Opinions on surround sound processors

[rdfarn]

I'm looking for opinions on the best surround sound processors (separates) available. What is everyones opinion?

 

[Pyrrho]

I'm looking for opinions on the best surround sound processors (separates) available. What is everyones opinion?

They are overpriced, and typically they are out of date. Unless the processor is a new model, it will be behind the latest and greatest abilities of what you can get in a receiver. If you want the best value, you should buy a receiver instead. And if you want the best performance at any price, there is a good chance you should buy a very expensive receiver instead (reread my second sentence if you are confused or surprised by this).

 

[adk highlander]

I have the latest processor from Onkyo PR-SC885 which is almost identical to the Integra 9.8. Both of these are excellent for scaling video and offer all of the latest surround formats. The both have balanced connections and can control up to 3 zones. 4 HDMI inputs and 2 outputs is great for rooms with both a projector and a flat pannel. These both sell for under $1600. The advantage of the Onkyo is that it can be purchased online where Integra is a dealer only item.

Anthem's D2 is a well regarded processor that can be updated if technology changes. These are more than 5000 and I have no personal experience with them.

Denon's new model is being reviewed by Gene so I will leave it to his review.

I have seen links to a new Marantz model that looked very nice and was under $3000.

Emotiva models will not be out until the end of the summer but will probably offer very competative pricing and will be feature packed.

What features are you looking for?

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Yeah, I'll vote for the Denon AVP-A1HDCI as the best pre-pro.

 

[jostenmeat]

Yeah, I'll vote for the Denon AVP-A1HDCI as the best pre-pro.

Yeah, seriously...

OP, fwiw, Outlaw and Rotel should be coming with stuff later this year. Im not even in the market, and Im still curious. Ok, maybe when they release, I'll be in the market all of a sudden.

Another nice unit, if the bdp of choice was a PS3 (or any other that internally unpacks), is the NAD T-175. The Audyssey curves for NAD are designed by Paul Barton, and are said to be quite good.