Best processor that is excellent for 2 Ch music

I agree James. Though, it may be a tough squeeze to get a Bryston for under 1500. The Bryston has the best two channel performance of all the Pre/Pros I have used. Again you're right, it has a completely separate analog preamp two channel section. Designed from the onset to provide outstanding two channel performance.

Rekon, I think you just anwered your own question! I simply think it's a much much better deal to go with quality digital pre, and quality 2 channel preamp, looped together. Whould I spend $6k on a tube multi-channel pre?...no. The reality is that the Cary pre/pro (is it really a processor built into the unit,or just a multi-channel preamp?), isn't going to be any significantly better sounding, probably less, than a good quality used tube pre, in regards to 2 channel. With better tube compliments, the sound is going to be as good as one could expect in some of these used, sub $1k, tube pre's, from Audio Research(ok, a little tubby in the bass), Copeland, old used Cary even, and many others, for less money! Again, for $450 used, you can get a great sounding Acurus Act 3 digital pre/pro, and some used tube preamp (2 channel dubties), with the right tubes, all for a much better deal, maximizing both 2 channel and 5.1 channel. That's my choice anyway.
No, I've not heard the Cary piece in mention. But I've heard enough gear over the years to know what's what.

We always seem to disagree...;-)

For those who have the $$ and want to cut down on boxes the Cary is a very good sonic solution. (The pre section is not tubed BTW, although Cary is famous for their tubed pres and amps.)

As I mentioned, I'm listening to my 2 channel through 4K of tubed preamp so I'm pretty picky about 2 channel. I trust my ears.

It's just another way for someone to consider - your suggestion is valid and good adice, but not the only option.

Cheers!

Reckon. Yes, you're right. You can save "1 box" in your setup, by paying another $5k for the Cary piece! I don't doubt that. However, why would you? Why spend 6x's more money for a pre-pro that's VERY LIKELY got sonic compromises on one portion or the other? Even if it didn't, and was the equal of both a proven out-board solid state pre/pro, plus a proven properly tubed 2 channel pre, again, why spend 5-6x more long green, just to save one box on your self space?? Ok, maybe if you like spending as much as possible, and like impressing your friends with price tags. Then, yes, maybe I can concure.
This IS HOWEVER a used audio trading site! How can you rightly recommend to anyone here to go out and spend retail at a chain store on a very expensive piece, who's results can be had much cheaper here?
When in Rome?...do as the Romans do. That's my 2 cents

what about top of the line Pioneer Elite, 70lb monster with very nice power supply, thx ultra 2