Best processor that is excellent for 2 Ch music


Or I should say, best surround preamp that has excellent 2 ch music capability. Basically I am 90% music / 10% HT, and I want to have a surround processor that is excellent for music listening (so as long as the processor has a 5.1 output I am fine, don't need too much features there).

What should I looked at if I want to spend <$1500? Would prefer a silver finish and gently used on A'gon is fine. What do you think? I heard about the Proceed AVP that should be great for 2 channel, another other recommendations?

Thanks.
kylechan
I'm using a sunfire theater grand. I've always been very happy with it's performance in 2 channel. The original sounds the best for music IMHO. You can buy them CHEAP these days. I think my local dealer may have a few B stock left for about $500-$600. Only drawback for you is that they are not silver. If you are interested in one, drop me a line and i'll check on one.
Jamie
take a look at the arcam avr300 -- does a lot well for a receiver, costs about 2k new, less than 1500 used. Has excellent video processing and more than holds its own in two channel.

http://www.audiophilesystems.com/arcam/WHFAVR300.pdf
Enlightened Audio Design (EAD) made some of the best sounding 5.1 processors. When used as a 2-channel audio preamp, the results were more than satisfactory. These units sound so good in both 5.1 and 2-channel; that many people who own these units find that CD playback sounds better when using their CD player’s digital out and use the internal DAC in their EAD processor for their 2-channel playback. Back in the day when I used a Cal Audio Alpha tubed DAC, I can confirm this.

The models that I’m referring to are the Encore, Ovation, Ovation Plus and Signature models. All were available in Silver or Black. Current prices range between $800 and $2000. I'm guessing that original list for these units were between $3.5K and $8K. Build quality was excellent. EAD offered an aftermarket upgrade to these units adding an analog pass through along with other improvements. From what I’ve hear from owner who had this done, most were not happy with the sonic results. I’d stay away from these units.

I personally own a TheaterMaster Classic which was EAD’s soul processor prior to the above mentioned product line. My dedicated 2-channel pre is a Jeff Rowland with separate power supply. When comparing the two units, the results are too close.