#1 vote - Proceed AVP. Great HT decoders built in, but this unit alone is worth the $'s for it's 2-channel performance alone! Awesome, awesome, awesome. No longer in business, but Madrigal will still service the unit if need be, the best performer for the $'s, bar none.
Used - less than $800.
#2 vote - Theta CasaNova. This unit is a fabulous performer for 2-channel that decodes most any surround modes too. Obviously a surround processor first, with strong 2-channel sonics.
Used - less than $800.
Funny, $1,500 is a tough price as I think the $800 price used pieces compete (or better) the $1,500 units and in my experiences - my ears - my rooms - one would need to spend substantially more to get 'improvements' (again, to my ears, my room) getting into the likes of the Meridian 568.2/861.
Don't get me wrong, there are alot of wonderful processors out there that do fine decoding HT and have a solid musical presence - AND everyone will give you a list of their top 5 - for which NO ONE will have the same top 5.
I use a Levinson #40 in our large room and a JBL SDP-40HD (Lexicon MC12B) in our smaller room. I have had the Meridian 861v.4 before that, of course every incarnation of the Lexicon products, Theta, EAD, California Audio Labs, Golden Theaters, Chord, Anthem, McIntosh, and the lovely Proceeds.
Hope this helps and doesn't confuse.
Used - less than $800.
#2 vote - Theta CasaNova. This unit is a fabulous performer for 2-channel that decodes most any surround modes too. Obviously a surround processor first, with strong 2-channel sonics.
Used - less than $800.
Funny, $1,500 is a tough price as I think the $800 price used pieces compete (or better) the $1,500 units and in my experiences - my ears - my rooms - one would need to spend substantially more to get 'improvements' (again, to my ears, my room) getting into the likes of the Meridian 568.2/861.
Don't get me wrong, there are alot of wonderful processors out there that do fine decoding HT and have a solid musical presence - AND everyone will give you a list of their top 5 - for which NO ONE will have the same top 5.
I use a Levinson #40 in our large room and a JBL SDP-40HD (Lexicon MC12B) in our smaller room. I have had the Meridian 861v.4 before that, of course every incarnation of the Lexicon products, Theta, EAD, California Audio Labs, Golden Theaters, Chord, Anthem, McIntosh, and the lovely Proceeds.
Hope this helps and doesn't confuse.