Good Processor

I'm thinking the integra 80.3 is the way to go for me. Suggestions for 5 channel amp? Will be driving Merlin TSM for L,C,R and sonance in ceiling for surrounds.

1. Few (but some) old receivers will redigitize the 5.1 analog but that is not optimum. If you want it to process digital (RC, Bass management, etc.), feed it digital
2. Oppos do not do room correction.
3. Meridian does RC below 300Hz which is where you really need it.
4. It is not standard but the Meridian 861s can be configured with a 5.1 RCA analog input.
5. IMHO, the Meridian sound is surprisingly analog and liquid.

You need to determine if the old receiver digitizes the 5.1 analog and apply room correction, bass management etc. The Oppo can do the bass management, but I do not think it does the room correction. Most receivers do not do room correction on the analog inputs. Because the Meridian is all digital, maybe it does. Also, does the Meridian have 5.1 or 7.1 RCAs or does it use a proprietary connection?

Meridian also has, at least to me, a characteristic sound that is much more digital than analog. You need to decide if you like that sound or not, especially for 2 channel music.

Zd542, sorry if I wasn't clear. I'm not comparing a new meridian to a new integra but instead a new integra with the older versions, as stated 2.8 or 4, which can be purchased for similar price points. Also, considering lexicon mc12 and other s that are suggested.

Bear in mind that, despite its excellent performance. the 861 is a digital-only device without any analog bypass or passthrough.

For good stereo the older pre/pro will certainly win. I have seen older 861s go for much less than new, but you could do a 565 or 568 for about $400-800. In stereo the processor is not being used, so the pre-amp stage means everything.

You may want to rethink your question. There really is nothing wrong with what you are asking, but the examples you give in your post are so far away from each other price wise, it makes any type of recommendation almost impossible. I think the Integra goes for somewhere around $2000 and I know the 861 is about $20000. If you are willing to spend 18k more for better 2 channel sound you'd be nuts to buy a HT processor in the first place. I know the sound of the 861 well because my best friend has one. You can buy a whole system for a lot less than the cost of just 861 that will easily sound better. I think you will get a much better answer if you can give more details as to what you want your system to be.