First pre/pro and hopefully last

I can't say enough about the high quality 2 channel pre-amp with HT pass thru and a seperate processor. The pre-amp doesn't even need a specific HT passthru, you just need to be able to reliably hit the same volume setting. So any pre-amp with a digital volume display, or a notch on the knob will do.

Just set the preamp to the passthrough mode or volume, and calibrate the processor. Voila. Get a good pre-amp though.

The upgrade a cheaper processor as the times require. You'll the latest digital processing, and stellar two channel performance.

I do this today with a Boulder 1012 and a Meridian 568.

Tom
I went with a 2 Channel preamp with the pass through option. I just orderd a Supratek Chenin with that option. The system is coming together slowly. Here is how it looks so far:

Preamp - Chenin with remote and pas through
CDP - Arcam CD23T
amp - eVo6
L/R speakers - Heron i

Now for the prepro, cabling, interconects, and deciding if I will monoblock the fronts with something like VTL 450 sig., since Meadowlark speakers match well with tube gear. I will run the eVo6 bridged with the Chenin when it arrives, and see how it sounds. This is my first system, so I don't know the sonic difference between SS and tubes. I know one thing, I can't wait to here it for the first. I will keep you updated on the system as it develops.

Tim

Audio Refinement Pre2 Dsp is an excelent Pre/Pro that sounds great and only costs you 1400.00 new. Though it doesn't have as many features as others but the sound is top notch. All analog inputs can be bypassed by there is a 5.1 input for SACD or DVD-A play back.

Tim:

Sounds like a nice setup! I plan on heavily looking into both the "2-channel with HT pass through", and the "HT pre/pro with decent 2-channel performance" options. My thoughts at this time are that if I went 2-channel pre, it would be an Audio Research, while the pre/pro would be either Krell HTS 7.1 or Theta CasablancaIII. I should be able to compare all three options at my local dealer.

I do have a question as to how you set things up with the 2-channel pre and HT processor option. I would think that 2-channel sources would be hooked up directly to the 2-channel pre, and that your DVD, SACD, etc. gets hooked up to the pre/pro. But what I don't get is, which unit is directly connected to the amps that drive the L/R speakers? Is is the 2-channel preamp, or the pre/pro? And does this setup in any way compromise the sound as compared to setting up the system as 2-channel only?

Thanks, Tom.

it's simple.

connect the line level outputs for L/R from the processor to one set of pre-amps inputs. connect all the two-channel sources to the pre-amp. connect the pre-amps L/R line level outputs to the two main amplifier channels. connect the processors other outputs (Center/RR/LR) directly to the surround amplifier channels.

then there isn't a compromise for 2 channel sources.