Mcintosh,Meridian,Anthem,Classe surround sound

Should add the Arcam AV-9 to your list. Recieved wonderful reviews, and owning one, I agree.

I've owned a Meridian 565 for about seven years and it's just about the only piece of gear that I don't ever contemplate replacing. As the center of a dual purpose system, you'd likely need/want to have a 562 linked in to handle a variety of source components so if you go this route, do some homework. In the interest of full disclosure, my 565 is in a full Meridian digital system dedicated to home theater, as I'm fortunate to have a separate all analog two-channel rig (and room).

That said, I believe I'd be perfectly happy with Meridian on double duty and have used my setup for some occasional, extended music listening sessions. On the "downside" the 565 setup requires a commitment, but once dialed in. . .well, read the first line of my post again. With your budget, you can consider the newer Meridian gear, which uses a PC based setup utility that makes this job much easier!

I have owned A bunch of McIntosh C39,MX130,MX132,MX134 and now the MX135 and if you want good two channel and surround in one I would say the MX134 or 135 are good choices. I see them here on AudioGon for that 4500-5000 price range. The 135 of course is newer so it has more features but the 134 is excellant as well.

I recently heard the MX134 and was impressed, even with its two channel capability. First time ever for that brand.

I have owned or in home demoed several sub-5k Pre/Pros. I ended up owning the Bryston SP1.7. Very strong Surround performance, easy to use, and the best two channel performance I have ever heard from a Pre/Pro.

Having said that, I downgraded the HT and sold the Bryston. I still strongly suggest that anyone who needs a Pre/Pro to serve dual duties, you need try out the Brystons.

Though, so as to properly confuse the matter further. When I rebuild my HT (a little later) I intend to try a Meridian based system. I have heard many good things about Meridians surround performance.

Get a used Theta Casablanca.
Then when things change at least you can upgrade it, unlike others at this price range.
Look at the Discission forums Home Theater : re Theta, Meridian, McIntosh etc
lots of useful info.
Good luck.

You can also pick up a used Meridian 861 in this price-range... it too is upgradeable and my personal choice.

I second Bryston, but out of the four you are choosing from, I'd go with either McIntosh or Meridian.

Oops, sorry .
Yes the Meridian 861 is also upgradeable via card lots.
The 861 is a great processor in the same league as the Theta Casablanca.
Have you guys listenend to the Bryston in the same room againts the Theta or the Meridian?
To my ears the Bryston does not play at the same level as the other two, but its price reflects that.
Please remember this is only my opinion, go listen for yourself and have tons of fun.
Good luck.

FWIW, I've yet to find a better processor than Meridian; be it 568 or 861. The rest just don't match up!

Do you know if the MX 134 is signficantly better than the MX 132? I'm thinking of getting the MX132 with my Mcintosh 352 amp and B&W Nautilus 802s, but want to also check out the Classe ssp25 or if not satisfied, thinking of stepping up to the Classe ssp 300. Any thoughts with my setup? thanks!

The one thing agst Meridien which is indeed fantastic is that it automatically digitizes all input signals. So if you play SACDs, you end up having to go thru D to A in the player only have it redigitze to PCM within the Meridien.

The Cary Cinema 11 is the one to beat, and it's only 3k. Why spend more when you don't have to? Has 7.1 anolog in, audiophile engineering, a good analog pass through, and is future proofed with an upcoming addon to support the new formats.

Kal Rubinson gives the Cinema 11 a very favorable review in the latest issue of Stereophile, noting especially its capability for music reproduction, whether stereo or surround.

db