if not sooner. Anthem makes some nice ones but you would end up paying more for less.

 

[Scott Y.]

My original plan was to just buy a receiver. Too bad something like the Anthem MRX720 doesn’t provide both preamp out and amplifier inputs. That would allow me to use all 7 amps for my surround speakers. I also considered the MRX 1120 but their surround amps aren’t as powerful as the LCR amps. If you’ve seen the test reports on just about all of the receivers out there, you know their output power specs with all channels driven are not even published.

So, I guess I’m going to wait a few months and see what’s coming out. I know it’s somewhat futile to chase features but it seems like the next wave of releases is about to start.

 

[lovinthehd]

My original plan was to just buy a receiver. Too bad something like the Anthem MRX720 doesn’t provide both preamp out and amplifier inputs. That would allow me to use all 7 amps for my surround speakers. I also considered the MRX 1120 but their surround amps aren’t as powerful as the LCR amps. If you’ve seen the test reports on just about all of the receivers out there, you know their output power specs with all channels driven are not even published.

So, I guess I’m going to wait a few months and see what’s coming out. I know it’s somewhat futile to chase features but it seems like the next wave of releases is about to start.

What do you need amp inputs for?

 

[Scott Y.]

If it had amp inputs, I could use the LCR amps as surround amps.

That's leaves one surround channel that I could cover with my external amps.

 

[lovinthehd]

If it had amp inputs, I could use the LCR amps as surround amps.

That's leaves one surround channel that I could cover with my external amps.

I'm still not understanding how that would work, since generally the amp inputs are for an external pre-amp/source directly to the amp section, bypassing processing in the avr. It would simply need sufficient pre-outs for your external amps....or I'm thick this morning

 

[Scott Y.]

Back a long time ago, some receivers had this feature.

My goal is a 7.1.4 system. I actually have three subs controlled by a MiniDSP.

I’ve got 3 external basic amps, I use one for LR front, one for center, one for a passive subwoofer. 2 channels are unused.

The MRX 720 has 11 preamp outputs and 7 amplifier outputs. However, without the feature I’m talking about, or internal routing control, it won’t let me use all 7 amps as surround amps.

 

[Hetfield]

I'll try you want I'm pretty down on the state of the amp sections of receivers today with the exception of Anthem. NAD too but Anthem really impresses me. You pay for it, but it's a hell of a receiver.

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[Scott Y.]

Here’s the Anthem 1120 test measurements from SoundAndVision.

Seven channels driven continuously into 8-ohm loads:
0.1% distortion at 69.6 watts – Front Left
1% distortion at 77.5 watts – Front Left
0.1% distortion at 36.8 watts – Surround Back Left
1% distortion at 51.7 watts – Surround Back Left
Read more at
https://www.soundandvision.com/content/anthem-mrx-1120-av-receiver-review-test-bench

 

[Verdinut]

Here’s the Anthem 1120 test measurements from SoundAndVision.

Seven channels driven continuously into 8-ohm loads:
0.1% distortion at 69.6 watts – Front Left
1% distortion at 77.5 watts – Front Left
0.1% distortion at 36.8 watts – Surround Back Left
1% distortion at 51.7 watts – Surround Back Left
Read more at
https://www.soundandvision.com/content/anthem-mrx-1120-av-receiver-review-test-bench

A Marantz SR6000 Series AVR will output more power than that with all channels driven, with less distortion, for a lower price.

 

[lovinthehd]

Back a long time ago, some receivers had this feature.

My goal is a 7.1.4 system. I actually have three subs controlled by a MiniDSP.

I’ve got 3 external basic amps, I use one for LR front, one for center, one for a passive subwoofer. 2 channels are unused.

The MRX 720 has 11 preamp outputs and 7 amplifier outputs. However, without the feature I’m talking about, or internal routing control, it won’t let me use all 7 amps as surround amps.

I have a couple Denon avrs with fairly extensive amp assign (but not Atmos/DTSx units, altho one is an 11ch processor) as well as the amp in ports. I think I've seen some of the newer Denons don't have the same extent of amp assign options for mains vs surrounds, tho.

I still don't see how amp inputs would help you without another processor behind it, tho.

Anthem amp power on that 1120 isn't very impressive for the price....

 

[PENG]

Bench tests data consistently show Denon and Marantz AVRs performed better in 2, 5, and 7 channel driven output than Anthem's.

OP seems set on AVP, and if he wants the latest features such as HDMI 2.1, he should wait a few months for the 2018 models.

 

[PENG]

Here’s the Anthem 1120 test measurements from SoundAndVision.

Seven channels driven continuously into 8-ohm loads:
0.1% distortion at 69.6 watts – Front Left
1% distortion at 77.5 watts – Front Left
0.1% distortion at 36.8 watts – Surround Back Left
1% distortion at 51.7 watts – Surround Back Left
Read more at
https://www.soundandvision.com/content/anthem-mrx-1120-av-receiver-review-test-bench

As I said, you would pay more for less. It is all about economy of scale.

 

[Ras777]

Scott, I am putting in 4 ceiling speakers myself 7.1 to 7.1.4. I to have a separate amp for my LCR so I am considering the Marantz SR7012. It has an 11 channel processor but only 9 amps. I was told that you can amp assign the surrounds on the 7012. I would imagine that the 7012 would give you plenty of power in that size room not to mention at $2200 it's a lot cheaper than a Pre/Pro.