Surround processor recommendations

IMHO all surround processors are compromised when it comes to 2-channel audio. Since you state 2-channel is your priority, I think you will be better off buying a good preamp and a moderately priced receiver, like a Denon 3803, and only using the receiver when playing movies. (Run the front pre-outs of the receiver to a preamp input.) HT sound quality is not as demanding as 2-channel sound quality.

I have to second the Lexicon stuff, I have owned thier last three generations of processors. The DC-1, MC-1 and now the MC-12. They were always very good for movies, but have come a long way in the others areas as well!

Do NOT go with the Adcom GTP series. I purchased a GTP-760 which was supposed to be a huge improvement in QC over the 740 and 750. Ha! Mine died 48 hrs later. I went with a Lexicon DC-2 and haven't looked back since. The quality issues with Adcom processors are WELL documented. Users who have units that perform well are exceptions! Beware!

I know you said new, but right now I think the only thing I'd be less inclined to buy new than a prepro is a projector. The depreciation curves of these two types of kit are very, very steep - far more so than for other things in which there is less active innovation.

Many vendors have long-lasting, transferrable warrantees. Classe and Bryston are both notable examples, and both produce excellent 2-ch sound even through their 5-ch products.

I'm biased, but a used or demo Classe SSP75 goes for about the same price as a new B&K Ref 50 and the sound is significantly better.

What is up with the Adcom comments? While I am not familiar with the GTP-7xx series, I have had a GTP-860 here for a short time (it went into my friend's aunt's home) and GTP-880. I just got in the GTP-880 and it replaced my Parasound AVC-2500u. I don't find it to have a background noise issue at all. It has full bypass direct lines for DVD-A, SACD and 2 channel analog on each input.

This unit is very clean sounding. I would recommend an Adcom GTP-880. I would stay away from the GTP-860 until they come out with the GTP-860 MkII at a later date. It will be upgraded to DD EX and DTS ES.

The GTP-860 only has 2 HD video inputs, but the GTP-880 has three. Both have 12V trigger relays. The GTP-860 is a multi-zone processor, which means it has outputs for each of its inputs for use with a matrix switcher for whole house audio/video. The GTP-880 is a two zone processor with stereo output to zone 2. Neither have balanced outputs.

The Adcom issues on QC were from a previous manufacturing plant that they are no longer using.