Processor suggestions please

I have decided to buy a home cinema processor as I already have plenty of power amps. At the moment I am looking to spend no more than £600 either new or used. I would like to have a 'clean' two channel option so that I can use it as a straight pre amp for the two main speakers. Back in my more flush days I had a Bryston 1.7 which was very good but I doubt I could get one for that money.

So far I have considered the Arcam 700 which I can get new for £600. I like the balanced connection option as most of the amps I have are pro and use balanced connections but this is more down to having plenty of balanced cables. Hdmi would also be nice but neither are deal breakers.

Any other suggestions within budget or very close?

 

Same problem mate !

I am thinking of the new-ish Audiolab model.

It is ment to be very basic, but very very good.

 

If you can find a Proceed AVP then I'd recommend that. It has an awesome analogue bypass, and true high end sound quality.Of course, an AVP2 is quite a bit better, but probably not available for your budget

 

Tag Mclaren AV32Rs can be had for that sort of money, and they're still very good.
£600 should easily get you a single (192 dac) processor with the 5.1 bypass.
There's one on e-bay now, but it's seriously over-priced compared with what they've been making recently.

 

The Meridian 561 and 568 are well regarded, although the 568 will be hard to find at the price. Neither support HDMI unfortunately.