how good is the Krell HTS 7.1 pre-amp for 2ch?

Yep. I personally feel that the HTS 7.1 delivers 80% of the KCT's performance. In 2-chan mode, I haven't heard better HT processor yet, including the Cary 11b and the Theta CBIII.

I have a HTS 7.1 feeding a FPB-600c and have put it against a:
Krell HTS 7.1($1800-used)
Krell KCT($3600-used)
Sim Audio P-8($6500-used)
Gryphon Mirage($13,000-used)
this was all in the same day on the same gear,only the preamps were changed out.

The result was in order of cost and so it should be but all were marginal differences except the Gryphon was an exceptional difference from the HTS
I found the KCT was a great bargan for $3600 sound wise,BUT"""HOT"""
Sim was very sheer and analytical sounding
the Mirage was ""NICE"" but $$$$$$
Allin all for 2ch the HTS is a winner and you can use it for SACD surround and 2ch+sub
enjoy

Thanks McIsoind,

Audio Research says no issue with their Ref5 pre-amp and the Krell amps. I have found a store willing to let me audition the Ref5 at home. We will see if it makes much of a difference. I actually hope it does.

Hughp3,

To get access to the jumper, you need to remove the cover. There is a small jumper on a small circuit board near the input connectors. Remove the jumper and the capacitor will be in the circuit to prevent dc voltage from getting into the amp.

As for the Audio Research Ref 5 preamp, it will work very well with Krell amps. I had the Ref 5se connected to a Krell 450 MCX and it sounded really good. You won't be going back to the HTS 7.1 for 2 channels once you hear the Ref 5

Update: purchased a pre-owned AR Ref5. Back to back comparison to the Krell HTS 7.1. Took some listening. The Wilson WP7 have had a hard, bright, edge to the high range. Ref 5 removed that edge. Some music was fatiguing and I could not put my finger on why. the highs now are humm buttery maybe, more musical, more organic less harsh. in any event the sound has improved although back to back was required. Bass however was a very pleasant surprise. The krell was muddy (dare I say that about krell) as compared. the Ref 5 brought a lot more punch and very good low hertz definition. Some tracks on Stanley Clark Bass Days no longer have a muddy thump but now have a very discernible pluck of the bass , not there before. Is the Ref5 a huge change, no, is it worth the dollar upgrade, to me yes ( my wife, no). However I can now listen without the fatigue and that makes it worth the investment to me. I agree with the previous post, a bought a 20 % improvement .