Which processor??

[pras1011]

I have a budget of about £1500 (roughly $3000). I want a better processor than my Proceed AVP. But i dont know which, but I do know I want a high-end processor.
I have already had a Rotel 1068 (so Rotels are a no go). Since I live in the UK the choices are more limited but in the US there are loads.
Heres my list of what I think are good processors:
Anthem 20
Anthem 30
Sunfire Theatre Grand 2
Proceed AVP2 (if I can find one!!!!)
Krell HTS

Can anyone recommend any on my list or any others. I need a processor that going to be good with music and home cinema.

My system is M&K 850s on the front, Def Tech BP1X on rears, Adcom 7705 power amp, and velo cht15 sub.

Thanks

Pras

[sikoniko]

i dont like anthem. they sound sterile to me. i took them off of my list when shopping around.

[aud19]

You've already got a decent pre/pro, wait 6months-1year and there will be a whole new set of pre/pro's with HDMI 1.3 capability and compatibility with HD-DVD/BluRay

At that point look at the Bryston's, Lexicon's, Classe's etc of the world if you'd like something higher end.

[pras1011]

I am not too bothered about video switching. I was told the AVP was better than Bryston's, Lexicon's, Classe's for 2 channel music. I was told that the AVP is better than the sp1.7 on home cinema

[gostan]

The Bryston SP1.7 has now been upgraded to the SP2, which has resulted in a greatly improved HT sound coupled with its' stellar 2 channel.

Also, I am surprised that neither the Arcam AVP700 or AV9 are on your list. Another great sounding 2 channel/HT pre pro. To my ears, the Anthems have never been great 2 channel sounding pre-pro's.

[RebelMan]

I was told the AVP was better than Bryston's, Lexicon's, Classe's for 2 channel music.

Not sure I would accept that advice at face value. I think the speakers used in that recommendation should be disclosed, proper matching is important. Do yourself a favor and listen to all three, if you haven't already, with the speakers that you prefer. The results may surprise you. 8)

[aud19]

Not sure I would accept that advice at face value. I think the speakers used in that recommendation should be disclosed, proper matching is important. Do yourself a favor and listen to all three, if you haven't already, with the speakers that you prefer. The results may surprise you. 8)

I agree

Also have you acoustically treated your room yet? Perhaps the reason you're unhappy with an otherwise quality class of pre/pro is poor room interaction?

[Shane Martin]

Also, I am surprised that neither the Arcam AVP700 or AV9 are on your list. Another great sounding 2 channel/HT pre pro.

I was surprised at this too.

The Sherwood Newcastle would also be worth a look. It's got a world class featureset. Though I'm not sure SN is available across the pond.

[pras1011]

sherwood Newcastle is a very very budget english brand. owned by www.richersounds.co.uk!
though i havent seen a sherwood sold in the uk for a long time.