What Pre/Pro do you recommend?

Guys, we all have recommendations, but like Z said, he has to figure it out. There are a ton of great options used that have pass throughs and sound great for what he wants to accomplish. I redid my system last year and was going to go the 5.2 route, but when I went to listen I couldn't find anything that even came close to a decent 2 channel set up and I just didn't want to go the separate processor route. Since you like to have that set up, going with a 2 channel pre with HT pass lets you save money when you want to upgrade your processor. Go give some pre amps a listen and let us know what you think sounds good to you.

I agree with Z on this. It's not even about anyones ear being different.

I still think your best option is a pre with pass through so you can get the best of both worlds. Just a thought.

I know the Ayre AX 7e I'm selling has pass through and I think their pre's do also. You can always find a good one on AG. If you just go to a few of the well known manufacturer sites they will put it in their info.

I know that many are in love with the Marantz or NAD's of the world and I own both brands and have for years, however not for my 2 channel listening. they just aren't made for the highest quality sound and that's what you said you are after.

I just spent a ton of money on a new 2 channel system and my friends who listen to it feel that it sounds much better than their own multi channel systems and they spent even more than I did. The more things you add to a component the more difficult and expensive it is to implement. I think I said that correctly.

Thanks Z, I was in shock when I didn't see you mention it. Personally with what a used one is going for, I think it's the best bet for what he wants to do. K-5xe fits everything he's looking for, plus to many of us, it sounds incredible and is a very serious component.

Yea, or maybe they can find something else they like that they can hear first. I'll have no problems selling the the Ayre once I get serious about doing so.
Or maybe better Krelldog can just go get a great pass through preamp as that's where his head seems to be at.

Runnin, sorry if I ruffled your feathers. I don't really have a filter and just post on here for fun. When I'm ready I'll buy an ad, promise.

Krell, when I was looking at preamps I noticed that a few of the good ones have the pass through now. You should have no problems finding one you really like the sound of for your system. Most folks have no idea how important a great preamp really is. I asked a dealer friend of mine who sells a ton of HT including Meridian if he ever heard a pre/pro that he likes. He laughed and said no way.