I agree with doug. I considered doing the pre-processor route. Some considerations: 1) It's expensive to buy a processor, and this processor tends to lose value fast. 2) The processor's digital section will fall out of step with digitial technology pretty fast. 3) It's nice to have the flexibility of a separate preamp. You can later split it into two stereos if you like. 4) I think that most home theater stuff is built to a little lower standard sonically A generalization - I haven't listened to many of them. 5) A two channel pre will throw another box on your audio rack. .....For preamps, the adcom gfp-750 is an excellent inexpensive 2 channel preamp with a processor input. I have one for sale!
Pre-amp or Pre-pro,, which one to get ?
I have been putting together a system. Here's what I want the pre (amp or pro)to go with. B&W N805's with HTM2 center, a Belles 3 channel 150A, an Arcam alpha 8se and a Sony C650D DVD player. I have rears and a sub too. Right now I am using a Marantz SR7000 to drive the rears and as the pre-pro. I would like to improve my 2 channel sound (HT is already good enough). Are there Pre-amps that somehow have a pass through for a separate surround sound processor? Would I be better off getting a really good 2 channel preamp or a pre-pro (like a Proceed AVP)? Someone suggested using a Vandy processor? Please give your suggestions....