Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion HiFi & HT Chat ‘Budget’ AV System

By now I had wanted to audition a JBL Synthesis SDP-58. Sadly, my local dealership was unable to negotiate acceptable terms with JBL.

I’m in no hurry to find an acceptable processor at an acceptable price.

Has anyone here had experience of Rotel? Their RSP-1576MKII is a 7.1.4 capable processor with full Dirac. While it lacks the latest HDMI 2.1 connectivity I get the clear impression that it is a reliable device. I am hopeful that a future MKIII version will address the current version’s shortcomings. Maybe, Rotel might release a Diamond derivative of this processor. Rotel do not have a reputation for regularly/frequently updating their product line.

While the current Rotel is listed at the same price point as an Anthem AVM70, the Rotel can be found for similar money as a discounted Lexicon MC-10.

That Rotel is a very attractive beast, particularly in silver. I hadn't heard of the unit until now.

Until now, I had dismissed any notion of buying a Marantz processor because it utilised Audyssey Room Correction (that has critics due to its apparent limited functionality).

It’s now on my shortlist. Why? The Marantz AV8805A (unlike the AV8805) has an upgraded HDMI 2.1 board (you can upgrade the original AV8805). Unlike its predecessor - AV8802 - its chipset has been changed and significantly multiplied. Its Audyssey Room Correction has been updated to MultEQ X32 with more control on settings. Plus, there is expectation that Audyssey Pro is to become available for PC once more - that will offer comprehensive adjustment to settings (unlike on the current iOS/Android app).

Moreover, unlike its rivals at the same price point, it’s the only processor to offer Dolby Vision, HR10, HLG, Atmos, DTS-X, Auro, and IMAX. To achieve the same feature set requires increasing your budget to that of a Trinnov.

From what I have read, the Marantz has a reputation for rock-solid reliability. ‘It just works’, as they say.

As to being a ‘budget’ option, so-called ‘B Stock’ is available directly via the UK distributor at £1,500 below list price - with the same warranty as if buying from a retailer.

Currently, my updated shortlist is…

JBL Synthesis SDP-58,
Anthem AVM-70,
Marantz AV8805A.
Rotel RSP-1576 MKII (if/when it’s upgraded to HDMI 2.1).

FWIW, I’ve discovered a 1u rack alternative to the Soniflex, the Glensound Dark1616, for a similar price as the Soniflex.

What's stopping you making a decision & taking the plunge?

I think I have an unfounded bias against buying Marantz, where Audyssey appears to have a reputation for being a bit ‘Mickey Mouse’ compared to the alternatives (Dirac, ARC, Room Perfect, and Optimiser).

Even so, there are very positive reports about buying/implementing Audyssey MultEQ-X - with a $200 price tag from the Microsoft Store: for a single Processor that is non-transferable. Compared to the standard Audyssey, the MultEQ-X software provides a substantive ‘night and day’ improvement to any compatible Marantz Processor/AVR.

Then again, unlike the competition, Marantz kit seems to have a rock-solid reputation for just working out-of-the box without any of the drama of software glitches that plague other brands.

Plus, besides the recent HDMI 2.1 upgrades for Marantz, JBL, and Anthem, there have not been any completely new products since the start of the pandemic. I’m in no hurry. I’m prepared to sit it out and await any possible new products during Autumn/Winter - such as a Rotel Diamond Processor (with Dirac), for example.

I'll be very interested in hearing how successful the 2.1 upgrade actually is on these processors.

Given the big HDMI tech hurdles in the jump to 2.1, eg FRL, support for VRR etc etc, this is quite a big ask. HDFury have been doing this for years and VRRoom is still not there yet.

If you are just going to be plugging in a Bluray player, it wont really matter since none of these features are needed, but if you are going to be using XBox, AppleTV 4K etc, then expect some teething troubles.

Cheers
Greg

Therein is one of my concerns; where the manufacturer is ‘bolting on’ a HDMI 2.1 upgrade on a processor originally designed for 2.0.

That is, a processor that is primarily designed to function as a HDCP 2.2 device that is then somehow meant to function as a HDCP 2.3 processor.

Yes, I know, that’s the benefit of buying Trinnov, to overcome such difficulties, but while I can afford to buy a Trinnov I can’t justify its £15k purchase price - for only occasional use. I can, though, justify a processor in the <£5k price range (warts and all) in the current unfavourable economic climate.

Actually, it is a hardware upgrade for Trinnov as well to go to HDMI 2.1. The cost is 1000 to 1250 Euros depending upon which HDMI board is currently in the Trinnov. The HDMI handshaking and HDCP compatibility are handled on the HDMI board. Some boards have different power requirements, and this is where the bolt on upgrade can get complicated.

It's not just the £15k. The real benefit of the Trinnov over M processors is the immersive sound format support. BUT, I just wouldn't get away with putting a load of speakers in the ceiling, I'm barely allowed the 5.1 setup currently in the sitting room. So I'm stuck with 5.1!

In my dream world, I'd get Trinnov in a flash. But I don't.

So G65 (a lovely upgrade from my previous G61R), a HD621 (which I already had) and a VRRoom (circa £500) is quite a good combination.

I did look at the Marantz when my G61R fried its Switch mode PSU, but I decided to stick to Meridian processors and have no regrets.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not against the Marantz et al, but HDMI is a beast that gets worse with each iteration and I'm genuinely interested to see how well they handle the upgrade to 2.1

Cheers
Greg

My understanding is that additional Atmos loudspeakers don’t necessarily have to be full range, as they effectively operate and deliver the desired effect at higher frequency range.

Ideally, we would all be boring the requisite holes in our ceilings to accommodate downward/directional speakers - but the subsequent marriage counselling isn’t advisable.

I’ve been evaluating micro speakers that can be mounted high up on front/rear walls - such as the B&W M-1 or those from Gallo Acoustics. Or, one might consider Droplet speakers.

The emergence of the new Marantz AV10 is on the horizon. With Audyssey - but upgradable to Dirac Live.