Best Processor Choice...

I'm soliciting opinions. I'm looking for a new (or used) processor. So far, I've begun narrowing the list to a Cary Cinema Six or Meridian 568 (v.1). As you might guess, my budget comes in at around $2,000 to $2,500 hence the v.1 Meridian.

My pro/con list boils down to: Cary is more current having enough analog inputs for DVD-A and SACD (which I do not currently have), but has less experience in digital/solid state world and may not support product long term (no upgrade path, software, etc.). Meridian has Trifield as a standout item, the company knows digital, has additional THX foo-faw for HT but I'd be looking at a used/older model that can't support DVD-A/SACD (except from Meridian player).

I've listened to the Meridian...mmmmm, tasty. I have not listened to the Cary (my local dealer only stocks tooobs) but the limited reviews suggests the Cary possesses the musical qualities I'm interested in.

The Rotel 1068 is still in the hunt but running third (although it is more attractively priced). I've listened to and eliminated Anthem, B&K and Sunfire from the list. All that said, I'd be interested in hearing opinions on:

* Other processors to consider (in roughly $2K price range)
* Benefits of either the Cary, Meridian or Rotel
* Deteriments of any of these
* Individual experience (especially with the Cary)
* And, anything else you'd like to throw in.

For the curious, I'm running a Rotel 1095 five channel amp (320 watts into 4 ohms) and five (4 ohm) near-field monitors. I'm in a small to mid-size room (13x15x9), have a wide range of musical taste and honestly listen to about 65/35 HT/Music, but lie to myself that it is more like 45/55. :) My system runs slightly bright (mostly from a weak bottom end) and is very detailed and precise. I'm hoping to calm the sizzle a bit without losing the detail (Yes, a new sub might help, but it is lower on the "I want" list). I took the Sunfire off my list because it was too "sludgy" and the Anthem because it was too...um....not bright.... sterile (at least for my taste).

So, there it is.....I'd love to hear your thoughts and opinions. Thanks.

Scott

PS: Sorry for the length of the post, but I wanted to answer as many of the stock questions/responses as possible.