meridian 861 or Theta Cas.III-which is better

I have owned Theta Casablance (Syandard Dacs), Lexicon MC12 V3, AVP, PAV/PDSD and the Gseries 91/68. I also auditioned the Mark levinson 40 in house for 2 days. What do I have now: current versions Meridian 800/861. The absolute best I have owned or heard. PERIOD.

Thanks for the responses- Do you feel(I know it is subjective) that the Meridian is up to the task to be used as a 2 channel preamp vs, a seperate hi-end pre?>I am trying to simplify mys ystem- I currently have the Lex mc12B and I feel that it is terrible for music - therefore the need for a seperate preamp- gary

Many feel that the Meridian is the ONLY processor that competes with high end 2-channel preamps. For the money you'll spend on it, your dealer should let you have a home trial.

John

hey - I just noticed a Accuphase a/v700 for sale- Anyone know anything about it and how it stacks up to the Meridian- thanks

Owned Theta products and just about every Meridian product. The Meridian 861 with an 800 (or g91, g98DH) is in the current state of high end home theatre. The configuration options, room correction, and sound quality can not be compared. No one can argue. Go with the 861