Based on my experience, my opinion is that there is an ENORMOUS difference in sound quality among processors. I may not have expressed myself clearly before, but I have used some mid level receivers' processing sections as stand alone processors (Sony STRDB 1070 and Onkyo TX DS 797 THX) used with outboard amps and have compared them, in the same systems with dedicated processors (Sony TA E9000ES and Integra DTC 9.4).
There is no comparison. The TA E9000ES makes MUCH BETTER sound quality than the processing section of the STRDB 1070. The Integra DTC 9.4 makes MUCH BETTER sound quality than the processing section of the Onkyo 797.
As to bang for the buck, for either 2 channel or 5.1 the Sony TA E9000ES with firmware upgrades is an absolute steal at $499. If you must have 6.1 or 7.1, this processor is not for you. BTW, this processor is really 5.2 in that it has stereo sub outs.
