What Pre/Pro do you recommend?

"I'm curious..is high end 2 channel achievable using a high end sub with bass management through a pre-pro? I know this is subjective...but what are the opinions regarding this?
Krelldog (System | Threads | Answers | This Thread)"

It's not the sub that's the problem, its the preamp. You need to consider everything that a high quality 2 channel preamp can do for the sound that a HT processor can't. It's an almost impossible task. In my other post, I mentioned my Meridian 861 processor. That's a $20,000 HT preamp, and is considered one of the best on the market. My CJ Premiere 18 ($4,000) and my Ayre K-5 ($3500), made that thing look like a joke on music. And that was with the matching 800 $20,000 DVD player. I didn't even use that with the 2 channel setup. I used a Rotel 1072 ($700), an Arcam 33 ($2500) and 2 Wadia's that were more expensive, but no where near 20k. Not even close.

So can you use a sub in a high end 2 channel system? Yes you can. Use a preamp that doesn't have bass management. Set it up yourself and you'll get better results. And that's even if you want it. If you make the move to 2 channel correctly, the SQ will improve so much, you may not have the desire to even use a sub in the system.

So you are happy with your system for video however want to improve it for audio. I agree with Zd, a 2 channel pre with HT would serve you well. Also as Zd stated, you might find that for music you don’t need the sub.

The thread starter wanted something with HDMI inputs and modern processing as well as 2 channel audio. Just because one poster owns a $20,000 processor that sucks, that's no reason to give up on one's goals.

Runnin.....Your observation is spot on. I'm hoping to upgrade the pre/pro and add HDMI inputs...

Does anyone have any experience with the Cary Cinema 12?

" Just because one poster owns a $20,000 processor that sucks, that's no reason to give up on one's goals.
Runnin (Threads | Answers | This Thread)"

How is comparing multiple options giving up on one's goals? The silly part is, had you read my post, you would see that I used a 20k processor for comparison between products that cost less than 1/4 of my Meridian. Just to be clear, I'll try to say the same thing in simpler terms.

20k HT preamp not worth the money. 2 channel preamp will give better sound for much less. If you don't understand that, I no idea what else I can say.