Hot Setup? Pre/Pro for HT and 2ch

I think it's an overstatement to say that pre/pro's are horrible as 2-channel audio preamps. It is certainly true that most are not optimized for pure audio use, but there are some that work well for both audio and HT. Price, however, may be a concern. Among the pre/pro's that I suggest you explore are (listed by increasing price):
1. Adcom GTP-760
2. Parasound AVP-2500
3. B&K's unit (can't remember the model number)
4. Bryston SP-1
5. Lexicon MC-1 (made by Bryston)

The Bryston SP-1 is one of the few pre/pro's that has dedicated analog circuits built in, so you can run a turntable or other analog source without having its signal go through a digital conversion process.

The B&K model is the Reference 30. I don't use it much for stereo sound, but I can say that it is great for HT. It is very simple to use and have unlimited speakers and listening modes setup. Addittionaly it has THX-EX 7.1 surround format (6.1 channels for 1 or 2 surround back speakers), which is coming in several DVDs movies.

Several others to consider are the Linn AV 5103, Proceed PAV/PDSD combo (skip the AVP if two channel is a big concren), and, if you can afford it, wait for the Mark Levinson HT processor.....at $25,000, it's a little more than I can spend! Make that alot!

I don't usually offer advice, but I'm so impressed with my recent upgrade to the Linn AV5103 that I had to drop a plug for it. Recently upgraded from B&K AVR202 (used only as a preamp/tuner), and the difference is impressive in both HT and 2 channel. Only HT downsides are that its 5.1 (not an issue to me), and that it doesn't have component video switching. Stereo is amazing! HT field integration is seamless. It's not a harshly analytic piece, but the detail is certainly there. Stereo soundstaging is precise and full. In fact, Linn uses this preamp in 2ch to demo their highest end sources, amps, and speakers. They can be found on the used market for $2k (non-DTS) to $3500 (DTS).

Enjoy!

A much overlooked pre/pro is the Aragon Soundstage.Not only is an execellent processor,but it is the Aurum preamp(top of the line preamp from Aragon) so 2 channel is among the best of any of the listed pre/pros.The Lexicon is worthless in 2 channel,but certainly rates amongst the best in HT.