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I need help for processor selection

Linn 5 channel amp AV5125
Linn Espek speakers, front and rear
Linn Ekwal center
cheap cd player
cheap dvd player
Transparent cables/interconnects
Panasonic HDTV

That is my setup and now I need a processor. I listen to music/movies about 50/50. I thought if I got a good enough processor, I would not need to upgrade my dvd/cd players for awhile (letting the processor do the processing). Is that flawed logic?

I know I should listen before I buy, but that is tough. That being said, give me some ideas please. My budget is under 3K. Some thoughts I had:

Linn 5103 (no PLII and no DVD-audio a real negative, also concerned with age of unit)
Rotel 1066 (nice price, worried it might not be good enough)
Linn Unidisk SC (unidisk player plus a processor but blows my budget)
Bryston SP1.7
Sunfire (I don't need a tuner though)
Meridian 568.2
Anthem
Classe
I have not listened to ANY of the above, so give me some feedback. Component video switching would be nice but not a must. I can run it direct.

Please help. Thanks.
rushrx

Showing 1 response by rushrx

rushrx OP
2 posts
 
It seems that no matter what I buy, it has the potential of being outdated when the new HDMI audio format comes out for the new lossless DolbyDigital. If that is the case, I am concerned about spending too much now.

Who has heard the older Linn processor (5103 I think)? I've seen them for 1500. My fear is that something like the Rotel or Outlaw will not give me the increased quality of sound that I am looking for so maybe I'm better off with the older Linn. I am looking for a dramatic improvement. Please give me some feedback.
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