Marantz av-7005 vs Integra DTC 80.3

The Integra's vida 1900 chip does the best video processing I have seen to date in a Receiver/pre-pro. That alone is a huge plus not to mention the terrific sound as well. The 80.3 has many features that you just don't find on other units.

Vary good AMPs. You would have top notch sound with this combo.

Bumpski. I may be considering the same.

If price is no object I would get the 80.3. But it is around 50% more than the Marantz unit.

Digging up an old thread....My McIntosh MX135 pre/pro is outdated since it has no HDMI input and can't decoded all the latest co-decs. So I'm looking to replace it but am not spending McIntosh money on another AV Pre/Pro. Mac's cheapest price is $6000.

I was looking at the Marantz 7005 but the Integra for a little more money seems like a good purchase.

What has everyone been running for a AV Pre/Pro int eh $1400-2000ish range?

^^^

imo/ime, your "best choice" as a pre-pro right now is actually a denon 4311 avr, given what the street price is (under your budget)...

i owned an av7005 (used a bryston 9b-st with it) and currently have an a100 (anniversary edition of the 4311)... the 4311 provides objectively (measured) "better" sound, and subjectively (a place i rarely venture) the difference is not insignificant...

the "difference" is all in the room correction routine...

At this price point, I'd have my consideration include separates such as what Emotiva offers. The versatility of being able to replace the pre-pro at the drop of a hat, 200w's of good clean sonic fun, all at a reasonable price that's well with-in your budget.

(note the pre-pro upgrade offer Emotiva currently has on special.)

Total of $2,300 if you decide to take advantage of their upgrade offer, which is within a few hundred dollars of your max stated budget.

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Either the 80.3 or the 4311CI would be the better purchase, both featuring the more advanced Audyssey MultEQ XT32 vs. just XT in the 7005; although the 4311CI can likely be had for less.

From what I've read on Emotiva is that there AV Pre/Pro has some serious issues. They don't even allow for you to get your money back if you have issues with their AV Pro Pro. I already have McIntosh amps and those definitely are not being replaced. as for me...I'm staying away from this company.

Interesting, I didn't even really consider using a reveiver as a AV Pre/Pro. I have McIntosh amps so I defintly will not be needing the amps in the Denon receiver. However I see the Denon doesn't have balanced outputs. I'm using balanced right now to my amps but I could use RCA if needed too. Thanks for the reply post...I'll look into this further.

I also agree that the 80.3 or the 4311 would be the best choices. The Emotiva UMC-1 does not offer a room correction system that will do what Audyssey XT32 does. I have the 4311 which I'm using as a prepro and I couldn't be happier .

Bill

Yes, there are checkered reports on Emotiva (I'd give Emotiva a call and ask them directly; "What's with that?") but there's also glowing reviews. If you're scared off (and that's not a slight) of Emotiva, you might consider Crown Amps. Everything seems to get real expensive from there.

My solution to the whole AVR/separate issues was to buy a Marantz SR5007 and because the unit has a full set of pre-outs and later can add an outboard Amp which for me, relatively writing, keeps price low and versatility high. So far, I'm not reading any bad press on Emotiva's amplifiers.

Personally, I prefer the convenience and compact footprint of AVR's but love the upgrade in available power quality outboard Amps bring to the party.

Now, how to get Marantz to give me a SR5007 married to an Emotiva XPR-5 at a price I can afford.

you are welcome... drop me a pm if you want to discuss further... the snr is better that way...

I bought the Integra DHC 80.3 AV Pre Pro. I'm taking my McIntosh MX135 AV Pre Pro out of the rack tonight and will start the set up for the Integra. I will be amazed if the Integra sound as good as the McIntosh pre/pro but I'm, still using my McIntosh amps. Local dealer is really cool and I can bring it back if unsatisfied. He says he's confident I will love it.

What speakers are you running with this?

yes, I would definitely hold onto the McIntosh amps. I would consider either Denon AVR-4311CI or AV-7005