Processor question

maxwave....thank you and auxinput. I will consider the suggestion.
    Steven

mahler123....Originally Anthem was on my list, but I've read numerous posts and a few reviews that claim its room correction is very buggy and Anthem plans to update it soon. I did not want to get involved in having to upgrade software in a brand new processor.

ghdprentice...I appreciate your post, but I have one room which is being used for both. I'd guess processors have gotten a smidge better in the 20 years since you stopped. I am a bit curious as to why I've had two responses to my OP, that advocate only two channel. I get it....but why post that here as it is non responsive to my question. 
  I do thank you both for sharing your agenda with me though.
     Steven

to mastering92...I have read everything I can find about the two processors. I am hoping someone who has heard them can offer an opinion, but thanks for the response.
to millercarbon... Thanks for responding, and I appreciate your perspective, but I will be getting one of these marvels and am hoping to hear from a member that has listened to one or both.

ghdprentice.... I asked for input on two processors, not on whether I should have separate rooms for stereo and home theater. My experience immediately identifies the pitfalls of answering a question that was not asked. Thank you for trying to be helpful though. I do appreciate it.
    Steven

I play a lot of chess online. I see a lot of people saying things like "I prefer to play with my rooks" which is a bit goofy. One plays with all their pieces, and moves the one that will improve the position best at the time. In music reproduction, those that ask what sound characteristics others look for are just as misguided. What are you asking....am I searching for a bump in the upper midrange? Am I looking for rolled off frequencies in the treble? If I was I would invest in a graphic equalizer. Here is what I am looking for.....a good sounding (at all audible frequencies) home theater processor that I can use with both music , multi channel, as well as two channel, and movies This is not as complicated as you pseudo experts make it seem..And yes, your question was answered despite your protestations. I will now ask politely....please stop being concerned with my system, that is something I've done for 46 years now. You may continue to parse music into "sound characteristics" and take that idea which is common in these forums to others, but it doesn't hunt with me. And my guess is, unless you work for, or were a part of the design team of either of these processors, you would not have an accurate answer anyway. Your "sound characteristics" question was just designed to make you seem like you have knowledge others do not have. My response to your last sentence is an invitation for you to do as you have written. And as an aside....a" thoughtful recommendation" between the two would need to be based on personal experience with one or both (which you have not claimed), or a general explanation of some possible differences, which a few members here have done and I have acknowledged and thanked them for.
   Steven

soix...Thanks for responding. Your last question was pre answered. In the OP I stated the processor would be used in a movies and music system. If my question was inarticulate I apologize. Having not heard either piece, I was asking those who may have had experience with one or both to share their opinions. If ancillary equipment was uber important in choosing gear, no one would buy anything, as stores do not have the same equipment as the buyer does. Are you suggesting that people with say Focal Sopra 2's would be better with the McIntosh, but if they have Bowers & Wilkins 803D's the Audio Control would be the best choice? What is most important to ME is having people who have heard or own either of the pieces share their experiences, rather than people telling me only 2 channel is important or even worse, telling me how to ask a question, and what to ask. If my post is too vague for you....please feel free to ignore it.

ghdprentice....I am not annoyed. Its just interesting that in the "Home Theater" section of the forums, I ask a home theater processor question and I get a few answers that denigrate home theater. That is what I meant by having an agenda. While I appreciate the time you took to respond, it reads as if you think I just fell off the tube truck and am unaware of other options. I have been doing this since 1975 and was looking for answers or responses to my actual question, and not responses from folks that seem to think I need to be educated on the benefits of two channel. This makes my head itch.I do however appreciate your posts. I apologize if I came off as snarky....not my intent.
   Steven

auxinput....Thank you for responding. The info and opinions expressed were and are helpful! I appreciate the time & effort.
   Steven

dbphd.....Thanks for the suggestion. If I am unhappy with the musical performance of the processor, I will connect it through the home theater bypass of my Wavelet preamplifier to see if there is improvement.
    I appreciate the response.
         Steven

maxwave....If I may ask, what subwoofers do you have?
   Steven

ronboco...As stated earlier in this thread, the McIntosh probably uses the Marantz processing system, so I appreciate you stating it sounds great with movies.You have a nice setup....I have not heard the Kanta speakers, but love the Sopra line. When I pull the trigger on a processor I will post my choice. Thanks

maxwave....The Acurus ACT4 was the first processor I thought of. I have the Aries in my bedroom and think it sounds great. I just couldn't find one new and did not want to pay what they cost used. Also, I am interested in Audiovector R3 Arrete's in one of my smaller systems. Are you happy with your R6's?
    Steven

maxwave....Thanks for the info. I just spoke with hifihandyman, who has an ACT4 demo. I am considering that piece now as well. 
    Steven