Which processor? Linn, Rotel, Outlaw, Meridian?

Since you say you will be using this system half of the time for music you may want to give more serious consideration to PLII as it is actually quite good and a huge step up from the older PL.

Just because you have a Linn amp and speakers I do not feel that the older Linn processor makes any more sense than your other options. I'm not familar with the Linn, but if it is as old as you imply I would not consider it as it will be difficult to sell should you not be happy with it. Most people buying surround processors want the newer technology at least up to a point.

After taking a very long look at many options I decided on the Rotel 1066, which I got virtually unused for $800. I could not be happier and recommend it highly. Don't be misled by the low price these go for. Rotel makes exceptional equipment for very reasonable prices and has been doing so for a very long time. I use mine with Classe amps and Aerial loudspeakers on the front end and a Rotel amp and Von Schweikert TS-150's for the rear. I use a Hsu VFT3 for a sub. In the past I used an older Meridian and a Proceed PAV. The Rotel was a big improvement and of course it could handle the newer surround formats.

You did not mention the rest of your system, but you might be able to put that extra $800 to good use if you went for the Rotel. What are you using for a DVD player?

You may want to read Robert Deutsch's review of the 1066 in the January '03 issue of Stereophile Guide to Home Theater if you have not done so already.

Although the Outlaw is a good bang for the buck I do not believe it can compete with your other choices, which have been designed by companies with far greater experience in both 2 channel and multi-channel audio.

Hope this helps...

I've had a Meridian 565 in my HT setup for the last seven years, and it's one of the few items that I have zero desire to change. It's a pain to setup, but so very worth it. As close to natural sound as I can imagine from a processor. Way cheap on the used market too, but make sure you get the one with the Z4 chip which does dts, etc.

Hands down...Meridian. Granted the 568 is a older model, but the competition is no match for even the older Meridian. Trifield is still an eye opener, even compared to the newer formats that are coming out. Plus...play your cards right, you can find a 568 that can handle DD and DTS.

Of course, you're not gonna get the added features that the others are offering. IMO, the tradeoff of performance/reliability vs. features is something I wouldn't think twice about considering.

Definetly keep the Linn synergy and go with the 5103. Pick up another 5125 amp and buy some Aktiv cards for those Espeks and be prepared to be blown away. :)

FWIW, I home demo'd a Rotel 1068 and the Sherwood/Newcastle P-965 at the same time about two years ago. Although a close call, the Sherwood, which should sound much like the Outlaw (they are both produced by Sherwood) bested the 1068, especially in terms of soundstage dimensionality, top-end extension and feature-set. Since the 1068 probably is an improvement over the 1066, between the Rotel and the Outlaw, I'd go for the Outlaw (which is a no-risk purchase, since they have a 30-day return option).