I am in the same predicament Krell HTS 7.1 vs. Showcase. I just bought a theta dreadnaught 5 channel and will be driving 4 B&W cdm 7se's all round and dont have a center yet. I just got back from a nearby dealer here in San Diego and had auditioned both an hts 2 and showcase. I also got to peek inside both. The HTS had a larger power supply and separate circuit board for the analog stage. Also, the store owner recommend to the HTS over the showcase to me if I am more concerned with using the unit as a 2 channel preamp. He also mentioned that the showcase had more surround processing modes and a parametric equalizer adjustment per speaker where the HTS2 did not. Listing, I noticed crisper detail out of the tweeters and wider soundstage. Remember I did cheat a little there and was listning on a pair of 802D's. I did not get to listen to either with more than 2 speakers. I will be returning with my power amp to audition the 2 together on Thursday. I will probably be picking the HTS they want $1600 for it.
If you have gained any more info since OCT please let me know.
Jess
If you have gained any more info since OCT please let me know.
Jess