Receivers, Amps and Processors for Home Theater

 I have a Lexicon MC-12B that I have loved. I am now upgrading to HDMI Plasma and LED/LCD TVs and am looking for an alternative that will give the sound quality that I have enjoyed but will support HDMI 1.4a. I am trying to be reasonable this time. The MC-12B was $10K and the new MP-21 has suggested retail of $14K which, in my view, is silly given the way technology moves forward. I would like to keep the price below $5K, if possible, but I am flexible if the processor supports firmware and modular upgrades to protect against obsolescence. Recommendations?

First, let me say that I've been a 2 channel audiophool for 40+ years. However, my knowledge of HT hookup, other than the simplest possible, is limited.

It's March, 2011 and I'm considering buying a new Marantz AV8003 via eBay from a dealer, but now the AV7005 is also available for about the same money.  Is the AV8003 better in any respect or would I just be buying dated technology?  What are the main diferrences between the two?  What do you recommend?

Can the ARC in the D2v be used on the subwoofer also on 7.1 systems on the surrounds.

I recently purchased a new in box Lexicon GX7 multi-channel amp and wanting someone with experience with Lexicon to comment.  I will be using a NAD t765 as the pre/pro and  updated mdc cards with am200 and vm200 virtually making it a t785 with fewer watts per channel. I am wondering if these two components will match up well with one another.  I know that this would have been an inquiry I should have made before the purchase but I couldn't pass up the deal.  Any info would be great.

All of the AVRs I've seen that provide a Zone 2 can only output audio from analog inputs.  Are there any that can output audio from digital inputs?

 
While several AVRs & pre-pros provide an audio latency setting, are there any that provide a video latency setting?  I'm using an advanced digital driver linearization, linear-phase crossover, and room correction processor to tri-amp my speakers.  However this processing has a long latency.  Are there any AVRs or pre-pros that can delay the video signal to achieve lip-sync?  I have found video processing devices that can do this but they are very expensive and only accept component video inputs, not HDMI.

 Hi - I'm looking for a Surround Receiver that can handle 4 ohm speakers on 7 channels. Can anyone recommend a brand that will truly handle such a load and not just claim to handle it?
Thanks for your help
Martin

 I'm considering both of these units though I haven't heard them yet. But if anyone out there has heard both of these units I'd very much like to know your impressions and after thoughts. Sound quality is most important followed by features for me. Which would you invest in and why?

 I don't need the latest & greatest, but I do need some current output at 4 ohms.  I'd  be content with a slightly older model AVR, but I don't know where to find the model histories for the various manufacturers.  Is there a site that conveniently gives the (now discontinued) receiver models from the different manufacturers with links to the specs of each?
 
Thanks - Boomzilla