Easiest to use Processor

I was going to say the same about Rotel (I happen to own the RSP 1068) but it gets little respect around here so I didnt at first offer my opinion. If it is mostly movies it is fantastic for the price, if music is primary concern it gets harder to say by the Rotel. It is too bad the Lexicon may be leaving your dads system, it is a great unit.

I have the McIntosh MX135 and find that once it is set I can easily make adjustmenst to sub/cntr/surroun with the trim adjustments. And when ever it cycles on/off it restores the setting I have set as default. But for each movie he can adjsut the trim as he sees fit and not lose his settings.

Perhaps you might set the thing up then a learning remote that only does the major functions---Leave the original remote tucked away.--On easy to use---I had the Onkyo high end brand and it was the simplest to use of anything I have had;since.

NAD Receiver. Simple and hi quality at modest price. No preamp processor wil be entirely simple and it sounds like simplicity is what you seek. NAD is simplicity but quality.

NAD is not bad but Rotel has far more adjustments and is very simple aswell.