Affordable Processor with Fabulous 2 Channel ?

@psnyder149 

I just want to comment on the built-in phonostage (optional) in your Sigma SSP. Since you mentioned in your earlier post that you decided to add an optional built-in phonostage in your Sigma SSP for your Linn LP12 turntable. Linn LP12 is a great turntable and deserves a really good quality dedicated external phonostage pre IMO. You should get a good quality external phonostage pre for your Linn LP12 turntable. Linn makes great quality phonostage with an external PSU. Btw, what tonearm, cartridge and external PSU do you get for your Linn LP12? Are you using Linn's ? 

In regards to your comment on the Classe Sigma Amp5 class D five-channel amp, I totally agreed with you. The Sigma Amp5 is a great amp when used for HT but when used for stereo music playbacks I felt like it lacks warmth, midrange and mid-bass bloom and overall musical expressions and liquidity. It is a great amp, the sound was very resolved, fast, clean, transparent and dynamic and very suitable for HT use especially those lossless HD surround sound formats from bluray and 4K UHD discs. 

 Eric,
 Look into the Simaudio Moon Stargate AV Preamp and the Halcro SSP100  I
 have listed on usaudiomart , both have outstanding 2-channel performance .
 I got the upgrade fever for Auro -3d ,and only upgraded for that reason .  

Mx122

The Mac MX122 two-channel performance for music playbacks isn’t on par with the Classe Sigma SSP. The Sigma SSP is better for stereo.
For surrounds or HT either the MX122 or the Sigma SSP would be fine.  
Actually, for surround movies or HT I think the MX122 will probably be a better choice than the Sigma SSP.

@erik_squires  

Just wondering, which processor did you end up getting or are you still shopping around?