Processor as a DAC for music?

The Angstrom 200 is a great dac/pre-amp as well a pre-pro. You can find them on Agon and e-bay for under $500. Get the dts updated one (and an add-on 205 for DD)and you've got exceptional HT surround as well.

I appreciate the feedback however I was looking at it from the standpoint that many of the more expensive HT pre/pro had better two channel preamps in the $500-1000 used range than the same price point in something that was 2 channel only. Plus you get the dac that can be used for your cds or music server. I use a HT receiver for video.

IMHO the Theta Digital gear is hard to beat for performance or price considering what they sell for on Audiogon. I owned the Theta Casanova which ran my 5.1 surround sound system for DVD’s, and L/R Stereo for CD’s. I now have a Theta Casablanca II equipped with an Extreme DAC for the L/R Front for Stereo, as well as the Center and Sub Channel. I run the L/R Rear Channels on the Superior DAC.

Both the Casanova and Casablanca have high quality Analog inputs and outputs that are amazing. The Extreme DAC is like a dream come true. A lot of people frown on Pre-Pro’s for two channel stereo but I’m really happy with mine. My amp is the Theta Intrepid that is the five channel 100 watt per channel amp that’s also a bargain when you consider what they sell for on Audiogon.

I appreciate the feedback however I was looking at it from the standpoint that many of the more expensive HT pre/pro had better two channel preamps in the $500-1000 used range than the same price point in something that was 2 channel only.

Good thinking. The obsolescence of the multiple standards for HT mean you can find bargains - high quality amps with great components (Crystal volume contro, Burr Browns, a decent 24/196 DAC etc.) all for a very good price. The only draw back of a multi-channel amp is that you generally get lower channel separation specs but don't let this worry you - it is no biggie IMHO.

I've been very happy with the Proceed PAV/PDSD pre/pro for this application. I understand that the single chassis AVP-2 is as good, and perhaps better with newer DACs, but the AVP is not.

db