Joe

Who does the best sound for home theater?

Music aside, who does the best for HT sound for around $1500 (Reciever or Pre/pro)? Is it pretty much the same across the board for HT sound at this price?

Dave Milne

No, not in my opinion. If you surf through this forum, you will find vigorous debate over the sonic merits of receivers and pre-pros up to and including the Lexicon MC-12 (which I own... about $10K), the Theta Casablanca (up to $20K depending on options) and the Mark Levinson 40 (about $30K).

With that said, the benefits of such gear will only be realized if you have commensurate sources, power amps, speakers, and a properly designed/treated room.

Mark Davenport

You can get a used Lexicon MC-1 for $1600-1800 at audiogon or Ebay

Brian Corr

It's somewhat subjective but for HT, I'd say yes. Most equipment at that price point ($1500) is going to be close in sound for HT.

You'll find more differences in the features and ergonomics between equipment than you will in the sound.
Keep in mind, there are always exceptions. Some receivers just don't sound as good as others.

Your room, speakers and future plans should factor in also but for $1500, you may consider a $800 receiver and a separate used 5 channel amp.