You may want to consider the Aragon Soundstage. It can be bought used at around $2500. Very good music only pre-amp w/ analog bypass. One nice feature is it is supposed to be both Hardware & Software upgradeable. Which means in theory it can be upgraded for 7.1, DVD-A, or Multi channel SACD. I say supposed because who know what will happen now that Klipsch bought them. However, they have OUTSTANDING customer service.
I bought a used Soundstage and it came in w/ some software glitches and cosmetic damage on the cover the seller "forgot" to mention. Mondial fixed it for FREE and then replaced the cover for me! They knew it was purchsed used, and stood behind their product. However, replacing a cover on a used unit was way above the call of duty.
I bought a used Soundstage and it came in w/ some software glitches and cosmetic damage on the cover the seller "forgot" to mention. Mondial fixed it for FREE and then replaced the cover for me! They knew it was purchsed used, and stood behind their product. However, replacing a cover on a used unit was way above the call of duty.