New Pre/Pro for 2 ch guy? (+How easy to set up RC in top units like Lyngdorf, etc)?

Went with the Lyngdorf MP40. Fingers crossed on the 2ch SQ, but really excited  about the surround sound.  May still get a good preamp with HT bypass, but hopefully the MP40 and room perfect will fill the bill.

I think you made a good decision and are gonna be very happy.  IME the excellent room correction goes a long way to overwhelming any other lingering sound quality concerns.  When you listen with and without RC I think you’ll see what I mean.  Be interested to hear your thoughts, and yeah, I’m jealous. 

Thanks soix.  Really appreciate all your input.  Your comments about your experience with RP made an impact.  I will definitely post my impressions.  

Ha, sorry, had brain fart there.  Current system is 7.1 and not sure if i want to add atmos, etc. (that's what i get for typing this while working lol)

Also thinking maybe doing the Marantz or NAD and getting a Mcintosh C49 or C53 with HT bypass.  Gives me excellent 2 channel sq, but definitely a step down in room correction (and I’m in an untreated slab basement with drywall over 2/3 slab walls, so maybe RC might make a big improvement on everything)

Just got bad news from Krell.  Processor is not repairable.  Needs new boards that are no longer in stock.  Ugh.

(soix, why the snooty response to the consideration of a Mc preamp? You were very nice in your original response.  I realize Mcintosh is a polarizing name, but I like what I've heard from them in past, and my mc452 amp is outstanding.  If you like other preamps more, please suggest some as I appreciate all opinions, even if I may not agree :)

auxinput, thanks for the input, which actually depresses me more lol.  Unfortunately the MX 180 is just way too much money, even used.  I'd like to keep it all under $10k (and closer to 6-7k if possible).  Will need to consider used or combination new/used.

I have seen the McIntosh MX-160 go for $8k used.

Thanks.  My problem with the Mc MX pre/pros is that they all digitize the analog input (not well known, but true and confirmed by Mc).  So my concern is that the MX Dac implementation/SQ will not be as good as my Esoteric K-03 CD/SACD, which is somewhat legendary.  Of course, that is the same issue with the Lyngdorf I'm considering.  Wish I could get some input into the SQ of the MX or Lyngdorf 2ch SQ versus a high end CD/preamp combo

My apologies. Admittedly I’m not a McIntosh fan. 

No worries.  I realize this can be like politics lol.  Very much appreciate your replies.  I am not wedded to Mc, just read great reviews and my own listening experiences have been good.  Would definitely consider other good preamps in $4-6k used/discounted range.  For a long time I had my sights set on a Classe CP800, as it not only supposedly sounded great, but its SOA USB application was outstanding and apparently was agnostic to source quality.  If you have some good preamp ideas, please share!

Well, that would’ve been good to know up front.  I’ve wasted my time and I’m out.  Best of luck. 

soix, again, no need for the quick trigger.  I did state this in my original post.  That is my overall concern, getting good 2 channel sound out of a processor or going to a 2 piece processor and preamp setup.  Think that's been a pretty consistent theme throughout.