First pre/pro and hopefully last

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.

All those pre/pro's suggested are good but expensive, its seems like they get outdated fairly fast. IF you're more into music get the Outlaw for $800 and spend the money on a good 2 ch pre which makes the biggest difference. Then when new technology comes along you can upgrade the Outlaw and not lose out that much , and the good 2 ch pre will last you a while.