$2500 amp and pre/pro

Thank you for your responses. PrPixel, I've heard very good things about the sound of the AVM2, do you know if it has multichannel input for SACD? I'd never even considered the MCA5 and know nothing about it. I'll start researching it. Could you charactarize the sound of anthem compared to B&K, sunfire or other options?

Maineiac (I'm a Maineiac too, currently living in Boston), I'd considered the sunfire ultimate, but it is at the extreme of my range (funny how that always seems to happen in audio...) and I only need 5 channels. My speakers can't be biamped so I'd be paying for two channels and never use them. Still, if I opt for sunfire equipment, it seems the cheapest way to get it is that receiver instead of separates.

Great responses, I've been doing a lot of reading and I've now ruled out B&K as an option. I did some reading on the MCA5 and did not like what I read. It did not seem to strike reviewers as a musical amplifier at all. The AVM-2 is a possibility I'm considering for a processor. However, Prpixel, I just uncovered an old thread of yours here what ever happened with this situation? I must say, that goes a long ways toward scaring me off from Anthem products.

Two more questions...I understand that one person at least preferred anthem to sunfire processors, but what about sunfire amps (specifically the cinema grand)? I also keep hearing good things about Classe processors (ssp25, 30 and 50) but can't determine if they have 5.1 analogue inputs. Any comments on these components? Thanks again.

Well, I'm about to commit the cardinal audio sin--buy without hearing first. I figure I'm buying used and could resell without too much of a hit. It looks like the avm2 is what I'll try.

However, I'm still looking for a 5 channel amp. The Powermaster 1000 is my top choice, but rarely seen on the used market and a little too pricey. I keep coming back to a used sunfire cinema grand which runs...about a grand used. Anyone tried the anthem/sunfire combo? Or the Vienna/sunfire combo? Or any other thoughts as to musical amps in the sub $1500 used price range?

I never considered the sherbourn, thanks, I'll check that out.

I kept reading about processors and now I'm considering the Aragon Soundstage. It seems to get incredible reviews for it's two channel sound in particular and it has 5.1 analogue inputs (thought I think this is through a DB-25 connector?). Has anyone compared this to the Anthem avm2? How do you think it would sound paired with a Sunfire amplifier (although I'm not totally sold on the Sufire yet) through Vienna Acoustic speakers? It does seem to be somewhat dated, but if it sounds good, and it has DTS, Dolby Digital etc. for movies and 5.1 analogue inputs, I don't really know what else I need. Also, I think there was an upgrade for this too, but I'm not sure, I emailed Aragon, but haven't heard back yet.

Thank you all for your responses. This is where I stand right now: It's still between the AVM-2 and the Soundstage for the processor. I'm leaning toward the AVM-2 because, while the reviews are glowing for thw Soundstage, I've run across the occasional comment about a lack of dynamics and my speakers need all the punch they can get.

I really like what I read about Aragon amps. They seem to be the poor man's Krell. The first time I heard Krell was in a shop on B&W speakers and the sound made me cringe. Later I heard them on Vienna Acoustics and it was the best I've ever heard these speakers sound. I can not afford a Krell, but I am looking for an amp that has these characteristics. The problem is the Aragon is really stretching the budget. Ender, you seem to have a good suggestion, but I listen to a lot of multichannel SACD and DVD-A--I also have the same speakers in the rear as my fronts and for this reason would really like to have equal amplification for all channels. The 8008X5 Aragon is just more money than I'm willing to spend though. Do you know anything about the 2005? It's a bit less money, just wondering what the tradeoffs are. I'm still seriously considering picking up a Sunfire Cinema Grand. I haven't heard a thing about this amp paired with my speakers, but as far as wattage and current go, I can't find anything that can beat this for near the price (~$1000). I guess If the sound isn't to my liking I could always resell...

Ok, I'm still mulling this decision. I had pretty much decided on picking up an AVM 2 and then I came upon this page here which compares the avm 2 to the avm 20 v1 and v2. I've heard from some who moved from the avm2 to the avm 20 that, sonically, it was a lateral move. How about all of those soundfield modes--do you avm 20 users use them? Basically, is the avm 20 worth the extra $700-800 over the avm 2?

Things that look useful to me in the avm 20 are the soundfield modes, and the bass management for multichannel analogue inputs and separate x-over settings. I have no need for more/better video switching. I'm not trying to keep up with the Joneses, I'm just worried about buying something that's obsolete before I even hook it up...

The Proceeds are out of my price range. I actually just purchased a sunfire cinema grand at a price that was too good to pass up. I imagine this will be so far ahead of the Onkyo that died that I will love it. If not, however, I can always resell it at minimal loss. I am still looking for a processor. I was literally minutes too late in making an offer on the anthem avm20 v2 for $1650 that sold here. In looking at all the specs, I would really prefer the avm20 to the avm2 if for no other reason than bass management. I'm still looking around however and considering other options than anthem.