I listened to alot of pre/pro's including DC-1, Cinema Grand, SSP-50, SSP-75, and the EAD Theatermaster. The one which did it for me was the EAD. Truthfully, they all sounded very similar in AC-3 but different in 2-channel. Not only did it sound better to me, but is the best looking to boot. I have to admit that most of the processors were heard on different gear. Listen to as many as you can even if it requires a good drive. Hopefully it will be a part of your system for years to come.
