Anybody else using AV880x as 2 channel preamp?


I am, and I’m happy. I had been using my Cambridge 851N as a digital preamp, streamer, and DAC for my Marantz SA8004. I wanted to add a tv to the mix, and found a Marantz AV8801 at a good price. I’m using it as a 2 channel preamp and it sounds (slightly) better than the Cambridge. Anybody else using a multi channel AV processor for two channel and liking it?
tomaswv
@tomaswv , I use multichannel pre with success in my main system. It's a McIntosh MX-120. The analog section is essentially a C46 preamp, so it offers the flexibility for HT and critical 2-channel listening. I've since moved away from HT altogether, but kept the 120 for its sound quality.
You can find this and the MX-119 and 134 fairly cheap since they're shunned by both line stage purists and HT geeks ( not intended as a jab) who want the latest codecs. 

The classe 800 unit mentioned above also gets high marks for 2-channel use.
@yakbob  

I think the McIntosh's flagship AV preamp surround processors (eg MX150, MX151, or MX160) share very similar analog audio circuitry as the McIntosh stereo preamp such as the C46 preamp, not the McIntosh's entry level AV processors such as the MX120, MX121 or MX122..
To clarify, the MX-119 and MX-120 are the same analog circuit as found in the C45 (when used in analog mode) since both lack the C46 equalizer function. RonC has mentioned this in a few threads on audiokarma, where there is some great discussion on the benefits of these units in 2-channel systems. They're a relative bargain in the Mc world in that they're built as stereo pre's with the added benefit of a DAC (if you choose to use it) or output multi-channel.
The value, or better yet, performance to value of the later "flagship" processors is debatable since units like the MX-150 are more akin to the Denon units they're based off of. The MX-121 even has some Marantz parts inside. It's not a bad thing if you must have the look or later codecs, but in tomaswv's case (2-channel stereo use), the 119, 120 or even 134 would present a better value and 2-channel performance. For decoding digital multichannel or latter HDMI standards the 150 and newer units would be a better choice.
Both the MX122 (entry level) & MX160 (flagship) support and decode the latest formats and codecs eg 4K HDR Dolby Atmos DTS-X Auro 3-D. 

The MX122 was based on Marantz AV8802 processor whereas the flagship MX160 is pure McIntosh all the way. The MX160 performs and sounds way better than the MX122 in both stereo and surrounds (HT) and is equipped with much better room correction (Room Perfect) as opposed to Auddysey found in the MX122. 

I've heard that the MX160 shares same analog audio circuitry with the McIntosh stereo preamp but not sure which model I think it's a newer model.