UltimateAVmag.com: Buyer's Guide: Surround Preamps/Processors

Surround Preamps/Processors. Geek-speak for surround preamp/processor, it takes the sound from your program source and pumps out 5.1, 7.1, or more channels of sound. Yes, it will do just fine with 2-channel stereo as well.

For a complete list of every pre/pro reviewed by UAV, click here.

UAV's Current Top Picks. These components offer the Ultimate in pure performance in each product category.

	Integra Research RDC-7.1 $5,500 as reviewed
	Lexicon MC-12 $8,995 single-ended; $9,995 balanced

UAV Recommends. These components offer outstanding performance that is just short of the Ultimate, but still worthy of consideration for your system.

	Classe SSP-300 $4,500
	Linn Kisto $12,995
	Meridian G61 $5,495
	Meridian G68ADV $9,985
	NAD Masters Series M15 $2,999
	Parasound Halo C 2 $4,000

Ultimate Bang for the Buck. These components establish the Ultimate in price/performance ratio, challenging the performance of the Ultimate and Premier Choice components at a fraction of the price.

	Outlaw Model 990 $1,099
	Rotel RSP-1068 $1,699

New Products. Announcements and quick hits on hot gear that you can find at a retailer near you. These products have not yet been reviewed in UAV.

	Adcom GTP-870HD $2,499
	Anthem AVM 50 $4,699
	Anthem Statement D2 $6,699
	Arcam FMJ AV9 $5,749
	Classe SSP-600 $6,500
	Lexicon MC-12 HD $NA
	NAD M15 $2,999
	Sunfire Theater Grand Processor-5 $3,495

Capsule reviews, sneak peeks at components that are on UAV's test bench for full review, or that we've been inspired to comment on from face time at trade shows, in owner's systems, or at retail.

	Theta Casablanca III with Xtreme DACs and Six Shooter $NA

Discontinued But Not Forgotten. These components earned our recommendation, but have since been discontinued by the manufacturer.

	Adcom GTP-880 $2,400
	Anthem Statement D1 $5,000
	Arcam FMJ AV8 $4,999
	Audio Refinement Pre-2DSP PLII (new model) $1,395
	Classe SSP-60 $4,995
	Outlaw 950 $799
	Primare SP31.7 $3,995