Looking for processor recomendations

Hey, you could be right on that one. Go for it if those ever-changing video related specs are up-to-date enough for you (and you've given careful consideration to who you may be trying to sell it to down the line, given the manufacturer-forced upgraditis that shapes this part of the market: my Denon 2930ci wuz ~$1500... sold to me, barely used, in mint condition for $225 delivered. Kinda scary, really).

Do consider that if you just buy the Marantz new, you're done and up to date (for what THAT'S worth). Life is short. I've regularly seen 30+ % discounts online for the more desireable Marantz pieces, which might just end up looking pretty good $-wise vs. used, particularly if you really think through a projected resale scenario for down the road. Consistently reported to sound "warm", "musical", and simply pleasing for long term comfort, the better Marantz models do seem to have a place in a home which also contains gear with more inflated ambitions. Maybe that's all you really need for this application.

Gettin' complicated... Just sayin'. Of course, who am I to talk? -- I've got one DAC for Redbook and Internet radio, another for hi rez PCM (to be modded), and a player for SACD/Blu-Ray (music)! Surely there's some other little box I need for something. I sympathize completely with that quest for just a little more magic. But I'm glad I cooled on the idea of some kind of 5-ch. home theater, just speaking for myself: I can't believe it helps 'Casablanca' all that much...