I use the Marantz AV8003 and it fits the bill. Possibly the current model would work. Highly recommended and better than the pure stereo preamp (Naim 72 with Avondale cards) that it replaced.
Transparent Stereo From Surround Preamp/Processor
I'll start by saying that I realize that this could have been posted in the home theater section. However, because my inquiry is truly in the interest of 2-channel stereo listening, I felt that it was more appropriate here.
First and foremost, two-channel music is my priority. Surround is secondary to me.
I have been building/tweaking my two-channel system for years, and have arrived at a place that I absolutely love, which has my DAC running directly to my power amp.
I also plan to incorporate 5-channel surround (plus two subs,) with my two channel stereo rig serving as the main L/R amp & speakers, when in surround mode.
This has been a work in progress, and I have looked at many options, in how to integrate these two. I am leaning toward a high-end pre-pro that will handle all duties, rather than do two separate systems, via theater pass-through, etc.
However, my real challenge is finding the right pre-pro, which will not compromise the wonderful sound that I get from running my DAC directly to the power amp, for 2-channel music listening, which is better than 85% of the time.
I also would not mind if the pre-pro offered a quality room correction/speaker optimization, etc. But, again, not if it is at the expense of the magic that I currently have in my 2-channel rig.
I am looking for pre-pro recommendations that, in your experience, can pass the stereo source through, with no detectable loss or sonic changes.
I am not looking for a list of "xxx is a nice sounding pre-pro." I am on a mission to find a nice sounding pre-pro ***that will not compromise the sound that I have with my current 2-channel arrangement.***
The budget is not set in stone. But to throw a number on it, I'm expecting to be in the $10K +/- range.
I look forward to your recommendations.
Thank you.
First and foremost, two-channel music is my priority. Surround is secondary to me.
I have been building/tweaking my two-channel system for years, and have arrived at a place that I absolutely love, which has my DAC running directly to my power amp.
I also plan to incorporate 5-channel surround (plus two subs,) with my two channel stereo rig serving as the main L/R amp & speakers, when in surround mode.
This has been a work in progress, and I have looked at many options, in how to integrate these two. I am leaning toward a high-end pre-pro that will handle all duties, rather than do two separate systems, via theater pass-through, etc.
However, my real challenge is finding the right pre-pro, which will not compromise the wonderful sound that I get from running my DAC directly to the power amp, for 2-channel music listening, which is better than 85% of the time.
I also would not mind if the pre-pro offered a quality room correction/speaker optimization, etc. But, again, not if it is at the expense of the magic that I currently have in my 2-channel rig.
I am looking for pre-pro recommendations that, in your experience, can pass the stereo source through, with no detectable loss or sonic changes.
I am not looking for a list of "xxx is a nice sounding pre-pro." I am on a mission to find a nice sounding pre-pro ***that will not compromise the sound that I have with my current 2-channel arrangement.***
The budget is not set in stone. But to throw a number on it, I'm expecting to be in the $10K +/- range.
I look forward to your recommendations.
Thank you.