Help deciding on DD/DTS Pre-amp

If you don't want to spend much (less than $1,700 used mint) and don't need video switching I would look into the Meridian 565. It is not very user friendly and there is only 1 or 2 digital inputs but if it is the latest version, 6.1 or better I believe and has DTS than you cannot do any better for movies and stereo at this price. Compared to the Lexicon MC-1 (which is awesome for movies by the way but lacks in stereo) the Meridian 565 was just as good as the MC-1 in 7 channel mode but the bass was more robust and dynamic with the Meridian. It is a pain in the butt to use but the audio is still first class for the price. If you wanted to get something even nicer (around $3,500 used) get the Proceed AVP. The AVP is an great unit. The 5 year warranty is transferable, software/hardware upgradeable , extremely easy to use and built like a tank. Good Luck

I just sold my B&K Ref 20 for a cheaper Marantz AV9000 because the B&K does not a 5.1 analog input for my Toshiba SD-9200 DVD Audio. In terms of their performance I am surpriced a bit because I found the Marantz to be better than the B&K specially in DTS. But that maybe just in my set-up, so audition both of them if possible. One last thing the Marantz have a component video switching, but you can just consider that a bonus. Just my opinion, goodluck hunting.

Listened to Proceed AVP $5000, Classe SSP25 $3000, Rotel 976 $1200, and TagMclaren AV32R $4000 Today. Proceed is very nice but maybe a little too much money. Classe sounded excellent and is closer to my range. TagMclaren I had never heard of before today, sounded nice, looked nice, but I just dont know. Rotel did not compare I would prefer to listen to a little higher model before counting them out, maybe. I will check out the Nakamichi and the Meridian thanks for the great suggestions.

TAG McLaren is very good - great in 5.1, outstanding with music, and it's upgradeable (software and hardware). They are very well respected in Europe but are relatively new in the US. Well known for quality and service.

Wcj56, I own a B&K and it is awesome. I have listened and looked at most of the Pre/Pros mentioned plus others(including the Krell, Lexicon, Meridian). For the money(especially the used prices), the B&K is hard to beat. B&K's upgrade policy and service makes it a better value. Furthermore using a DVD with 24/96 out to the B&K D/A converters is amazing on the Master recordings. I would have to A/B a Pre/Pro in my system before I would conceed any of these will out perform mine. Not saying it is impossible, but I'm not ready to throw down the bucks for the highend hipe. Also, going from B&K to that Marantz??? Okay. Good luck......B&K Pre/Pros are great....LR