best pre/pro under $5,000

I second The Integra Research RDC-7. I own it. You can read a review of it online at Stereophiles Guite to Home Theater FEB 2001.

I am surpriced that no one mentioned Antehm AVM-20 v2.0 or B&K Ref50 yet. You don't have to spend all $5k if you don't need to, right?

no I don't...I have always been interested in the Sunfire Cinema Grand III and have read nothing but mostly positive reviews. I think I may give it a try. The Anthem also reviews positively but the complaint I have read is it is a little technical for non-techies like my wife...

Just got an Anthem AVM-20 v2.0, my wife learned to use the remote in about 20 mins.

After the preamp is properly setup, the only thing to select is the desired input, vol control and channel control. Don't even need to power on or off because there is a timer for that.

The included remote is able to control 5 additional equipments: TV/Sat/VCR/DVD/CD. If you have two Sats, you will have to manually program each commands. For example, I have two Sat receiver but no CD player, so CD becomes second Sat.

Most name brand componets are in pre-programmed commands, so only have to select the right code # for the equipment.

Eric

I'd say that the the Integra Research RDC-7 is the one to beat for under $5,000. Fit and finish is first rate, and the sound is very natural and detailed. I owned a TGIII(actually 3 of them) and I really can't knock it, it's a great piece(very warm sounding), and very easy to use. Just be aware that some of the new ones might exhibit an audible popping problem with 5.1 sources, that's due to a faulty chip(this issue is currently being addressed btw).

SV