"I am looking for a pre/pro with outstanding 2 channel performance...,and the ability to re-sample (or up-sample) standard CD digital output much like stand alone digital processors."
I think some info must be clarified here. One, when you say outstanding 2 channel performance, what is meant here? Are you planning on hooking 2 channel sources via an analog connection to a likely digital pre/pro? Most all are going to be completely digital, converting any analog sources to digital. Also, any ones that offer direct analog inputs, would be bypassing any kind of EQ circuits, and likely bass management. So, what are your intents?
If anyone is using these processors, I usually recommend trying to stay with all digital connections, processing in the pre/pro itself, for such dubties. In this case, if the units sounds good in mult-channel, acting as a digital processor with preamp functionality, then it will sound just as good with 2 channel as it does in multi, most likely. If you are considering analog out sources to analog in's on such a beast, you need to consider all the issues.
On that note, I've never found any even high end AV pre/pro's that sound as good as a good high end 2 channel preamp with analog sources! - NOT ONE! And I've dealt with quite a few of them over the years, including Theta, Krell, Meridian, Mcintosh, etc. So, consider.
Bottom line, is it comes down to what all sources you need to use, and how you plan on connecting them, what context you're using them, room acoustics, needs, etc. If you have some smaller acoustically demanding room, you'll most assuredly need to take advantage of better room DSP or any otherwise potential good sound will be decimated by the room acoustics issues - another reason I favor keeping it all in the digital realm, for digital EQ circuits.
These points should also be adressed for the need of having a digital out of a pre/pro as well. Please clarify
I think some info must be clarified here. One, when you say outstanding 2 channel performance, what is meant here? Are you planning on hooking 2 channel sources via an analog connection to a likely digital pre/pro? Most all are going to be completely digital, converting any analog sources to digital. Also, any ones that offer direct analog inputs, would be bypassing any kind of EQ circuits, and likely bass management. So, what are your intents?
If anyone is using these processors, I usually recommend trying to stay with all digital connections, processing in the pre/pro itself, for such dubties. In this case, if the units sounds good in mult-channel, acting as a digital processor with preamp functionality, then it will sound just as good with 2 channel as it does in multi, most likely. If you are considering analog out sources to analog in's on such a beast, you need to consider all the issues.
On that note, I've never found any even high end AV pre/pro's that sound as good as a good high end 2 channel preamp with analog sources! - NOT ONE! And I've dealt with quite a few of them over the years, including Theta, Krell, Meridian, Mcintosh, etc. So, consider.
Bottom line, is it comes down to what all sources you need to use, and how you plan on connecting them, what context you're using them, room acoustics, needs, etc. If you have some smaller acoustically demanding room, you'll most assuredly need to take advantage of better room DSP or any otherwise potential good sound will be decimated by the room acoustics issues - another reason I favor keeping it all in the digital realm, for digital EQ circuits.
These points should also be adressed for the need of having a digital out of a pre/pro as well. Please clarify