High quality DPL preamp?

Well, Dan stole all my thunder! The Angstrom and Citation are what came to mind first, but the Chiro is also a great pick.

Hey Dan,

Thanks a lot, I suspect these are both great suggestions. I was looking at an Angstrom a while back but passed it over for a Sherwood Newcastle with DD/DTS. It was actually quite decent sounding but probably not in the same league as the Chiro or Angstrom in stereo. Surround is fun but two channel is my priority and I think I could live with the decoders in my DVD player, so I'm considering going this route. Now I just have to scrounge up the cash for that Audio Refinement multi 5 to go with it :)

Thanks again,

Jeff

The BEST 2 channel preamp that also decodes surround sound with expansion capabilities IMHO is a dead heat! The Chiro C-800 is a fabulous 2 channel preamp, reviewers feel the same. You can find the C-800 (THX certified) with the DD/DTS decoder, the 5.1, sold preowned as a pair from $695-$799! This company is OOB now, but their products, if working when you buy it, should not have any issues. Can be had for roughly $250 preowned. The other unit is the
Angstrom 200, probably THE best 2 channel sound from a surround processor, maybe of all time, shy of the new Meridian. The Angstom is a great piece, although tough to find used. Should be in the $300-400 preowned range.

You might find others like the Citation 7.0 for about $600 some of the ones you mentioned as well. My heart is with the Chiro gear, it am amazed at the 2 channel you get from a surround processor, which you can pick up for less than $300! I had three, sold two for $265 and $310. Heck, the amps have had great reviews, and really do hold their value as well! If you have a chance to see/listen/buy a C-500 THX ceritified amp, you will be surprised at the delicate sounds for 2 channel it provides.

Good luck, and these are some great pieces mentioned!

Dan