Well, you're in luck. I've owned both the B&K Ref-30 and the Proceed AVP.
I wanted to jump to an audio/video processor and figured the B&K had the most for the money. However, once I got it home I was not all that impressed with the sonic qualities. Previously I had a CJ PV12 in my 2-ch system. The B&K went back to the store and I took home the Proceed AVP. I must respectfully disagree with the poster above. I find the AVP to be sonically a superior pre-amp to many of its competitors--and quite a bit better than the B&K. And with the AVP-2 I read there will be an improved volume control assembly and better processors. As for the "glitches" the AVP suffers from, I do believe Proceed will address them. However, after tinkering with my AVP I was able to eliminate the "resetting" syndrome when putting the DVD on pause. I faced the same dilemma you did. The B&K is obviously a bells and whistles powerhouse, but lacking sonically. The AVP, while having great sound, does have a few drawbacks. For me, once I listened to the AVP my fears melted away. Try one as a demo in your home. Not sure when the AVP-2 will be out, but I've read that it is going to be fully up-to-date. Good luck with your purchase.
I wanted to jump to an audio/video processor and figured the B&K had the most for the money. However, once I got it home I was not all that impressed with the sonic qualities. Previously I had a CJ PV12 in my 2-ch system. The B&K went back to the store and I took home the Proceed AVP. I must respectfully disagree with the poster above. I find the AVP to be sonically a superior pre-amp to many of its competitors--and quite a bit better than the B&K. And with the AVP-2 I read there will be an improved volume control assembly and better processors. As for the "glitches" the AVP suffers from, I do believe Proceed will address them. However, after tinkering with my AVP I was able to eliminate the "resetting" syndrome when putting the DVD on pause. I faced the same dilemma you did. The B&K is obviously a bells and whistles powerhouse, but lacking sonically. The AVP, while having great sound, does have a few drawbacks. For me, once I listened to the AVP my fears melted away. Try one as a demo in your home. Not sure when the AVP-2 will be out, but I've read that it is going to be fully up-to-date. Good luck with your purchase.