FWIW, after listening to 3 or 4 v. high end pre-amps, you can get different than the VAC Ren pre, but not much better. I agree, stick w the VAC for 2 ch and go bypass for HT. IMO, if you are using a SSP/HTR for movies alone, you do not need to go very high end. As recommended above, a good NAD or Arcam would be more than adequate, IMO. The sound adds to the experience but the visuals ARE the experience. Put your $ into the display and video source. YMMV.
Extremely High-End "Pre-Pro" Surround Pre-Amp
By all standards, I have excellent amplification (VAC Renaissance Mk II Preamplifier & 300.1 Stereo Power Amp.)
I am in the process of integrating a 5-channel surround system, which uses my 2-channel rig for the main/front L & R, via the preamp's "theatre bypass."
Though I am adding a surround system, I estimate that 85% of my system's use will still be for 2-channel music listening.
My initial plan was to buy a modestly priced surrround processor, such as the Marantz AV-7005 and run the 2 main channels to the VAC pre.
From the music side, I've even considered upgarding my VAC pre to one of the newer models that came out within the past year.
However, before I go down this path, are there any truely "high-end" surround processor/pre-amps that I should consider, and consolidate into one (surround/pre) unit?
By this, I mean are there any that would handle the duties of surround processing AND perform as well or better than my current pre-amp for 2-channel music playback?
It would be nice to have one piece of gear that could work dual-purpose, and avoid essentially having 2 pre's, but I will NOT go this route if there is any compromise to the musical pleasure that I am acustommed to.
So, is there a truely high-end, MUSICAL surround processor out there?
As you probably figured out, I'm a fan of tubes. What are the chances of a tube unit that fits this bill?
Thanks gang.
I am in the process of integrating a 5-channel surround system, which uses my 2-channel rig for the main/front L & R, via the preamp's "theatre bypass."
Though I am adding a surround system, I estimate that 85% of my system's use will still be for 2-channel music listening.
My initial plan was to buy a modestly priced surrround processor, such as the Marantz AV-7005 and run the 2 main channels to the VAC pre.
From the music side, I've even considered upgarding my VAC pre to one of the newer models that came out within the past year.
However, before I go down this path, are there any truely "high-end" surround processor/pre-amps that I should consider, and consolidate into one (surround/pre) unit?
By this, I mean are there any that would handle the duties of surround processing AND perform as well or better than my current pre-amp for 2-channel music playback?
It would be nice to have one piece of gear that could work dual-purpose, and avoid essentially having 2 pre's, but I will NOT go this route if there is any compromise to the musical pleasure that I am acustommed to.
So, is there a truely high-end, MUSICAL surround processor out there?
As you probably figured out, I'm a fan of tubes. What are the chances of a tube unit that fits this bill?
Thanks gang.