Good Processor

For good stereo the older pre/pro will certainly win. I have seen older 861s go for much less than new, but you could do a 565 or 568 for about $400-800. In stereo the processor is not being used, so the pre-amp stage means everything.

Bear in mind that, despite its excellent performance. the 861 is a digital-only device without any analog bypass or passthrough.

Zd542, sorry if I wasn't clear. I'm not comparing a new meridian to a new integra but instead a new integra with the older versions, as stated 2.8 or 4, which can be purchased for similar price points. Also, considering lexicon mc12 and other s that are suggested.

You need to determine if the old receiver digitizes the 5.1 analog and apply room correction, bass management etc. The Oppo can do the bass management, but I do not think it does the room correction. Most receivers do not do room correction on the analog inputs. Because the Meridian is all digital, maybe it does. Also, does the Meridian have 5.1 or 7.1 RCAs or does it use a proprietary connection?

Meridian also has, at least to me, a characteristic sound that is much more digital than analog. You need to decide if you like that sound or not, especially for 2 channel music.

1. Few (but some) old receivers will redigitize the 5.1 analog but that is not optimum. If you want it to process digital (RC, Bass management, etc.), feed it digital
2. Oppos do not do room correction.
3. Meridian does RC below 300Hz which is where you really need it.
4. It is not standard but the Meridian 861s can be configured with a 5.1 RCA analog input.
5. IMHO, the Meridian sound is surprisingly analog and liquid.