Affordable Processor with Fabulous 2 Channel ?

@bwguy 
 
It isn't only the distance settings that you need to make adjustments for but since your unit went back to Classe and you lost all the calibration setup with its manual PEQ that your Classe dealer originally calibrated it for you when you first bought it, you should have your dealer to do calibrations again for you.
Just tell them that you lost all the calibration settings that were originally saved because the unit went back to Classe. It's very common that when the unit goes back to manufacturer for repair or service that you will likely loose all the settings that were originally saved.

@erik_squires

I’ve heard the NAD M17 at my local dealer before paired with the matching NAD M27 amp and they sounded good together. The Classe Sigma SSP is a superior sounding unit for stereo.
The NAD M17 has more bells & whistles than the Classe. And the modular construction on the NAD makes it very versatile and appealing to consumers. That’s the only advantage the NAD M17 has over the Classe Sigma SSP.
Fyi, the NAD M17 will digitize its analog audio inputs.

But if your main focus is two-channel performance out of an AV pre pro, the Classe Sigma SSP will be the best choice. The Sigma SSP was born out of a high end stereo preamp. Its front L/R channels shares the same critical circuit blocks with Classe’s own CP 800 stereo preamp/DAC.
The Sigma SSP’s multi-channel performance is also very good when calibrated correctly and properly using its manual PEQ.

In your first post you said that you are currently using the Mytek Brooklyn DAC as your digital front end. If you decide to get the Classe Sigma SSP you won’t be needing your Mytek Brooklyn DAC any longer. You can connect your computer or a streamer using USB cable directly to the USB DAC input port on the Sigma SSP. The Classe Sigma SSP is also DNLA equipped. Its USB input sounded significantly superior to its other inputs.
This is where the Sigma SSP shines sonically for stereo music playbacks for use with its USB DAC input. So, you can sell your Mytek Brooklyn DAC and save some money.

The first original version of the Classe Sigma SSP can be had for around $2500 to $3k used. It has since been replaced by the Sigma SSP Mk2 ($6k retail price brand new) with an upgraded HDMI & audio video boards as well as software upgrades to accommodate supports for Dolby Atmos, DTS-X, 4k video pass through, etc. But you said you don’t need all these. So, the original version of Classe Sigma SSP would be perfect for you and can be had at roughly half of its original msrp of $5k. 

Should say, otherwise, the Classe SSP seems like a really good fit for me. It's relatively small, pure analog inputs and has all the formats I need / care about. 

@erik_squires

Yup. The Classe Sigma SSP will be your best choice. It also performs really well when used as an analog stereo preamp in bypass mode. If you want to use its stereo analog inputs I suggest you use its XLR analog stereo input as the stereo front L/R channels of the Sigma SSP is true differential or fully balanced design all the way. In order to achieve optimal sound when using its analog audio inputs you will have to tick the digital bypass mode otherwise DSP gets in a way and will degrade the sound. Classe calls it a digital bypass mode whereas most other processors call it analog bypass mode. The same thing.

But you will have to use its USB input. It sounded phenomenal. You can try to compare feeding the Sigma SSP directly via its USB input vs your Mytek Brooklyn DAC going analog into the Sigma SSP. I’m pretty sure its USB input will sound better.

But for movies you will still want to connect your bluray player, cable box, etc via HDMI to the Sigma SSP.
The Sigma SSP does not have multi-channel analog audio 7.1 inputs nor legacy analog video connections. Pretty limited as far as connections goes.
The rear panel of the Sigma SSP looks more like a stereo digital preamp processor instead of a typical AV multi-channel preamp surround processor.
This is one area where Classe was able to cut corners when designing and building a lower priced AV pre pro than the SSP 800 without compromising sound quality especially for stereo performance.

But you will have to use its USB input. It sounded phenomenal. You can try to compare feeding the Sigma SSP directly via its USB input vs your Mytek Brooklyn DAC going analog into the Sigma SSP. I’m pretty sure its USB input will sound better.

I've had a DAC that sounded great but only through USB. The Mytek spanked it at all times in all ways.