Assuming you have an excellent two channel source already then EMMLabs gear seems popular with ATC's - any chance you could audition a Switchman?
This would allow you to select any combinations of analog signals. Only issue is that it is not 7.2....so you would inevitably be 3 channels short for full 7.2! However, some people use this just for two channel.
Also have you considered a tube CD player such as a Wadia?
I can't help more because SS seems to work fine for me and i just don't have the experience. I currently have an acoustically treated and carpeted room - it works fine with response set flat. However, I can imagine what you mean about softening the sound. Previsouly I had ATC's in a large room with wooden floors (Gymnaisum and also a large open plan living room) and it was definitely bright/harsh sounding within such a reflective environment...my solution, at that time, was a -3db EQ filter at 4 Khz, as the wife just adored the wooden floors and carpets were NOT an option.
Good Luck! - It would also be nice to see your system pics?
This would allow you to select any combinations of analog signals. Only issue is that it is not 7.2....so you would inevitably be 3 channels short for full 7.2! However, some people use this just for two channel.
Also have you considered a tube CD player such as a Wadia?
I can't help more because SS seems to work fine for me and i just don't have the experience. I currently have an acoustically treated and carpeted room - it works fine with response set flat. However, I can imagine what you mean about softening the sound. Previsouly I had ATC's in a large room with wooden floors (Gymnaisum and also a large open plan living room) and it was definitely bright/harsh sounding within such a reflective environment...my solution, at that time, was a -3db EQ filter at 4 Khz, as the wife just adored the wooden floors and carpets were NOT an option.
Good Luck! - It would also be nice to see your system pics?