Classe, Sunfire, or EAD


I'm upgrading to home theater and have been looking for a decent processor to buy. My music is important, and want to get a processor thats good for 2 channel audio as well.

Have been looking at the Sunfire theater grand 2, the Classe ssp 25/30, and the EAD line. These three are all pretty much within the same price range, and dont really want to spend more.

I have to say, that i've been leaning toward the Sunfire. I have seen several reviews stating that the theater grand #1 was very bright, but the newest version (#2) it quite different and warm. I HATE BRIGHT!!!!

I currently have a pair of M/L SL3's for my front channels and intend on getting a M/L cinema for the center. Surrounds and sub will have to come later do to budget. I have three amps that will drive the fronts and center fine.

Would appreciate your input or experience with these three products, or any others in the same price range I should be looking at.

Steve
sfrounds
I use the sunfire for HT, and have demo'ed the classe ssp25 in its place. The sunfire has a large advantage in features (e.g. matrixed 7.1, a tuner, better display, multiple sub outs), and is more convenient to use. Sonically it was about a wash. I had them playing through Bryston amps and Snell speakers (Theta source). The Classe ssp30 is supposed to have more features, and be easier to use, than the ssp25. If you go used, the Classe unit can probably be had cheaper than the sunfire, new they're within $500 of each other. If you can go used, and can go just a tad more, the Theta Cassanova blows them all out of the water in terms of sound (although it's quite a pain to configure). Good luck.
Classe equipment typically has a warm, smooth sound. The reviews on the SSP 25 and SSP 75 have been positive. I own Classe 2-channel amp, preamp and CD player, and have had a good experience thus far. Also, Classe is often recommended as a good match for Martin Logan speakers.

I cannot offer a direct comparison to EAD or Sunfire, however, as I have never heard all three brands in similar systems.

Hope this helps.
I have owned the Classe Ssp 50, But Sold the Unit.
Classe has a Great Two Channel For Stero. I would
recommand the Proceed Avp s Verion. You Can not
Upgrade Classe Equipment. If you would have to Choose
i would pick the Avp Or Ead. Sunfire Equipment is Okay
But I would not Recommand, NO resale Value.

This is Only My Opinion, Any of your Choices Are
Good.
I have a Sunfire TG 2 and I don't think you can go wrong with it. It sounds great for 2 channel and HT. TG 1 was not so good for 2 channel from what I have read. You can pick up a virtually new TG 2 (try to get one less than 6-9 months old to get all the upgrades) for $2300 +/-