Anthem AVM-20 or 30 is excellent. I spent ages studying the issue of 2 channel and multi-channel from a single device and ended upselecting the AVM-20. It is one of THE most flexible DSP pre-amps out there and includes balanced outputs (critical for me). Be prepared to spend some time learning the features though...it is so highly configurable ...you can get lost in the menus.
The feature I really like is the base management capabilities ....you can still run your sub when playing 2 channel music EVEN from an analog source by passing the signal through AVM-20 high quality DAC's. You can also control a separate zone....in fact you have so many options that it is probably best to read the manual at this link.
http://www.anthemav.com/NewSitev2.0/Downloads/Downloads.html
You can completely program/control the volume limits and input levels on all paths (no chance of the kids or wife blowing your precious speakers here as volume is set at what you desire on power up, and, you can even set your own limits to how far it can be cranked)
Finally. the front panel buttons are very intuitive and quick to use, so you can get exactly what you need at the push of a single button. there are no frustrating drill down menus or need to push a button several times to step through to what you want....just hit one button and go!
This one touch ease of use, however, is only after what is admittedly a very laborious setup, which uses extensive drill down menus to give you unbridled flexibility/control on signal paths and processing.
The feature I really like is the base management capabilities ....you can still run your sub when playing 2 channel music EVEN from an analog source by passing the signal through AVM-20 high quality DAC's. You can also control a separate zone....in fact you have so many options that it is probably best to read the manual at this link.
http://www.anthemav.com/NewSitev2.0/Downloads/Downloads.html
You can completely program/control the volume limits and input levels on all paths (no chance of the kids or wife blowing your precious speakers here as volume is set at what you desire on power up, and, you can even set your own limits to how far it can be cranked)
Finally. the front panel buttons are very intuitive and quick to use, so you can get exactly what you need at the push of a single button. there are no frustrating drill down menus or need to push a button several times to step through to what you want....just hit one button and go!
This one touch ease of use, however, is only after what is admittedly a very laborious setup, which uses extensive drill down menus to give you unbridled flexibility/control on signal paths and processing.