Best All time 5.1 Pre/Pro

The Integra Research RDC-7. At a list of $4500.00, it is pound for pound the undisputed, undefeated , Heavyweight champion of the World. Regards, Michael Buffer.

The Cal Labs CL-2500 SSP is one fine sounding processor but it doesn't have a 5.1 input. You might check into the Fosgate FAP-T1 or T1+.

How does Meridian G 68 stack up?

I have owned four of the above mentioned processors, and found each to have their own personalities. Please bear in mind that I used the processors purely for movies, as I have a large Cello system for music. The Cal SSP-2500 is a VERY nice sounding unit: very natural and not at all "digital" sounding. My primary reason for parting with the unit was that Cal was bought up by Sonic Blue, and the few guys left at the company didn't know anything about the product - too bad, it was a great machine (it ran very hot). The Aragon Soundstage has a wonderful reputation, but I was never impressed with it. I felt it lacked dynamics, and always sounded "mushy". The Theta Casa Nova seemed to be a fairly decent machine, but suffers from sounding a bit "over-processed" and digital, and it is definately the most difficult machine to operate thats out there. My "current" processor is the Integra Research RDC-7. This is surprisingly a very nice sounding unit. Very dynamic and natural, not at all a "digital" sound. For the money (used about $2400) it's a steal. My only fault with it is that the buttons on the front panel are impossible to read in dim lighting (they should have put LED's in the display above the buttons), and the lights around the buttons are too bright when watching movies. Having said that, when you consider all the bells & whistles you do get with the unit (including a lip-sync adjustment that very few other processors have, but should...), the RDC-7 is my current favorate. Ken G.

YOu know in thinking about it, considering "Kgproperties" assesment of the Soundstage (Aragon), I do seem to remember that it was indeed a bit soft on dyamics compared to others. Infact, I remember that I ended up keeping my Acurus Act 3 for that very reason! The Act 3 was more dynamic than the soundstage, if a bit noiser with noise floor. HOwever in my room/set up, it was not an issue, and I chose the sonics of the ACT3. Yes, the Aragon was slighly wamish sounding, and a bit slow compared to some others, esecailly the sonically gorgeous Krell digitally!
I've also heard the Proceed AVP was more dynamic, if a little dry sounding. Also, assesments of the CAL are about right as well. Infact, the more pre'pro's I listen to (haven't heard the Integra), the more I like the Krell pieces for pre/pro's!..very detailed, clear, and dynamic!!!!!...very much so.