A/V Processor Decision

[LarryK]

Looking for some input. Starting HT from scratch. Ready to buy Kuro Elite Pro-111FD (before they disappear). The question becomes: do I buy a used high end processor with seperate 2 ch balanced analogs for sake of great 2 ch sound which I also want, along with a seperate HDMI 1.3 switcher. Or do I go with a lower end processor that has 1.3 built in and maybe not the control on the 2 ch side? I will also be getting a multi channel amp for the surrounds and monoblocks for the front. Speakers are LSi15's and LSi's all around. Thanks

[Mike21]

Hi Larry.

I have never heard of a pre/pro that has balanced ins/outs for front L & R only. In fact, I'm not sure there are any multi channel pre/pros with balanced inputs/outputs.

I don't know what you mean by "1.3".

Why would you need an HDMI switcher w/ a pre/pro that had multiple HDMI inputs?

I recommend that you get one of the following:
> a high end pre/pro; or

> a mid fi pre/pro plus a stereo preamp (with/ balanced outs for your amps, if needed) and pass through capability for the pre/pro signal.

Mike

[LarryK]

Thanks Mike, by 1.3 I mean the latest version or HDMI that accepts 'true color' and other higher def settings for the future. When I was talking about an older proc that has no HDMI at all, i.e. Mac MX135 thus the need for an HDMI switcher (unless component is just as good). Also, when I referred to balanced balanced outs I meant all channels not just the fronts. Does that help? Thanks.

[comfortablycurt]

Both the Marantz AV-8003 and the OnkyoPro PRSC-886p have balanced inputs for 2 ch., along with balanced outputs on every channel.

They also have a plethora of HDMI 1.3a inputs/outputs, as well as the most up to date sound formats.

[ESavinon]

Parasound halo c1 or c2 pre/pro.
Parasound zhd hdmi switcher.
Get a ps3 for blu-ray and let the ps3 decode the hd audio.
This is what i have for the living room. It sounds great.