Best Pre/Pro for 2-channel stereo sound?

In my own case, I adopted the approach taken by Albertporter (check out his system under virtual systems): I purchased a SONY ep9es here on audiogon for $275. This is a stand alone dolby digital preprocessor WITHOUT an internal preamp; it allows you to integrate your 2 channel system, including its high quality preamp into nice home theater without breaking the bank. It has outputs for 5.1 channels.

I just went through the same process and unfortunately I never found that perfect do-all pre/pro. For great 2 channel listening the best sound still has to be had from a good quality pre-amp. And in my case that came down to combining a tube pre with my SS amp. I then bought a less expensive processor for video purposes. B&K Ref30 which I have sold and am looking for another.

If you need to keep it simpler and MUST use only a processor the Bryston SP1.7 was a nice sounding unit. Many like the Sunfire Theather Grand 2 and 3. The Anthem and Proceed units also get good reviews.

Unfortunately, I was not able to find a processor that really sounded as good to me as my choice of a tube pre.

Good Luck!!! Happy Listening.

I have rather severe space limitations for my audio/HT system, and thus had no choice but to acquire a combination preamp/processor. My system is used about 85-90% of the time for 2-channel music, so the performance of the preamp was a crucial consideration for me.

To make a medium-length story shorter, I looked at several pre/pros in the $4000-5000 range, and eventually selected the Bryston SP-1 (now upgraded to the SP-1.7, which includes Dolby ProLogic 2, 6.1 and 7.1 surround formats, inputs for SACD/DVD-A, etc.).

I have been very pleased with my SP-1, and am tentatively planning to have it upgraded by Bryston later this year to the SP-1.7 version. Given your criteria for choosing a unit, I think you will be well served to put the Bryston SP-1.7 on your "short list" to audition.