Which 5.1 ch Pre?

While I haven't heard the others you mention (though I have heard good things about the Map1), I've been nothing but pleased with my Audio Refinement Pre-5. The closest thing I've ever had to a complaint with it has nothing to do with sound quality... it's the fact that it only has one set of 5.1 inputs. If 1)you have only a dvd player and aren't into SACD or DVD-A or 2)you use a universal player to cover those formats, like I do, then the Pre-5 may be just what you are looking for!

The best deal is, still, a used Sony P9000ES but they are hard to find. AFAIK, YBA has discontinued the AR line, so the Pre-5 supply will be or is drying up now.

Kal

I'd second the Cal 2500. Phenomenal unit, easily in your price range,( can probably get one for $1,500) and as a bonus it is also an outstanding pre-amp.

I love my MAP1. Its an excellent preamp because that's all it is, just 5 channel analog. I don't use the UDP1 but I wish I had one. Its only drawback for me is the lack of balanced outputs.

Is the CAL that much better than the Meridian 568??