Good Amp and Processor for under 4K used

If your system is on the bright side you can tame it to some extent with your power cables and interconnects as well as your electronics. EAD may be a good choice for a preamp/processor that can handle both 2 channel and HT. Check the threads and used prices for the Ovation and other models etc on audiogon. Meridian also makes excellent preamp/processors. You can also warm up a system with a tube pre amp or amp. However, SS power amps might be better for HT and if too bright might be tamed with a tube preamp.. As for cables,Cardas,Acoustic Zen (copper), and Silentaudio Apollo C (copper interconnects excellent and inexpensive) work well with SS components. The Acoustic zen, Cardas and Van den Hul hybrid power cords should also work well but you can never tell system synergy until you actually try them. See if you can borrow some demo cables and or preamp/processors before spending huge sums.