Best All time 5.1 Pre/Pro

what about all of linn's new gear? the kinos etc just released at ces?
you can check it out on linn's site under press releases or here
http://www.musicalapproach.co.uk/news/linn_ces_2004_products.htm

but from what you have listed the theta is the only choice.

I have had at one time or another # 1 , 2, 7 and three versions of the Lexicon processors and when I put the meridian 861 in the system , I never looked back. If you do not like the " digital " character of the Lex then the Meridian is about as opposite in tonal color as you can get. Natural and non - fatiguing . I rant on and on about this processor in many posts but it is something that I can not stop praising as it is simply that good. IMO of course.

so you need multi channel intputs?...just want to make sure.
By the way, as someone who's personally worked for 5 high end audio stores over the past 15 years, I mostly whole-hartedly agree with your assesment of Lexicon and Bryston!...to my they always sounded synthesized, digital, and processed...and rather non-musical basically. I've much prefered the sonics overall of the likes of the Krell, Aragon, EAD, Classe, amd similar AV pre/pro's!. The Meridian I always thought was a pinch bellow some of the best digital AV pre/pro's for some reason. While I loved most all of Meridians amp's, preamps, CD player's and such, I never cared for their speakers or pre/pro's!..maybe it's just me. But then all the people I knew personally who sold the stuff, felt about the same way, and really didn't own any of their stuff.
As far as used processors go for 5.1, if you're after audiphle grade sonics from the pre/pro, I think you could also consider the excellent Aragon Soundstage if you need multi channel in's! I owned that piece, and it was superb overall from the digital connection!...it also had dirrect analog pass throughs for more sonic purity from analog sources/connections...very nice. Also, the Classe SSP60/75 are excellent, and might be your ticket. The Soundstage can be had at around $1000=1200 used I think.
If you need sometihng like the newer Dolby Pro II, Neo 6, and junk, you need newer..but personally I'd just assume playback in 2 channel for basic stereo movies and such...no biggie..as I value sonics over multiple speakers if it's a sonic sacrifice. And it's hard to baat the overall sonic ability of the unit's I mentioned above, including your sellections mostly.
Anway, thought my input might help. Good luck

You might want to add the Anthem AVM20 to your list. Very musical on both 2ch and surround.

Good luck,

I'm with Exertfluffer in recommending the Aragon Soundstage. I love its sound, user-friendliness, and excellent value at today's used prices ($1400 or less).