suggestion for a multi channel pre/amp please

Consider the Audio Refinement Pre-5 (5.1-channel pre-amp, for two front/main, one center, and two rear channels + subwoofer) and Audio Refinement Multi-5 (5-channel power amp, 125 wpc). Used units from Audiogon would get close to your budget. Audio Refinement is YBA's "budget" line, and these pieces produce really excellent sound for either stereo or multi-channel/home theater listening. With a good "universal" player (able to play CD and DVD-audio & -video), you'd be in business, without needing to get a separate processor. A bunch of manufacturers (Denon, Pioneer, Pioneer Elite, Esoteric, etc., etc.) make such players. (The Exemplar Audio-modified Denon 2900 is totally amazing, but at alomst $1000 for the Denon + $2500 for the modifications, is probably more than you'd want to spend.) Note that with the Multi-5 amp you would need a powered subwoofer or a separate amp, which would receive signal from the 6th (".1") channel of the Pre-5 pre-amp. Look for reviews of the Audio Refinement Pre-5 in Stereophile (Kal Rubinstein) a couple months ago and UHF Magazine last year (?), and believe what they say! And the brand's power amps have the same standard of excellence, in my experience. You would be thrilled with the sound (depending, of course, on the quality of your loudspeakers).

Macct,

I am looking for a combined HT and music system. I am a avid music listener and sound is very important!! I would prefer higher quality sound even though the in wall units will limit their potential (I later plan to move it to the basement, when it is built, with proper/higher quality speakers). It will be used for music/HT 50% each. I am willing (actually being allowed by my wife!!) to spend up to $3k at most.

I am not concerned with the speakers at the moment as I will save for it later, once the basement is completed. Thanks.

Drdjchase,

Thanks for the input.

One last thing to ask: You said 6 in walls? If so, are you willing to forgo the rear center? Most stuff is 5.1 anyway. Why buy a 6 channel system if you really want 5?

In your price range, you can find a nice used anthem, rotel or similar with a quality 5 channel amp. Also, check out www.outlawaudio.com. I don't recommend a reciever, go with seperates.

I agree with Elewick's advice to go for separates rather than a receiver (although I know of fairly discriminating stereo/HT people who like their Pioneer Elite receivers just fine), and that you might be able to find Anthem or Rotel units that you would like very well. For musicality, though, I would say the Audio Refinement units will be exceedingly difficult to beat at anywhere near their prices. Finally, let me apologize to all readers, and especially to Mr. Rubinson, for getting Kal Rubinson's name wrong in my first posting.