New Pre/Pro for 2 ch guy? (+How easy to set up RC in top units like Lyngdorf, etc)?

It’s going to be really hard to beat the Krell S1200 because nobody uses discrete analog stages in processors anymore. Everything is op amp based (which can be good, but just doesn’t compare with the discrete Class A analog stages in the Krell). Also, the Krell has a very powerful high resolution sound.

You can go sideways and look for a Bryston SP3. It uses Class A discrete audio circuits both on the analog outputs as well as the fully balanced analog inputs with a "PURE PASS-THROUGH" mode where it does not convert analog to digital. Everything is converted to single-ended internally for volume control. It has probably the strongest bass I have heard out of a processor, but the rest of the sound is not as impactful as the Krell. Probably your best bet for a 2-channel solution. There is no EQ or room correction on this unit.

On everything else, I would look at units that have good linear power supplies. If you really want a Lyngdorf feature set, then look at a McIntosh MX-160/170/180. Those have the Lyngdorf digital/DSP section, but use all McIntosh power supplies and analog stages. Like others have said, if you want room correction, the processor is going to convert all analog input to digital for room correction DSP processing.

Unfortunately the MX 180 is just way too much money, even used.  I'd like to keep it all under $10k

I have seen the McIntosh MX-160 go for $8k used.

I worked for Magnolia for a bit and when they had the KEF Blades hooked up to Macs they sounded mushy, compromised, and not performing at the level they were capable of.

Are you speaking about McIntosh amps?  If so, then I do agree that McIntosh amplifiers are too laid back and soft in the mids/highs. 

However, from what I understand, the McIntosh processors do not have this laid back / mushy sound.  Can you confirm this?

I'm basing this off another comparison.  I had a friend bring a Marantz AV8805 directly to my house for testing.  I was impressed with the fullness and power of the sound from Marantz, but when I hooked my S1200 back up, it was apparent that the Marantz had rolled off softened high frequencies.  From what my friend was saying, the McIntosh processors did not have this effect.

I do not have direct experience with either Lyngdorf or McIntosh.  I'm just going off a friend's opinion when he heard the McIntosh pre/pro. 

I tried using Dirac room correction once and did not like it at all, so my feelings on room control are somewhat colored.  In my opinion, it is better to use acoustic room treatments.

There are a few Bryston SP3 processors up for sale among the three main sites.  There's one on audiogon for $4200 that also has the latest 4K HDMI board.  I think that's about as good as you are going to get for a true pass-through processor with Class A discrete analog stages.  No EQ or room correction. lol.