In all my blathering, I didn't make my most important point:

I don't want all the gadgetry associated with video in my processor. I don't need a THX label. I don't need a pretty display because it sits in a closet. I want it to do one thing above all else - SOUND GREAT!

Within a retail price of $1500, give me the best audio I can get. Give me 24/192 processing with the best DACs that the price will afford. Give me extraordinary sound field processing. Give me the best analog parts (that make a discernible difference). While you're at it, throw in that parametric equalizer.

Sorry I got so worked up. I think I'll go walk the dog now, because I don't expect my processor to do it.