The Marantz 8801 and an Oppo 105 via XLR has put an end to my search for the best of both! Its nothing short of outstanding as a 2/ch pre and was not at all what I was expecting from it. If your looking for a processor to handle multich codecs including DSD direct coupled along with Audyssey's XT32 all over hdmi while having no need to consider a bypass solution for 2/ch. It's the 88011!
I have the AV8801 on order (showing up Friday) and can't wait to hook up my Oppo 95 to it. Do you run the direct mode for 2 channel, bypassing the XT32? My room is so odd that I'm not sure I want to bypass the XT32 (especially, the bass management), but your thoughts are compelling me to give it a try. Now to go look for some nice, pre-owned or demo XLRs...