Which processor? Linn, Rotel, Outlaw, Meridian?

I don't understand why people buy processors instead of a really good MCh preamp combined with the digital player of your choice which will have all the processing in it. It saves you the digital cables, and more importantly you can buy a preamp that is high quality and will not loose value, whereas processors are like computers in that regard. When you feel the digital source is obsolete then upgrade that, instead of both every couple of years. That said, I do realize that some people like the flexibility of a processor that has multiple switching/input capability with various formats and possibly FM/AM. But if music is a priority, I would argue that most processors try to fit too much in to that box whereas high quality MCh preamps are built with the music lover in mind and leave the video and digital processing to the source...

"I don't understand why people buy processors instead of a really good MCh preamp combined with the digital player of your choice which will have all the processing in it."

Because it doesn't have half the processing in it, players have exceptionally crude processing in them and in my experience you cannot setup a player with any level of accuracy for your setup.

There's a great deal more to a prepro than you are aware of. People over look the software in these processors and how software is more important than hardware. What's a computer without software, did you ever consider looking ast it that way?

Simply put the BEST Mch pre with the BEST multi format player is going to vastly inferior to a good prepro. If you can prove otherwise I'd like to hear how you pulled it off.

Sorry to bring a new processor into your circle but....
Buy a used Theta Casablanca.
You can change the dac's as you feel the need to and they are all upgradeable. They are in a card / slot form so they are ready for future changes.
Plus it is GREAT sounding and very versatile.
Enjoy.

A Casablanca for $1500?????? Maybe a CBI but not a II or III. The CB I & II had software problems the III does not. Stick with the Linn for that price.

I'm a bit at a loss here. Can anyone objectively explain how they came to the conclusion how the Linn, Rotel Outlaw, or the Casablanca outperforms the Meridian? This goes without saying, but the Meridian requires the one has some pre-learned knowledge of surround sound to properly set it up; all as be willing to navigate a little.

But shouldn't this be a prerequisite for any who wants to properly setup and calibrate a MC system?

Or is it more that people haven't heard the "competition" and only made thier choices on what they have heard, or what someone told them or read; not what they researched?

Not saying the 568 is the best out there, but in this price bracket, where is the competition?

Just wondering gentlemen. Anyone care to explain?