JM - what do you recommend for related/associated components (power conditioner, processor, etc.). Being an obvious neophyte, I am assuming that you simply run with the same line as the AMP? Go all Krell or all Sunfire? Thanks. T.
I don't have any input on power, because I feel I have no need at all for any conditioner; the voltage here seems to be very stable, and I don't live in a large apartment complex. I do have a dedicated circuit for the HT, and so far as I can tell, it's more than enough. I no longer even have a UPS for my projector. The one thing I'd worry about with either UPS or conditioner is that some of them make a healthy amount of noise. I think the AH store has and does sell conditioners.
No, I don't stick with any brand. In fact, I like trying as many brands as possible, when I can. Currently among amps and processors, I am using Onkyo, NAD, Crown, and Cambridge.
I think Sunfire is a good brand and would be proud to sport it in my system, and for Krell, well I dunno, I'm sure GranteedEV likes them for a reason. I'd be happy with an Outlaw, or an Emotiva (if they did have some QC issues at times, historically). The UPA5 is particularly a real bargain, but it appears you do have a healthy budget.
With processors, things can get tricky (after all it's a pretty complex item). There are only a handful of brands that are, in my estimation, worthy for a mch/HT system. I believe that a large part of this is due to the economies of scale, and only the giant companies can really play and compete. For instance, I think Krell did make some uber expensive HT processor a few years ago, but even the (to me) extremely expensive Denon AVP is a bargain comparatively. Though at least a few years old now, at perhaps a couple grand less, plus/minus, an interesting unit is the Anthem D2v. This Anthem uses ARC1 as its auto eq, and that would be my very next choice if I didn't have Audyssey to choose from. I am unfamiliar with what HK offers in this regard. MCAAC and YPAO are not nearly as sophisticated in their goals. The Anthem will also have some of the best VP you will find in a receiver, but not only do I think this need is overblown for most, outboard VPs have dropped like crazy in price the last couple of years. I'm talking like at least 3.5k for a CMS (which the Anthem doesn't have, but does offer good gamma control) in the VP just less than 2 years ago, and now we can get one for maybe $600?
Some people just want pure direct, no post processing of any* kind. I like to use various post processing, including Audyssey technologies, matrixing algorithms, and the like. For the latest in Audyssey, it might only be several receivers right now. The one worry with the latest techs like those is if any unit has enough processing power to be able to decode, matrix, apply EQ, and more, all simultaneously. I do not have any evidence for or against, but do know that for years Marantz could not do those things simultaneously. However, if you're running say just a 5.1 system, I would assume that a 9.1/11.1 processor would have plenty of power to do all of things for the 5.1.
My current HT processor is Onkyo, so if I can help it, I want to try something different with Audyssey, and I look towards Denon, if and when. I didn't before, because it cost about double to get a similar Denon, but now the pricing seems to be much more comparable. Integra is sort of the pro line of Onkyo, and they were the first to come out HDMI 1.3 pre/pros, AFAIK.
If say you buy an Emo XPA5, a Denon 4311 acting as pre/pro, that will come out to be 2,300ish, for instance. That would be a possible combination that *I* would consider, for the money. Well, personally, I'd probably go for more amp channels (want to do height speakers, and small outside chance of building active speakers which means a need for amp channels galore), but I assume no more than 5 speakers for you right now.
Dunno. That's what I got for you, for now.
