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.

Theta Digital (Casanova/Casablanca) get high marks for thier audio. Prices vary depending upon options. They do volume control in the analog domain, not digital. Lexicon is another good choice. I'm not sure if the volume control is digital or analog for the Lex. THe Casanova and the Lex DC-1 will probably be close to your price used.