I've heard so many pre/pros. I ended up with an HTS with Krell amps. In my search, I found that the HTS and Proceed can sound good or bad depending on the configurations used in the listening rooms. I actually believe that both units are good, but I found the HTS to image so much better and offer much more air and transparency than the proceed. In my home with all Aerial speakers and Cardas wiring, there's not a hint of any of the negative attributes to which Ken alluded. Although, I do agree with Ken that the Cal unit is nice, but I still give the nod to the HTS. I do not find the Lexicon to yield the high end sound we expect. I was going to get a Theta Casablanca, but I have a problem with the company that I will not elaborate on. Overall, the HT area is changing so much, it's hard to know what the future will bring.