Preamp/Processor indecision!

Of all you listed, Lexicon DC2 wins hand out. I own the MC1 and can't be happier. Their Logic7 is even better than the EX stuff, I think. Check out the new Home theater Magazine for the complete review of their Logic7. For all the reviews including EAD, Proceed, Adcom, Sony ,etc... Check this site out and just do a search for the brand name or model you're interested in. http://ecoustics.com/cgi-bin/search.pl?search=lexicon

I am also looking for a preamp/processor that will perform well in 2 channel. Currently I have Levinson 380s, Revel Salon front speaker, Linn center & surrounds, Linn Klimax Solo amps, Tara The 2 Cable. A Marantz SSP feeds through the Levinson for Home Theater. Is there a Preamp/SSP that will perform as well as the Levinson on 2 channel and do a great job on home theater as well?

The California Audio Labs SSP-2500 is probabely the best sounding hometheater preamp on the market. I compared it to almost all processor before buying it. Dick Hardesty of Widescreen Review said it betters ever unit that he has heard by substantial margin. But with that said, and I own the unit, it is not as good as the Levison preamps on 2 channel, no surround processor is. But is a hell of a lot closer than any other unit of its type. Meridian, Theta even the new Casablanca II, Proceed, Aragon, EAD or any other processor is going to offer you the very best sound on two channel. Cal Audio significantly closes the gap close enought that I love the unit. But, any number of 2 channel pre-amps I know of can beat any of the best surround processors.

Pharrow, sounds like you have a very good two channel preamp already. Is it possible to just add a good processor? I'm using a CJ-16LS and I also would like to add HT, but would like to keep the preamp i already have.

All of the experience in the world cannot prepair you for this decision. Go with a unit that a reputable stereo reviewersuggests, then tear it apart! I mean to say, find out everything from that manufacturer you can. Call dealers, investigate it thoroughly! It's painstaking sometimes, but in the end "YOU" will have picked everything apart enough to where a clear decision comes to you. Don't be fooled by high prices. It doesn't mean the best unit! After doing this myself, because some units do better with theater, some with 2 channel. I settled for one that had all of the attributes I needed, including price. My choices were between the following. Denon AVP-8000, Parasound AVP2500, and of course the EAD Powermaster ovation. Good Luck!!