[pearsall001]

Now that I know my NAD T773 can be used as a pure power amp using it's main in's (the preamp section is now completely bypassed) I can concentrate on a new processor. And since I have a two channel amp for my mains & a monoblock amp for my center, the NAD only has to power the surrounds.

It will be used in both HT & two channel listening, so a quality piece that will do two channel justice is what I'm looking for along with it's HT capabilities.

I know that Outlaw is coming out with a new flagship processor in the fall, & I think that Emotivea is also coming out with a new model. The NAD T175 also looks like a fine piece. I'm looking to spend around $2K.

I don't know how important it is that the processor decode all the latest audio formats because if the BlurRay player (my next purchase) does the decoding is it really necessary for the processor to also do it?

What other companies make a good processor in my budget range for me to take a look at. Thanks!

[ted_b]

You've limited your selection drastically when you ask it to be your 2 channel preamp, too.  However, if you get a Blu-Ray player that decodes all the new HBR (high bit rate codecs like TrueHD and DTS HD MA) you can increase that selection pool. 

The latest HDMI 1.3 based processors (Onkyo, Integra, Marantz, much more expensive Denon) have all of their monies going to HDMI switching, HBR decoding, and digital room correction.  There was not much left to put into 2 channel analog stages, and it shows/sounds appropriately.  OTOH, the processors that are known to hold their own with 2 channel currently have no HDMI switching, and most aren't able to handle 24/192 lossless pcm coming in.....but I'd investigate them:
Bryston SP2 (in reality, a processor with a nice Bryston BP26 stereo preamp included)
Proceed AVP2
Bel Canto PrePro

My recommendation:  get a nice stereo preamp with HT bypass and then buy an Onkyo Pro 885 or Integra 9.8 HDMI 1.3 processor.  A used Modwirght SWl 9.0 and an 885 will cost you $2500 and you'll be blown away.    Or go something like the Bryston and then get a separate video (HDMI, etc.) switcher.  You may still have an issue with sending lossless PCM though.

[rydenfan]

What Ted said is right on. These pieces have completely different design goals than a two channel pre-amp. Their whole focus is HDMI, digitial connections, video swtiching, etc. Analog is not an area that receieved a lot of attention. Conversly, a 2 channel pre-amp is strickly designed for your musical enjoyment. You would be far better served with a 2 channel pre with HT Bypass and using the processor for your movie and tv duties.

[ted_b]

You'll likely get more hits and relevant responses going forward if you have this moved to the home theater circle.  My $.02