HT and 2-channel music setup - New Ideas?

Harry, thanks for your comment.
Do you think the Pass labs , EAD 8800pro and Thiel speakers will be a good choice? What's about McIntosh C45 and MC252?
Ken

Can I please urge you to check out the Theta Dreadnaught Amp?

I Have Thiel 2.3 and an MCS1 center as well and I just purchased the Theta (here on Agon!) and it is really, really NICE!). Not to mention it is the most beautiful amp I've ever seen (I know its not important....but it is!).

I started looking at Theta because I noticed so many others doing the same and saying that they worked well together. Then I found out that Theta uses Thiel in their demo systems...The rest is history! In fact I was so impressed with Theta, that I also purchased a Casablanca and a Miles CD player (yes I bought those on this site as well!)

I love the EAD, because in my experience, nothing is as good at both 2-ch and HT. Many of the high-end pre/processors usually do the HT great, but have a skinpy 2-ch. delivery. Given that I (and most people, I assume) listen to much more music than movies, the 2-ch. reproduction is very important, and EAD delivers on it.

The system is also very user friendly and remarkably adjustable and agile. Having gone through numerous pre/pro's over the last ten years (including Fosgate, Acurus, Aragon, Parasound), since I found the EAD 3 years ago, I know I would never go back.

Harry again failed to mention that he only uses the EAD for HT. It sounds to me like you want a processor for double duty (HT and 2 channel). Though, ultimately listening to both is the best advice.

Here is link to the thread in which I posted opinion after A/B'ing the Bryston and EAD.

I dont know the Sim very well, so I wont comment, though it is well respected.

It wasnt that nasty, sometimes you just have to stick up for a product, especially one that you like. Bad advice is bad advice and I call 'em like I see 'em.

I will chime in for the Sim Attraction (5.1 version only). excellent 2-ch and a low noise floor when run balanced (I also used a Theta Dreadnaught as well- superb HT amp). The EAD 8800 Pro may be a step up though. Some of the EAD's use a special Arlon board, and btw, the Attraction uses EAD digital internals. Re: Stargate- better features; but the Attraction is the winner on sound quality (I know someone who has compared both).