Price Paid:  $1000.00 from Ebay

Summary:
I have been using the Parasound 7100 with the 5250 amp for about a year and it has impressed me with clean clear punchy sound for watching movies or listening to music. I have owned several high end receivers and they do not compare to the sound quality of separates. I maybe new to the separates camp but I have two close audiophile friends that are very impressed with the 7100 and 5250 combo as well. It may fall a little shy of their Simaudio and Mark levinson two channel units but I like the flexability of movies or music in one unit. Sure,both companies have home theather processors but it is just to much money for my liking even for the two or three year old used units.
The bottom line, You can pick up these units used for about 2500 USD or less if you buy the silver units from Audio Adviser or the like. For that kind of money it will be hard to complain for the sound quality.

Parasound 7100 Processor
Parasound 5250 Amp with coolin update
PSB Stratus C5 center channel
PSB Stratus Silver for front L & R
PSB Stratus Silver for surrounds (I know, overkill for the rears)
Sony playstation 3

Strengths:
7.1 surround
Bass management
Great sound (very neutral and warm for SS equipment)

Weaknesses:
HDMI switching only with an external box(video only of course)

Similar Products Used:
Outlaw 990
Anthem 30