I have 6000's front, 5000's rear and center with a velodyne sub controlled by a 568.

I auditioned the 568 first with b&w's. Specifically b&w 802's front with the larger b&w center (I was going to use my old b&w matrix 3's for rears so I didn't focus on them as much). Power came from a krell amp.

The 568 made a definate difference in sound with the b&w's and I could hear a smoother tail on reverbs using upsampling. After hearing the 568, there was no question that Merdian was pre-amp.

Have no doubts about going with a Meridian pre. I don't think the Casanova is as good and the Casablanca has quality issues. Lexicon is good but not as musical (I have not heard their new processor and the Lex fans - short for fanatic - on the av science board swear its as musical as the Meridian. I have my doubts).

What I was told was that the 561 didn't upsample so I decided to go with the 568. Also, I thought the 568 would be supported longer.

If Meridian will be upgrading the 561 DSP chips and if they will upsample, this might be the bargain way to go (I've seen lots of used 561's). The upgrade will be next year and run about 2 grand (at least that's what I heard it will cost to upgrade a 568).

In terms of the 568...unless you are buying used, wait until early next year when they will have the new DSP chips (this will make a big difference as you will be able to upsample rear channels). I have become a big PLII fan - it's very cool.

Speakers are a different issue (I'm not sure if you're shopping for these, but I'm a pretentious *** so let me try to sell you on the Meridians).

The nautalus tweeter is increably detailed and there are times I miss it. On the other hand, b&w's never really "happened" for me unless you pushed them with a lot of volume. After years of playing/recording in bands my ears can't take it. Moreover, even when pushed, the b&w's just lack a certain dynamic.

Meridian's have far more body and presence even at moderate listening levels (in the 50's). The 6000's bottom end can't be beat (I only use the Velodyne for LFE). The b&w's (even the 802's) can't touch the Meridians in this area.

As you probably heard, detailing with the 6000's is present. They are crisp and revealing, but you won't have as much of the nautalus "air" on the high end.

I don't regret going with the Meridians. There are times with the Meridian that I can lose myself in the moment and be in the room with the players. With most other set-ups (including the b&w's) I was always aware that I'm listening to a recording. For me that was the clincher.

Have fun buying!

Harbor53