I have a REF 50 and I think it is awesome, the problem have all been worked out. If you do not have a sub EQ it has a notch filter than can really be helpful in getting a flat response in a room.
The Anthem, B&K and Parasound C2 are all pretty close. It's just personal preference in my mind. If some audiofile folks can barely tell the difference between Outlaws 950 and Lexicons...most likely these 3k or so controllers will be comparable.
If you are more into music though I would buy the Bryston as it has a amazing analog pass through as I am told. No video switching with it...that may be good if you have a out board scaler anyways.
Jason,
You may already understand this, for those that don't know the Ref50, you have the choice to shut down any unused video switching.
Or completely omit it from the pathway altogether.
I have a friend that has the REF 50. I played a copy if the THX Ultimate Demo Dvd and on the DTS soundtrack of the podrace it was better than the sound in the Senator Theater in Baltimore, MD. Lucas and his collegues approved that theater among other theaters in the country to see Episode I. When I went to the showing of Episode I, I met people from California.
Anyway, the sound that this baby puts out is extremely clean. Especially with SACD!!
