Best possible pre-processor under $3K

[ManishKasera]

I have a great setup that I really love. Currently There are two weak links in my setup:
First I've a receiver instead of dedicated pre-processor
Second my subwoofer is no match for my speakers.

Which one should I upgrade first, Subwoofer or Pre-processor?

I know many people will jump in and say subwoofer, so here I'm not talking about the order ;-)

I wanted to prepare myself with all the information I can get to arm myself so when the time comes I can all jump in without scratching my head.

What I'm looking is a great processor with great audio and video codecs. HDMI is a must, and it should be able to send Audio and Video both signal over the HDMI.

Video upsampling is also good to have.

I listen music in pure stereo mode so audio section have to be great.

Use of my system is 20% music, 30% TV and remaining 50% Movies.

All you guys out there are welcome to jump in and start throwing ideas/options/experience.......and pretty much anything that you can throw here.

So don't hold back yourself any comments are better then no comments

 

[Warpdrv]

Integra 80.1 + an external DAC..

Enough Said...

 

[JerryLove]

All I know is I'd love to tell you where to mail the leftovers

 

[Warpdrv]

If music is less of a concern, then just the Integra would be a great Pre-Pro....

Otherwise I would suggest the AVM50v, but its out of your price range....

 

[MidnightSensi]

Integra 80.1 + an external DAC..

Enough Said...

I agree with Warpdrv, the Integra 80.1 is the one to get now. As far as an external DAC, I'd try it without first Integra has a good reputation and users on this board have really liked it. I have the older versions sister from Onkyo Professional and the audio section is great.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Since you have the Anthem P5 amp, you could wait and get a used Anthem AMV50v pre-pro.

You could also wait for the Emotiva XMC-1:
http://emotivalounge.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=preamps&action=display&thread=7445

Or Integra Pro-pro:
http://blog.ultimateavmag.com/cedia2008/integra_newest_baddest_assest_pre-pro_ever/

 

[njedpx3]

Marantz AV8003 ?

I was going to suggest McIntosh until I looked the prices $6,000 for the MX-120 and $10,000 for the MX-136. (McIntosh was always my dream HT goal )

But I like Marantz. The AV8003 probably is too low of cost for your needs. It retails for $2,599 http://us.marantz.com/Products/2317.asp

I have the Marantz SR8002 AVR and I am very pleased with it.


Good Luck!

Forest Man

 

[JerryLove]

I was going to suggest McIntosh until I looked the prices $6,000 for the MX-120 and $10,000 for the MX-136. (McIntosh was always my dream HT goal )

To be fair: Denon's is in-between those at $7k MSRP.

But yes, I'm in the same boat. I love the look and thing-that-it-has of McIntosh, and they are certainly well built; but while I'll pay more "because I want it", they are too much more.