HT Preamps with GOOD 2 channel sound?


Im looking to pickup a new multichannel preamp that can be a solid performer for 2 channel and also do well in home theater mode. Budget is no more than $1500. No internal amplification needed.

Thanks for your recommendations!
captainobvious
Mceljo:

I am in the process of building a pair of 3-way towers that are being actively crossed over via a Behringer DCX-2496. This connects to 6 seperate channels of amplification. I currently have a Parasound PHP850 but since Ive ordered a projector for gaming and HT use, I'd like to have a Preamp capable of decoding the multichannel formats for those uses. (I'll also be building a matched center channel using the same drivers for this purpose).
The Parasound is very transparent and sounds very good to me (not great, but very good considering its price point). I'd like the Multi-channel preamp to at least sound as good as this unit, hopefully better- when using playing 2-channel audio.

Thanks for the responses
I might suggest looking for a used BRYSTON SP1.7 or SP2.

Not sure what they are going for on the used market, but they are High End Preamps with a 6 channel capbility.
Hmmm. Havent found any SP1.7's in searches. What do you all think of the Anthem AVM20/30, Sunfire Theater Grand III and the Rotel RSP-1098, 1068? All can be had for comparable prices
Which would provide the best 2 channel sound?