If you were into multi-channel music more than 3 or 4 years ago or even as of now, there were basically nothing really out there that had the proper music surround mode, plus audiophile quality digital/analog section. Everybody audiophile company basically made generic THX/DD/DTS decoders with a custom DAC/analog stage. Anybody else who had special muti-channel music mode didn't emphasize on DAC/analog section. Even Meridian's analog stage is not of purist design.

Even with the Meridian, when I want to go play 2ch music, I long I had my Audible Illusion preamp hooked up, but to plug/unplug all the wiring makes it more of a hassle. Plus once you are use to a remote, 2 volume knobs becomes kind of klugy. I guess analog bypass would be ideal, but I just never got to that point.