Advice needed on a surround processor

[bart]

Dear friends,

Time to upgrade my surround equipment.

I listen a lot to surround recordings (SACD, Blu-ray, DVD-A).

My surround system now:
Pioneer LX-81
Burmester 082 (integrated amp).
Vivid Audio G2Giya, C1 & V1w.

Coming soon: Burmester 037 (3 channel amp).

Visually:
Burmester 082



Burmester 037




I've examined the market and I see 3 classes of processors:

1. 'Entry level': Marantz AV8801, Yamaha, Integra DTR-80.3, Onkyo
2. Middle class: Cary, Primare, Krell Foundation
2. High End: Bryston, Krell S-1200, Anthem, Classé

I omit McIntosh because I stay with Burmester for amplification, and visually these 2 brands don't go together very well.
The Krell 707 is out of my league.


Plan: a good processor that will feed the Burmester 082 for the L & R channel, and the 037 for the center and surrounds.
If I once find a 909 second hand, and they are offered here in Europe sometimes at reasonable prices, it might replace the 082 for stereo duty and L & R channel amplification.
So if the stereo quality of this surround preamp is good enough, it might allow me to move the 082 out of the system and sell it.

So gentlemen, and ladies, please give me your thoughts, insight, and good advice please.
I trust you more than my dealer.
He sells Bryston, but tells me an Integra will do the job perfectly, but he's a real stereo guy and probably doesn't realize I take surround sound seriously.

[Yamaki]

I can only comment on one of the brands on your list, which is the Integra. I owned a DHC-40.1 and it was NOT musical at all. It truly is "entry level" and my advice would be to pass it by.

Good luck with your search!

[chessman]

I have not heard it personally, but based on reviews I would go with a Bryston SP3, especially for its abilities in music surround sound.

[bart]

Michael, Randy, thank you gentlemen for your effort!

The Bryston indeed is a serious candidate.

I was hoping for a long time for the next generation of Burmester processors but after presenting the 107 in 2011, it disappeared from the catalogue...
Anyway, it would have been too expensive for me.

[TommyC]

What about Primare? You can get the silver one.

[JJinID]

I've decided that I have a hard time shelling out mega $$ for surround sound processors when the technology keeps on changing so fast - HDMI 2.0, 4k resolution, Dolby Atmos, etc. Much of this won't matter for a while, but I grew tired of switching out expensive McIntosh preamp/processors every 3-4 years and taking a gigantic loss selling the old one, so a more inexpensive receiver/processor and a quality two-channel preamp with HT bypass is what I decided on. If you feel like your system will be set for a while, I would go with the unit with the best analog stage, and the Bryston would probably fit the bill for that. If you don't want to invest a lot now, and want to see where some of this newer technology lands, I would go with the Marantz 8801. Also remember that CES is six months away so it might be worth seeing what new models come out of there if you can wait a bit longer. Hope that helps...

[Mr. Big]

Keep in mind that the Integra you have listed here is the DTR-80.3, which is a receiver. The processor is the DHC-80.3. That said, these processors (and the Onkyo variants) suffer from HDMI board issues. At some point of ownership, you'll have to send it in for repair. I just had mine replaced, luckily within the 3-year warranty period so it'll be worth getting the Integra over the Onkyo for the warranty alone. Integra has recently announced its replacement, the DHC-80.6, so it'll be interesting to see if they've solved the problem.

[jwc]

Originally Posted by JJinID

I've decided that I have a hard time shelling out mega $$ for surround sound processors when the technology keeps on changing so fast - HDMI 2.0, 4k resolution, Dolby Atmos, etc. Much of this won't matter for a while, but I grew tired of switching out expensive McIntosh preamp/processors every 3-4 years and taking a gigantic loss selling the old one, so a more inexpensive receiver/processor and a quality two-channel preamp with HT bypass is what I decided on. If you feel like your system will be set for a while, I would go with the unit with the best analog stage, and the Bryston would probably fit the bill for that. If you don't want to invest a lot now, and want to see where some of this newer technology lands, I would go with the Marantz 8801. Also remember that CES is six months away so it might be worth seeing what new models come out of there if you can wait a bit longer. Hope that helps...

This is very true and reflects my same feelings. I won't go all out any more on the digital stuff as it becomes obsolete so fast.

[thughes]

I've decided that I have a hard time shelling out mega $$ for surround sound processors when the technology keeps on changing so fast

I agree. I have the DHC 80.3, and I'm okay with it for the theater room since I know I will be upgrading it soon. I don't use the theater room for two channel listening.

[bart]

Gents, thank you!