Mcintosh,Meridian,Anthem,Classe surround sound

Get a used Theta Casablanca.
Then when things change at least you can upgrade it, unlike others at this price range.
Look at the Discission forums Home Theater : re Theta, Meridian, McIntosh etc
lots of useful info.
Good luck.

You can also pick up a used Meridian 861 in this price-range... it too is upgradeable and my personal choice.

I second Bryston, but out of the four you are choosing from, I'd go with either McIntosh or Meridian.

Oops, sorry .
Yes the Meridian 861 is also upgradeable via card lots.
The 861 is a great processor in the same league as the Theta Casablanca.
Have you guys listenend to the Bryston in the same room againts the Theta or the Meridian?
To my ears the Bryston does not play at the same level as the other two, but its price reflects that.
Please remember this is only my opinion, go listen for yourself and have tons of fun.
Good luck.

FWIW, I've yet to find a better processor than Meridian; be it 568 or 861. The rest just don't match up!