First pre/pro and hopefully last

Analog pre-amps don't have a DAC like pre-pros do, you must use your cdp's analog outs. You can of course add an out-board DAC to use with your cdp before the pre-amp.

In your $5,000 price range there are many pre-pros that are also very good pre-amp...thats the reason they cost more. Only you can decide if any of them are good enough for you. If you decide not, then you will need to insert a two channel pre-amp into the system.

A good two channel pre with HT pass through is a great option but somewhat over rated..Why?, because it limits your choice to those pre-amps that have this option. If you like one of these pre-amps then there is no problem. What if you don't like any of these pre-amps?

In that case, you can use any pre-amp you like. You will only need to set it's volume control at 12:00 O'clock each time you watch a movie. This is the old (other) pass through method. I have used a very good passive pre-amp along with my Sunfire in this way and the results were fantastic.

By the way, you did not mention your source components? I would hope that they are of very good quality. Also, my recomendations are based on your stated price range and subject to change with price range. Many, many options out there.

Dave

My third and last is Bryston SP1.7. It wasnt bestable in 2 channel bypass (I auditioned quite a few) and its DD/DTS has really opened up with some burn in time.

Having said that, I think you can find similar 2 channel performance in the Classe 75 and the Krell 7.1 albeit for a few thousand more. As I understand it, both of these units have built in analog preamps, like the Bryston.

The Bryston will NOT have video switching, a plus in my book.

My best advice is....Go and audition. Reviews are skewed by advertising dollars, word of mouth is skewed by name recognition and personal justification. Your ears should be true to the end.

EAD 8800pro.

Hey Y'all,

I own the Krell Showcase and let me tell you, with the analog pass through; I can put up some very impressive 2 channel performance. I had a few 2 channel devotees come and sample my rig and they all left shaking there heads. I laugh when people make that all encompassing statement, "you will not be happy with 2 channel sound from any Pre/Pro". If you would like to experience the exception to that rule, you are cordially invited to come and listen to my 2 channel/HT system.........John

PS

I recommend you go with the Krell line of Pre/Pros; I've listened to almost all mentioned, except Theta, and the Krell gives the best balance with HT and 2 channel performance. For my money Krell is, without question, the best for HT and it will hold it's own against all in its price range when it comes to 2 channel performance.

I second the Krell's! They simply make a sonically superb and well built, easy to operate piece! I have yet to hear better for digital AV pre'pro's than the Krell's I've auditioned over the years. Many are "syrupy", "slow", digital sounding, dry, plain, artificial, noisy, or lacking in dynamics. The Krell's seem to define neutrality, purity, dynamics, and soundstage!..and a host of other audiophile descriptives. In short, you just don't go wrong with them in the front end of an HT/music system!...my experiences anyway.