New Processor

FWIW, here's my ranking on sonic and build quality respectively:

1. SP1.7
2. Classe
3. Krell

Have heard them all and find the Krell still having that distinctive sound that I don't like (a tad bright to my ears; YMMV). Classe is very nice but bland, beautifully built though and rather attractive. Krell is sexy in appearance and has an abundance of features, but it just doesn't sound very good to me. It may be your cup of tea..... you have to listen to them.

The big Krell (forgot the model #) is a far better unit, but any piece that costly with such a cheapie remote should be ashamed of itself. All in all, a real fine unit but I wouldn't abandon my Bryston for it, as Krell's sonic signature has never appealed to me.

As music seems to constitute the bulk of your listening, you will most likely find greatest long-term satisfaction with the Bryston (I certainly have).

If you can find a dealer in your area I would also check out the Sunfire Theatergrand III. It is very good on two channel.

Adamanteus,
Have you heard the Aragon Stage One, or the TAG McLaren AVR32-192? If so, how do you rate those units compared to your top 3?

Thanks for the input. I was hoping to audition today but an ice storm is keeping me in. I had a sitter lined up for the daughter and I was hoping to enjoy a self indulgent afternoon. Does anyone know why the Classe SSP30 is already on a MkII? That never gives me warm fuzzies.

Fiesta Bowl tonight... GO BUCKS!!!

(I know a win is not real likely, but I don't care!)

just thought i'd let you know that i auditioned the classe ssp 30 mk II in home and the krell showcase as well. after long deliberation i decided on the showcase. for me the sound of the showcase was more suited for my system. like you i'm 75/25 toward the two channel side. I wanted a very good preamp and for the money I feel that i got one as well as a ton of processing power, balance outs, class A preamp circuitry, component switching and the krell reputation. the reason that classe came out with a mkII was to incorporate dolby prologic II as well as more up to date decoding. that's the only reason. by the way classe is coming out with a ssp60 withing the next few weeks but i think it's price point is almost twice that of the 30