How many of you guys use a HT processor ?

I would say it depends on your ratio of music/HT. I was in the high end HT pre/pro (Proceed/Krell/Classe) market a couple of years ago, but then I realized that 80% of my listening was to music. I also tired of the constant upgrade versions of the pre/pro's. Then I took the advice the advice that many here told me in the first place. If you listen to much music, you'll be happier with a high end stereo preamp with a HT throughput. There are many models on the market from companies like BAT, Classe, Sonic Frontiers, Cary, VAC, just to name a few. When I tried a Classe CP-60 stereo preamp, it was all over for my high end pre/pro's. I now use a Denon receiver for HT duties, with the FL&FR preamp outputs feeding into a unity gain input on my BAT preamp. I will never play with pre/pro's or multi-channel amps again. The Denon does fine for HT purposes. In my opinion you're visually distracted when watching a film anyway, so the level of finesse that I love in my music (mostly through tubes), isn't necessary for HT. However, dim the lights, and music never sounded so real in my home as it does now.

I hope this was helpful, I know I ignored many of these type of replies when I was playing the pre/pro game. I'm much happier now though. If you use your system for mostly HT, then a pre/pro may be for you though. Only you can make that call though.

Regards,
John

Welcome to the club Soliver.

Romakabi,
I don't know why anyone would buy a HT pre/pro with no intention of using it for HT. Are you getting one at 75% off list? If so, I guess I could see where you are going. However, you'll still need a cd transport and a pre/pro, that's two boxes. IMHO, you'd be better served with a high quality cd player and stereo preamp (still two boxes), for music only purposes. As others have suggested, if cd is your only source, get a high quality cd player w/volume control like a Audio Aero Capitole (one box!), and run it directly into your amp. I really don't see any reason to buy a Theta or EAD pre/pro for music only, unless the price is so low it's basically being given to you. It's like looking to buy a pick-up truck when you've got nothing to haul. A Toyota Camry would be more comfortable and cost less. If you want the pick-up truck/ pre/pro for looks only, or because of a steal of a deal, then that's your right. For around $1K you can get a Audible Illusions M3A that will sound much better on music than pre/pro's costing 10 times more. Get a AA Capitole for $2K and you don't even need a preamp!

Good luck,
John