Hi all,
this might be usefull info for some of you.
Since AV technology is lightspeed changing, there are some great bargains nowdays. If you do not want to wait and can live without PL2 then there are some nice solutions for the sub 1k zone.
It is not likely that Arcam will design cheap pre-pro because all those licenses and certifications cost a lot of money. It is very easy to spot there is (almost) not a single processor in this middle price area.
If OEM type processors are OK for you MF processor is seen for quite less than 1k. I think there is something new on Eay for 1k at the moment.
If you insist on 5.1 bypass (7.1 in this case) Myryad is also seen just for 1k. And yes, it can be upgraded (just exchange for another OEM board)
Simmilar, maybe even better, is Primare. Designed from Primare but no 5.1 input. It also can be upgraded to the latest specs. On
www.audio-markt.de there are used P30 + A30.5 Amp (great amp) for 1100 EURO each - yes 650 quid each. And I saw it lately very often selling for peanuts.
So there are some great solutions if you can not afford TAG, Arcam or other latest Processors.
I myself have full TAG setup but sometimes I feel it was too much money for that much satisfaction. No regrets but . . .
Hope this might be of help