Years ago I've heard about a pre-amp, built by Dynaudio, it was battery powered and cost about
350000Deutsch Marks (at the time ca 200k$)
which everybody who heard it claimed to be the best.
Only made 2: one for themselves and one went to a german hifi mag as their reference system and test rig
as it allowed for absolute levelling (every tested piece plays at exactly the same volume).
Suppose for 7.1 you'd need three of 'em, thats 600k
for the pre-amp!
350000Deutsch Marks (at the time ca 200k$)
which everybody who heard it claimed to be the best.
Only made 2: one for themselves and one went to a german hifi mag as their reference system and test rig
as it allowed for absolute levelling (every tested piece plays at exactly the same volume).
Suppose for 7.1 you'd need three of 'em, thats 600k
for the pre-amp!