Hummmmm...I like the krell pre/pro's, very much actually. I used to sell Thiel set up with Krell KAV250 amps and HTS processor. While the sound was very detailed and clear, some might think the trebble "walks the line" pretty thin, or close. Tastes may very. I've had clients comment that they didn't like the Treble match of Thiel 2.3's with the krell combo. But, then again the 3.6's are different speakers to my ears. It maybe a more solid match, and of course cabling will "season to taste" for optimum sound any time.
I'd give the Krell stuff a try in a heartbeat. But then I like their pre/pro's, and have gotten gorgeous sound for multi channel with them indeed.
Still, if you are woried about the top end balance, to be critical (or safe), Macintosh, Classe, Aragon, maybe CAL Probabaly EAD 8800, and Theta's top would probably "steer you safe" if you have any concerns there. All these offer superb surround processing and refinement. The AVM20 I've not heard, and am a little sceptical. But that's only because I've sold Anthem/Sonic F over the years, and just didn't hear the AVM2 sound good in any setup's I breifly heard(although that company had great products in the past, and now Paradigm owns). Although that may indeed be a great piece, I dunno. I still haven't heard any real solid reviews or demo's on that piece.
Personally, I've sold a lot of gear over the years, and have been around most all the lines. I tend to shy from the Lexicons', Bryston's, B&K's, Meridian's, etc. I think these sound more digital, warm, and or plain to my ears. Actually the Meridian is best here, but complicated, and not that special sounding if you ask me, but decent.
You'll really have to try to find out though. No other real way.
This is not a snap answer choice, as you know.
