Hot Setup? Pre/Pro for HT and 2ch

The B&K model is the Reference 30. I don't use it much for stereo sound, but I can say that it is great for HT. It is very simple to use and have unlimited speakers and listening modes setup. Addittionaly it has THX-EX 7.1 surround format (6.1 channels for 1 or 2 surround back speakers), which is coming in several DVDs movies.

Several others to consider are the Linn AV 5103, Proceed PAV/PDSD combo (skip the AVP if two channel is a big concren), and, if you can afford it, wait for the Mark Levinson HT processor.....at $25,000, it's a little more than I can spend! Make that alot!

I don't usually offer advice, but I'm so impressed with my recent upgrade to the Linn AV5103 that I had to drop a plug for it. Recently upgraded from B&K AVR202 (used only as a preamp/tuner), and the difference is impressive in both HT and 2 channel. Only HT downsides are that its 5.1 (not an issue to me), and that it doesn't have component video switching. Stereo is amazing! HT field integration is seamless. It's not a harshly analytic piece, but the detail is certainly there. Stereo soundstaging is precise and full. In fact, Linn uses this preamp in 2ch to demo their highest end sources, amps, and speakers. They can be found on the used market for $2k (non-DTS) to $3500 (DTS).

Enjoy!

A much overlooked pre/pro is the Aragon Soundstage.Not only is an execellent processor,but it is the Aurum preamp(top of the line preamp from Aragon) so 2 channel is among the best of any of the listed pre/pros.The Lexicon is worthless in 2 channel,but certainly rates amongst the best in HT.

Kennyt, why skip the AVP if two channel is a concern? I am almost sure the left and right channel Dacs in the AVP are the same Dacs that are in the PAV/PDSD, it's just that the PAV/PDSD had five and not just two. Please make me understand how it is your comments make sense if that is right. Thanks.