Using a two channel pre-amp with a HT processor.

you can use any preamp, true but... if you don't choose a model with a unity gain input (which bypasses the volume control) you will be subjecting your front left & right channels when viewing/listening to home theater to one more level of circuits to pass through. Since its only a problem for home theater and NOT when listening to stereo with your preamp, you may not be that concerned. My favorite stereo preamp with unity gain and also with balanced connections (XLR) for this is the Audio Research LS25MkII. (Much more affordable than the Ref 2). There are many more models to choose from if you want to go single ended. Conrad-Johnson makes some.

I use a Mark Levinson 380S with Unity gain and it is espcially made to have it incorporated in a Hometheatre, works amazingly well..Can you say best of both worlds !?

Matt

Hi Mark, I use a Sonic Frontiers line one which has a surround sound pass through, it works excellent!!! This allows me to use a reasonably priced reciever with pre outs for the from channels. The Sonic is a superb preamp and can be found fairly cheap on the net. Good Luck!

Mark,
C-J PV-14L, Premier 17LS, Sonic Frontiers Line 1,2, and 3,
Adcom GFP-750, all preamps above have HT. pass-through switch.