Hot Setup? Pre/Pro for HT and 2ch

Several others to consider are the Linn AV 5103, Proceed PAV/PDSD combo (skip the AVP if two channel is a big concren), and, if you can afford it, wait for the Mark Levinson HT processor.....at $25,000, it's a little more than I can spend! Make that alot!

I don't usually offer advice, but I'm so impressed with my recent upgrade to the Linn AV5103 that I had to drop a plug for it. Recently upgraded from B&K AVR202 (used only as a preamp/tuner), and the difference is impressive in both HT and 2 channel. Only HT downsides are that its 5.1 (not an issue to me), and that it doesn't have component video switching. Stereo is amazing! HT field integration is seamless. It's not a harshly analytic piece, but the detail is certainly there. Stereo soundstaging is precise and full. In fact, Linn uses this preamp in 2ch to demo their highest end sources, amps, and speakers. They can be found on the used market for $2k (non-DTS) to $3500 (DTS).

Enjoy!

A much overlooked pre/pro is the Aragon Soundstage.Not only is an execellent processor,but it is the Aurum preamp(top of the line preamp from Aragon) so 2 channel is among the best of any of the listed pre/pros.The Lexicon is worthless in 2 channel,but certainly rates amongst the best in HT.

Kennyt, why skip the AVP if two channel is a concern? I am almost sure the left and right channel Dacs in the AVP are the same Dacs that are in the PAV/PDSD, it's just that the PAV/PDSD had five and not just two. Please make me understand how it is your comments make sense if that is right. Thanks.

I have a very good music system that also does HT. I tried buying a high-end HT receiver(B&K AVR202), and it couldn't match my 15 year old budget audiophile system for music, so I started over with a different plan. I build a good music system using the Arcam Alpha 10 Integrated Amp. The Arcam, like many other quality pre-amps/integrated amplifiers, has an HT bypass which will allow you to connect a HT processor or receiver for HT duties. I bought a cheap used Denon AVR3300 for the HT duties. It provides the three additional channels of power(center,surrounds), LFE/HT bass managment and the digital inputs and tuner for my system.

This setup works well for music because the cheap HT receiver is not in the chain when listening to music, but you can hit the HT bypass switch and have great HT anytime you need it. Works great, is relatively cheap and provides very good 2-channel music.

This setup can be used with any 2-channel pre-amp or integrated that has an HT bypass.