Preamp/Processor indecision!

All of the experience in the world cannot prepair you for this decision. Go with a unit that a reputable stereo reviewersuggests, then tear it apart! I mean to say, find out everything from that manufacturer you can. Call dealers, investigate it thoroughly! It's painstaking sometimes, but in the end "YOU" will have picked everything apart enough to where a clear decision comes to you. Don't be fooled by high prices. It doesn't mean the best unit! After doing this myself, because some units do better with theater, some with 2 channel. I settled for one that had all of the attributes I needed, including price. My choices were between the following. Denon AVP-8000, Parasound AVP2500, and of course the EAD Powermaster ovation. Good Luck!!

By the way, if your MIT cables are not the high end (shotgun etc.) get rid of them, they do not bring out the electrostatics true measure. Try Kimber Monocle X. I know this from past experience with electrostatics! Contact Scott at dolby2@flash.net for Kimber needs! He's great!

Brandon, the answer is yes. The Levinson 380S has a unity gain feature that allows a processor to be put through. The Levinson still feeds the front left and right but the volume is now being controlled by the processor. Unless your 2 channel preamp has this feature the system will not be balanced since you'll be fiddling with 2 volume controls, one for the 2 channel and one for the processor. I've been using a Marantz processor for a couple of years and it's fair at best. But with a good SSP you get the best of both worlds.

I would reccomend the Lexicon DC-2 or if your willing to buy off this sight and dont mind buying used equipment I would really recomend searching for a Lexicon MC-1 wich I think you can find in your price range and lexicons are known for thier upgradability