Best Pre/Pro for 2 channel

Anything used in the sub $1500 range?

Yes, but you will be loosing some features but not much in quality. It's the Audio Refinement Pre2-DSP that's made by YBA.

I picked up a Rotel RSP-1066 new for under $1,500, but I doubt that it, or any of the similarly priced products, will make you want to give up your Creek (although it certainly was better for 2-channel than I had expected). I have not heard that many high end pre/pros, but I can tell you that the 2-channel performance of Krells HTS 7.1 was more than enough to convince me that you do not need a dedicated 2-channel preamp. Next time I find myself with $8,000 to drop, I am going to pick up an HTS 7.1! ;^)

Tom.

I've found the difference in sound quality between mid and high cost pre-pro's to be very small to none as far as movies go. The extra cost of the high-end units does begin to show with music only use and most are very good. Just as you would with a dedicated two channel pre-amp, you need to find one that has the sonic signature that you would like in your system. This is not to say that a dedicated two channel pre will not sound better..but you will need a pretty darn good one to outplay some of these pre-pro's as they can do a fine job with music.

Dave

I used to own a Classe ssp25. They go used in your price range. It was great for music, and worked well for HT. I recently downsized to a NAD receiver, which is adequate for film, mediocre(relatively speaking) for 2 channel music.
If I didn't have a nicer separate 2 channel music system, I'd be missing the Classe very much. It sounds like just the type of piece you're looking for. Only 5.1, but to me that's okay. Most filmakers haven't figured out how to use those channels, let alone a couple more! Good luck.
Spencer