What's Good 5.1 pre/pre with DD, DTS, DPL II

meridian

In the MSRP range you've indicated, I'd give Rotel a serious look. Not many manufacturers are making a pure 5.1 pre/pro now, as everyone seems to think that more surround channels means better sound (often, maybe even rarely, true). Like you, I decided to stick with 5.1 channel HT, and haven't regretted the decision a bit. If you are willing to buy a used pre/pro, add the Bryston SP1 to your list. It's a really fine unit with analog bypass, although it lacks inputs for SACD as well as Dolby Pro Logic II. Several used SP1's have been listed for salerecently on A-gon in the $2200-2400 range.

Addendum:
Bryston is a great unit but is primarily known for fine stereo not HT. If you want both go with Meridian or Theta.

JWH

I'm surprised no one mentioned the studio choice for processors "Lexicon". In your price range you may have to go used, but the Lexicons will blow the socks off of most processors. There is a trade off however, for pure music pleasure they are not the best. Picture quality and effects they can't be beat. So all and all they build some of the best units. You also may consider that if you get a 7 channel even if you don't use it for now you are future proof. I have a DC1 couple years old no problems really impresses my friends while watching things blowing up

Well, yes, the Bryston is great for stereo but.....about 1/3 of the DVDs currently on the market have been QC'd or mixed with a Bryston in the chain. No other brand is even close to having as many professionals relying on their gear. Bryston is widely accepted as "the" standard for audio quality control in the Movie industry.

That being said, I still believe that HT performance is very close among all the top competitors. I have practically heard them all and liked a lot of them. Along with Bryston, and Meridian, I would look at Lexicon, Anthem, Rotel, and EAD, as well.