Marantz has released its' AC-3 stand alone Decoder/Processor that 
stands between the pre-amp and amp. The unit has an MSR of $699 (US) and is 
said to be capable of handling DVD and HDCD. The low price tag (by 
comparison) is achieved by cutting some of the frills most of us have come to 
expect. One: There is no remote, so set up and testing is a two man job. (But 
once set up there are very few reasons to monkey with it unless changing 
other pieces of gear). It is said to be a well built excellent sounding unit. 
If so, it looks like a real bargain.
        Anyone have any info on this or seen one yet? 
--- Maximus/2 3.01
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