Looking for best 3.1 Channel Pre-Pro recommendation

[Shimei]

Hello,

I am looking for a pre-pro that utilizes a 3.1 channel system. I spend half my time viewing movies and other half listening to audio in 3.1 channels. XLR is a must. I could buy something along the lines of the Marantz AV8805 but that'll be a lot of channels I won't be utilizing. Was checking in to see what others might think. Budget will be under 4 grand. I don't know if there's a product that offers less channels but utilizes the best "chips" in the flagship models that might save me some cash? Or maybe less channels but better fidelity? I'm looking for excellent sound in 3.1 channel. The unit needs to have XLR outputs and also RCA outputs for subwoofer. Room correction would be really nice. But most of all I'd like something that properly operates my Sony 65A8G OLED.

Additional Info: I stream from Amazon Music HD.
System consists of
Sony 65A8G
Sony 4k BlueRay X700
Parasound Halo A31 Amp
Tekton Design Ulfberhts L+C+R
Subwoofer Tekton Design 4-10

Any suggestions are appreciated! Looking to be edumucated!

 

[Leemix]

If you are looking for new with XLR you are looking at a lot of channels processed you wont use, i have never seen a 3.1 only.
Marantz 7705 or 8805 and i think one or possibly 2 Yamaha processors have XLR outputs. There are other smaller brands also in the same price bracket.
I use an 8805 with the parasound a31 (and an older 2ch parasound for surrounds) in a 5.1 system and unless watching a blu-ray or streaming a couple of shows i rarely turn on the surround channels amp so most of my use is just 3.1 (well, the .1 is 4 but doesnt matter)


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[lovinthehd]

No one makes a 3.1 unit that I'm aware of, but anything 5.1 and up can do 3.1, but all the current units I can think of are at least 7.1 if not more channels. Not a whole lot of choices in the first place for pre-pros either.

What do you mean something that properly operates your Sony tv?

 

[Shimei]

What do you mean something that properly operates your Sony tv?

Just mean that I am observing others having issues with prepros. No audio when listening to the TV or lockups etc when switching from various source devices [no handshake] which require a shut down/reboot etc. I'd like a stable reliable unit on top of high fidelity in my preferred 3.1 channel listening.

 

[lovinthehd]

Just mean that I am observing others having issues with prepros. No audio when listening to the TV or lockups etc when switching from various source devices [no handshake] which require a shut down/reboot etc. I'd like a stable reliable unit on top of high fidelity in my preferred 3.1 channel listening.

Sticking with components all from the same brand and HDMI-CEC implementation might be one way of dealing with that. Using a universal remote usually alleviates those issues as well.

 

[AVUser001]

i have never seen a 3.1 only.

No one makes a 3.1 unit that I'm aware of, but anything 5.1 and up can do 3.1, but all the current units I can think of are at least 7.1 if not more channels. Not a whole lot of choices in the first place for pre-pros either.

There is a simple mod available on a 7.1 system - duct tape unwanted terminals ;-)

 

[TLS Guy]

Just mean that I am observing others having issues with prepros. No audio when listening to the TV or lockups etc when switching from various source devices [no handshake] which require a shut down/reboot etc. I'd like a stable reliable unit on top of high fidelity in my preferred 3.1 channel listening.

Here is a pre/pro in a three channel system, in fact this pre/pro is in its second system. I have had none of the trouble you speak of.

I have a 4K pre/pro in my 7.2.4 Atmos system and no trouble and one in a two channel system.

So I suspect you have your information from someone inexperienced.

 

[Shimei]

Here is a pre/pro in a three channel system, in fact this pre/pro is in its second system. I have had none of the trouble you speak of.

I have a 4K pre/pro in my 7.2.4 Atmos system and no trouble and one in a two channel system.

So I suspect you have your information from someone inexperienced.

As far as the information being from inexperienced users I'm noting reviewers of publications that run into issues and also the support forums for certain gear.

Here's my current 3.1 system. I'm currently using an Onkyo PR-RZ5100 but looking to upgrade. At this time I'm in information gathering mode.

And this is with grills off:

 

[TLS Guy]

As far as the information being from inexperienced users I'm noting reviewers of publications that run into issues and also the support forums for certain gear.

Here's my current 3.1 system. I'm currently using an Onkyo PR-RZ5100 but looking to upgrade. At this time I'm in information gathering mode.

And this is with grills off:

Good Heaven's what an absolute mess! For another thing those speakers are far too close together! Those speakers must have been designed by an absolute lunatic, who skipped elegant design.

 

[TLS Guy]

Good Heaven's what an absolute mess! For another thing those speakers are far too close together! Those speakers must have been designed by an absolute lunatic, who skipped elegant design.

 

[lovinthehd]

Allrighty then another old school speaker design theory vs the new multi driver bessell array thing from Tekton! Cool.....

 

[Shimei]

Good Heaven's what an absolute mess! For another thing those speakers are far too close together! Those speakers must have been designed by an absolute lunatic, who skipped elegant design.

Mess? Care to elaborate? I'm saying that because I'm giving you the benefit of the doubt that you didn't mean to be insulting. I mean you suggest the speakers aren't far enough apart and I'm wondering how you came to that conclusion? The towers are nearly eleven feet apart [that's a 65 inch OLED between them, looks small because the Ulfberhts are huge]. Terry London in his review put his Ulfberhts 10 ft apart: https://hometheaterreview.com/tekton-design-ulfberht-floorstanding-speaker-reviewed/

Granted, Tekton isn't known for furniture art or museum pieces.

Anyways, high fidelity means a lot to me and I'd like a really great sounding Pre-pro. Some have suggested I consider the Emotiva XMC 1 and 2 and RMC 1, Athem pre-pros and of course Marantz 8805. I'm in no hurry probably purchasing next Cyber Sale at the end of this year.

Enjoy!