Preprocessor suggestions.

[hydrovac]

I am putting a dedicated HT together and would like to upgrade my Marantz SR-6004; and lost on a preprocessor. I'm not really looking for the latest feature packed PRE/PRO. I just want something that has HDMI, decodes HDMA, decent on-board video processing, and with as few firmware issues as possible. All without breaking the bank.

Anyone here willing to share their experience with preprocessors would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[Santy]

I may sound like Emotiva fan but it sure is a great VFM.

UMC-200 if you are looking for a budget option. I am very satisfied with its quality.
XMC-1 if you have more to spend.
If you are lucky, you could find someone with a Emotiva 1st gen coupon to buy it for you at 40% discount on $1999. Currently XMC is unavailable though.

You can also look at Marantz AV7701 - its about 1.5L I guess.
If you have someone coming from US, there are lot of used options on Audiogon and refurbished ones from accessories4less.
MARANTZ AV7701 7.2 4K & 3D AV Preamp/Processor Networking | Accessories4less

 

[hydrovac]

Santy,

Having experienced problems with SR-6004, I would like to stay away from Marantz. The main board had to be replaced, and now due to faulty HDMI switching/repeater issues that it makes me wonder what brand I should go for.

I came across this in local market. Sherbourn PT-7020A with both RCA and balanced outputs. From the Audioholics write up -- this is based on the old Emotiva UMC-1. What I read, the unit had a lot of issues dealing with HDMI and required a lot of firmware updates, but the PT-7020A addressed all those concerns. I think this one is about as feature packed as it gets.

Interesting is the price! I'm most definitely doing my homework on this and will update.

Cheers!

 

[spirovious]

Santy,

Having experienced problems with SR-6004, I would like to stay away from Marantz. The main board had to be replaced, and now due to faulty HDMI switching/repeater issues that it makes me wonder what brand I should go for.

I think there was an issue POP of Dead with 0004 series.Not reported after 0005 series till date.So you can certainly think of marantz.

 

[Santy]

Sherbourn has shut down long back I think. Do you still get a new piece?
Yes, it is well regarded though. Was available at shockingly low rates during their clearance sale.

 

[hydrovac]

Santy,

Sherbourn line is merged with Emotiva.

Please look at this:
Sherbourn To Merge With Emotiva
http://emotiva.com/sherbourn/

I guess the one for sale is from the final blow-out, close-out sale, announced the same day as the merger of the product lines, Aug 8th 2013. It is a double box packed brand new piece.

Now, may I Pl have some indications about street price?

Thanks.

 

[elangoas]

I am putting a dedicated HT together and would like to upgrade my Marantz SR-6004; and lost on a preprocessor. I'm not really looking for the latest feature packed PRE/PRO. I just want something that has HDMI, decodes HDMA, decent on-board video processing, and with as few firmware issues as possible. All without breaking the bank.

Anyone here willing to share their experience with preprocessors would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Understand you have a bitter experience with Marantz.....Consider Onkyo Pre-Amplifier Onkyo PR SC 5509 PR-SC5509 | ONKYO Asia and Oceania Website

 

[kapvin]

Santy,

Having experienced problems with SR-6004, I would like to stay away from Marantz. The main board had to be replaced, and now due to faulty HDMI switching/repeater issues that it makes me wonder what brand I should go for.

I came across this in local market. Sherbourn PT-7020A with both RCA and balanced outputs. From the Audioholics write up -- this is based on the old Emotiva UMC-1. What I read, the unit had a lot of issues dealing with HDMI and required a lot of firmware updates, but the PT-7020A addressed all those concerns. I think this one is about as feature packed as it gets.

Interesting is the price! I'm most definitely doing my homework on this and will update.

Cheers!

By all accounts, on the sound front the 7020 will be significant step-up on UMC-1. You do not have Hdmi 1.4 though.

 

[hydrovac]

Understand you have a bitter experience with Marantz.....Consider Onkyo Pre-Amplifier Onkyo PR SC 5509 PR-SC5509 | ONKYO Asia and Oceania Website

At what price...? Approx ?1.6L

 

[elangoas]

At what price...? Approx ?1.6L

Price would be approx 1.5 ~ 2L.... Try to get in touch with Onkyo dealer in your city, you should be able to negotiate for a fair deal as Pre-Processor is not everyone cup of tea....

 

[Santy]

Sherbourn line is merged with Emotiva.

Yes, I am aware of it when GeorgeO posted this thread

http://www.hifivision.com/hot-deals/46198-oustanding-deals-220v-gear-3.html

 

[Hassan Khani]

Please look at OPPO BDP-103/105 if you only need single HDMI input.

I had used UMC-1/XPA-5 combination and finally moved on to ARCAM AVR for ease of use. ARCAM AVR is also very good in terms picture / sound quality.

 

[reignofchaos]

Anthem! Anthem! Anthem! Of all the stuff available in india for ht, this is easily the best.

 

[Santy]

Please look at OPPO BDP-103/105 if you only need single HDMI input.

105 will be good as pre-pro too... but I guess this is for a dedicated HT so I would assume there will be a need for a room correction feature. IMHO, it is very important.

Anthem! Anthem! Anthem! Of all the stuff available in india for ht, this is easily the best.

I think the OP did mention about breaking the bank.

 

[spirovious]

Sherbourn line is merged with Emotiva.

Actually Emotiva was sister company of Sherbourn,but Emotiva was more successful so merged.

 

[captrajesh]

I think the OP did mention about breaking the bank.

Correction: NOT breaking the Bank. Have a heart; Leave the poor Banks alone.hyeah:

 

[captrajesh]

What is the latest on the Emotiva pre-pro purchase?

 

[GeorgeO]

I used the Sherbourn PT unit referred to at my son's place in the US recently and can confidently say it is light years ahead of the UMC which I owned earlier. Excellent value for money in my view-sepcically at the clearance price I use a Marantz 7005 which is even better though.

 

[hydrovac]

Thanks George for the recommendation and the feedback on the unit.

I bit the bullet and bought one of these units, a Sherbourn PT-7020A pre-amp/processor and here are my first impressions. It came double boxed, which most of us audio aficionados have come to appreciate, and the foam supports inside could definitely take more abuse. All of the accessories that come with the pre/pro are well packed and placed in such a manner so as not to bang into the unit's case.

My impression seeing it for the first time is it's a substantial piece with a look that is purposeful, almost business-like. Not overly burdened by a huge load of frills and features you don't need, it boasts an impressive array of HDMI In and out connectivity, a full complement of balanced XLR outputs and a high quality set of internal components that I am sure will add depth and detail to music listening plus provide an outstanding video experience.

I really don't see this as too large of a gamble because I didnt pay a large amount for it. Hopefully it will be without too many issues.

Cheers!