New Processor

FWIW, here's my ranking on sonic and build quality respectively:

1. SP1.7
2. Classe
3. Krell

Have heard them all and find the Krell still having that distinctive sound that I don't like (a tad bright to my ears; YMMV). Classe is very nice but bland, beautifully built though and rather attractive. Krell is sexy in appearance and has an abundance of features, but it just doesn't sound very good to me. It may be your cup of tea..... you have to listen to them.

The big Krell (forgot the model #) is a far better unit, but any piece that costly with such a cheapie remote should be ashamed of itself. All in all, a real fine unit but I wouldn't abandon my Bryston for it, as Krell's sonic signature has never appealed to me.

As music seems to constitute the bulk of your listening, you will most likely find greatest long-term satisfaction with the Bryston (I certainly have).

Bruceomega-

A somewhat late response to your question: in a word, no. Neither is easy to find where I live (this is all too often the case with audio). For example, I had to go to a neighboring state to audition the Sim preamp, and while it's worth the trip, I tend not to buy things at retail and some dealers won't deal. I don't think there's any Aragon dealer in this neck of the woods either.

Have heard through an informed source that Aragon is no longer making the good stuff they once did (don't flame me folks - this came from an industry insider); I know nothing about Tag. It's probably pretty good. But, IMHO, no company in the serious pre/pro game pays as much attention to serious analog sound as Bryston. Again, you may see things differently.