Has anybody used Krell HTS7.1 entirely as 2 CH pre


I am in the market for a 2 Ch pre in used condition. My System is Quad 989, Krell FPB 250MC and Sony XA9000ES. I wonder if any body compared HTS with say Krell's KCT pre or other high end pre? I know HTS7.1 is non-cast. Overall, is HTS a contender among other stand alone 2 ch preamps in 2.5-3.5k range? Thanks.
celestial_audio
I'd go with a Krell KAV-280p Preamplifier for your set-up over the HTS. The KAV Pre has much technology from the excellent KCT Pre, since it was designed a couple of yrs. later. Maybe 85%+ of the KCT's sound when run-in balanced mode. You could pick-up a new one at the low-end of your price range.
Sstalwar: I currently use the HTS7.1 as a two channel (sometimes 4 channel if you include the center and sub)pre/pro. It works flawlessly for me and redirects channel input as required. Programming it is easy, even for me. I drive Maggie 20.1s with fpb350Ms and the center/sub with a Krell KSA 150S. FWIW, if I had to do it all over again I wouldn't hesitate to get the HTS7.1. Later if I decide to go surround, it's ready to go.

Sorry I can't give you a comparison with other pre/pros - only validation that the HTS7.1 does a heck of a job.