Suggestions on replacement AV processor...

The answer you will get from most audio/HT buffs is to have separate systems, provided you have the space and budget for both. Some of us like me, however, do not have room in our homes for both. My own priority in building a system was to have really good 2-channel audio, but also enjoy a high quality HT system. (You can look at my system in "Virtual Systems", where is listed under my member name Sdcampbell with the title "High resolution audio/HT system".) After a lot of looking, listening, and thinking about buying the best pre/pro I could afford, I bought the Bryston SP-1 (Bryston also makes Lexicon), which provides a high-quality analog bypass circuit, plus excellent surround processing. I continue to be impressed and pleased with the high quality audio that Bryston has delivered in the SP-1 -- not to mention their 20-year transferrable warranty. I can't say the SP-1 is the best choice for everyone, but if your priorities are on audio quality rather than lots of features, and you are limited to a combined rather than separate audio and HT setup, then the SP-1 ought to be on your short list.

I am primarily a ultra high end two channel guy and my experiences with high end processors has been disappointing. The difference between a Sony SDP-EP9ES and a ultra high end Fosgate or Lexicon is (in my opinion) not worth the expense.

For that reason, I would find a Sony SDP-EP9ES used and spend the remainder of your budget on a great used tube (two channel) preamp. You may be able to swing an Aesthetix Callisto which is my reference.

The Sony is discontinued, several sites pop up at Google with images and specs if you wish to research. These closed out at about $450.00 new in box three months ago, from an original price of about $1200.00 retail.

I think your system will reproduce much better sound everywhere with your budget split the way I suggest. The two channel will leap light years ahead and the surround will be equal or better than if the $4000.00 was dropped on a processor only.

With 4K you could almost afford a used Theta Casa Blanca I with superior dacs in the front. That would do the trick!!!

Separate the systems if possible. Spending money on an expensive highend processor is (sorry everyone)a waste of money. For HT, an inexpensive processor like the Sony Albert describes will suffice just as well as a 10K processor. To get the best sound for HT and stereo in one room with one processor will yield trade offs. Sound for 2ch music and movie soundtracks are dispearst differently. So right from the start there has to be a trade off (compramises). What is the sense spending the money on an expensive highend processor if music is of the highest priority. If willing to live with the tradeoffs than realise your not going to be getting the best of either surround sound or HT. For the best sound for music, one must build a seperate room matched and tuned for sound with the appropriate components made to deliver the proper dispersion of sound waves. Same applies for movie soundtracks. Just that they are different from one another. For example, one may need to reflect sound while the other will need to absorb sound for the best result and best sound. How can this end up giving the best sound from both. What happens is that one must come to a compramise. Why spend 10k on an expensive processor to only come to a compramise. Wasted many thousands to realise this. Me, i would buy a receiver for HT and in a seperate room spend the money on the best musical system i could afford. Sorry for bad spelling. No spell checker today!!!!!!!