What Mods for a pre/pro to become a good preamp?

Hi Stehno:

Thanks a lot for your input. I am really happy to hear from someone who has contributed a lot to the forums over the years.

I did not do item 1 above, but I really worked on the other items.

I use eight separate 30 amp circuits with either Porter ports or Alan Kaftons' receptacles. They Lexicon uses a King Cobra v2 to its own SA Linestage with Elrod sig 3 to the wall. I use Quattro fil and Valhalla xlr to the amps. I would try the Starsound, but I am already buried in several layers of Aurios Pros, (for the component stand and under the Lexicon). The Lexicon currently sits on an Ultra, then Aurios Pros, then a Svelte and on top of the svelte is a Stillpoints. It barely fiits in the 19" or so I have for the shelf.

To rephrase my question, when I have to use the Lexicon for my DVD, Satellite and soon to arrive HDTV recorder using Digital RCA, what would you consider having done to the Lexicon to become more like a preamp in its sonic attributes yet still retain the bass management and speaker distances etc.

When I am in bypass mode, I really like the sonics of Dan Wrights CDP or something of that caliber. I was hoping to get the Lexicon to emulate that when forced to use other components using digital ins.

"Agaffer, perhaps you are correct as a general rule of thumb. But then there are always excepts to those rules. I own a Primare P30 pre/pro"

I don't get your point. According to the Primare Audio website, the P30 is a pre amp, not a AV processor. I'm sure it is a good pre amp and were Yada to use it in conjunction with his Lexicon I am sure that it would be a big improvement in sound quality.
However, I was thinking about improving the music side of his listening. Rereading his post I see that isn't what he is looking for. He wants to mod his AV processor to improve on it .

Agaffer, the P30 is the previous model of Primare's SP31.7 (or something like that) current model pre/pro. They've done some number changing on their models. You're thinking of the new Pre30 which is Primare's 2-channel preamp.

The Primare P30 really, really is a pre/pro. Just ask me!!! :) Although I used it only as a 2-channel preamp.

-IMO

Yada, you might still consider setting aside all of the decoupling (dampening and isolation) paraphinalia that you've invested in and try the less expensive coupling methodology.

If, and I believe it is so, the coupling methodology (using Star Sound's Audio Points and a racking system like the Sistrum) provides better sonics, there are plenty of people who would gobble up all of your decoupling products. Not only may your system sound better but it may also look better with less clutter and may even put a little extra $$ in your pocket.

Also, have you considered converting one or more of your components to 240 volts aka balanced power (requires running 240 volt lines from your service panel)? This should provide a more pristine and effortless presentation.

-IMO

Yada:

My guess is that the sonics of the EAD Theatermaster 8800 pro would be preferable to the Lexicon in light of your tastes and equipment. While I protect my 2 channel path entirely from running through a Pre/Pro....I can honestly say that EAD is the first Pre/Pro i've heard that has led me to consider simplifiying my setup by allowing my 2 channel path through it. Incidentally, I've had both Lexicon and EAD and find the sonics of EAD FAR superior. Several audiophiles that I respect have agreed with this.

Regards,
Harry