I have own HK audio components for the past 10 years, and this component has exceeded my expectation. Cosmetically, it is clean and functional. It is not cluttered with buttons and it is elegant. It is user-friendly and extremely versatile in setups. Sonically, it is impressive and powerful( I use the HK Signature Series 2.1 amp.) in both home theater and music. I would recommended to anyone.

I owned this preamp for over a year, and after having to return three of them after they broke down with the exact same malfunction I finally gave up and got my money back. The problem that I kept experiencing was that the analog sound modes (stereo, mono+, all dsp modes, and dolby pro-logic)would cease to function, but I could still use dolby digital. Thank goodness I bought it at Circuit City with the extended service plan.During, the time I was able to fully let the amp go I was pretty satisfied. I don't think it is very good sonically compared to others at this price range however. I often would get some distortion during loud monments in a movie that I just have to place the blame on the 2.0
Feature wise it was very loaded at the time, but my advice is to spend your $2000 elsewhere. 2 star performance - 1 star reliability - overall 1 star

Just bought this processor today at Circuit City as an open box special for $1299.00 and $50 for a 5 year warranty. I am setting it up with an Outlaw 5 ch amp. The HK is DTS and has the 2.8 software upgrade. Hope I did right. I have 30 days to return. Did I do good or did I get hosed?

The sales person said the HK rep had upgraded the software to 2.8 and added the DTS just about a month ago. Will give it 3 stars until I get it hooked up and running.

virtually sonically invisible, well made, audio and video inputs are very flexible, allows the amplitude of all 6 channels to be individually adjusted, allows the input gain of each input to be individually adjusted, bargain at its present price

no component video inputs or switching, doesn't convert composite video to S-video, tone controls are limited allowing treble to be cut but not boosted while allowing bass to be boosted but not cut,

The H/K Signature 2.0 is a very versatile component that allows you the freedom to assign what each input will do and how it will be handled by the DSP and video systems. The unit is basically a PC with audio connectors on the outside for convenient hook-up. The remote control is adequate but for an additional $99 I picked up the H/K Take Control 1000 system controller (a Windows CE touch screen remote control), which was a joint development effort between H/K and Microsoft. Together they create a very user friendly and powerful switching and surround sound duo.

You can plug any device into any input and then setup switching and stereo/mono/Dolby/DTS/DSP functionality for that input. You can further refine the given input by selecting treble and bass settings as well as gain for each channel of the input. By allowing the user to set the gain for each input it allows you to switch between inputs while knowing that they will all be similar in loudness. It even has a pseudo db meter that allows you to accurately configure the gain.

Each output channel has its own individual gain control so that you can completely balance the entire system. A unique feature of the Sig. 2.0 is its ability to allow changes to the center and subwoofer at any time which overrides the master settings but returns to the master settings after either switching to another input or powering off.

The single greatest weakness of the Sig. 2.0 is the lack of any component video switching capabilities. Another weakness in the video section is that it can convert S-Video signals to composite but it cannot convert composite to S-video. This is a pain if you have a composite VCR and an S-Video DVD player. It requires you to reach for the TV remote and switch to another video input on the TV when you switch between VCR and DVD. This, however, was easily overcame with the H/K TC1000 remote, which allows you to place buttons from different remotes onto the same pad. So from one screen on the H/K TC1000 I can switch from composite to S-Video and still be in full control of the Sig. 2.0. Why H/K didn't include the TC1000 with the Sig. 2.0 was a marketing debacle.

The tuner in the Sig. 2.0 is very adequate and offers RDS, which allows you to view digital messages being broadcast by the stations. RDS also allows you to search for stations by programming format. i.e. if you like classic rock just set the RDS to search for stations playing classic rock.

The tone controls are a weakness in the design of the component. It allows you to cut the treble but not boost it, while it allows you to boost the bass but not cut it. I seldom if ever use the tone controls but it would have been nice if they were fully functional.

The DSP modes are very nice and the digital steering that controls them is first rate by any standard. This is the first unit I've ever listened to where the DSP Music mode actually enhances the stereo image and makes for a more realistic recreation of some recordings. Again, the digital steering in the Dolby Digital and DTS modes is first rate and creates a very believable and detailed soundfield. I have yet to listen to the special movie modes.

I highly recommend that you get the latest software release for the Sig. 2.0 which is 2.10a. It seems to have resolved all the earlier issues with the unit, or at least the major ones. In the audio world software is a new problem that many have not yet encountered. You must keep in mind that most of the latest audio gear is more computer than old fashioned electro-mechanical wonders. Computers have bugs and so does all the latest gear. Sometimes bugs are very noticeable whereas other may never be noticed at all unless the user needs to utilize that particular function.

All things considered at $500 the Sig. 2.0 is a real bargain for what it has to offer. If you condsider the fact that no matter how much you pay for any preamp processor it will be worth next to nothing in just a few years, the Sig. 2.0 looks even more attractive. I know that everyone claims to be upgradeable but that's in reference to either firmware or add-on future external processors. The processing boards in all the present generation preamps will quickly be obsolete and will necessitate their replacement. Don't be fooled into believing any brand is forever upgradeable, its not.

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B&K, Yamaha, Technics

Extremely good sound DD, DTS, stereo, very well build,no noncense design, good price

remote, static clicks in center speaker

First processor I have seen in the range of $1500 with such a superb sound. DTS/DD extremely good. Stereo also fantastic. Just the remote is a menace. But I can live with it. Realy one thing only. When I change the volume (high or low) then there are some static clicks in my center speaker. Maybe a software problem. Who can solve the problem ?

Furthermore: is there allready a software update ?? My version is 2.1a Where can I find them? on the net ?

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Onkyo, Yamaha, Sony

Sound (controls speakers very well), Design

No digital outputs, remote, signature 3.0 dvd is not available in the Netherlands

Went out for Marantz 9000 pre+power amp. Got this set(2.0 & 2.1) after demo listening session and am very happy with the sound it delivers. Has great control (especially on the bass) of my T+A 140's.
2.0 tends to get rather warm(although it functions perfectly), 2.1 is solid as a rock, even at high volume levels.
The lack of (at least one) digital outputs has caused cabling problems.
I prefer the sound of the 2.0's D/A converter to my Sony 55 ES.
All in all, I am extremely happy with this set. Not only is the surround stage very detailed, but also as a traditional stereo amplifier, to my ears the sound is excellent.
Am still looking for appropriate DVD player, preferably in the same class as the Signature set. Does anyone have a suggestion?

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Onkyo THX939

Best bang for the buck DD/DTS pre-amp out there. By far.

Tone controls, remote

Let me start by saying that I would probably not pay 2K which is what this unit originally sold because HK is not a strong player in separates. This is actually a Citation unit, a loaner from Madrigal of Levinson and Proceed fame.

It's not up to par with these brands, granted. However, these days it can be easily had for $800-$1k which makes it the most inexpensive pre-amp out there with DD/DTS, hands down. The sound quality is top-notch and lives up to the Citation name. The HT features are more than adequate. The latest software 2.10a is very solid. The remote...ahem...sucks. But with so many good remotes out there these days I wouldn't even think twice about the remote. In reality, it's adequate but nothing special and there's no backlit option.

The reliability issues seem to have been been remedied with the latest models. If you find a unit with the latest software for under 1K don't blink. This is the best value out there right now, bar none.

Looks elegant, sounds wonderfull, very user friendly once set up, new software is very stable.

The remote,,,well,,uh,,,,stinks.

At first I wasent sure if this older unit was worth even the rock bottom low price of 399.00 for a factory refurbished unit. In this ever evolving world of digital audio its hip today and yesterdays technology tomorrow. I have to admit,,for me this unit was the perfect solution. Im not one of those people who chase around the newest format, so a unit with the now basic formats of DD and dts is all i was looking for. Setup is straight forward once you "READ" the manual and understand the set up procedures. Once set up the unit is easy to use on an everyday basis. Build quality is way above its current asking price. The face plate is made from 1/4 inch thick brushed aluminum. Inside you can see its twin transformers and heavy circuit boards just as examples of some of its build qualities. Ive only owned this unit for about 3 weeks but so far I would recomend this unit to anyone whos needs it fits.

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Various recievers as pre pros.

I work and help run a large consumer electronics store, and I have had many different products in and out of my home system. However, of all the diffent pieces that I have had, I truly enjoy listening to music and movies coming out of this preamp. In my system at least, movies and music just seem to come alive. The teble is rolled off, it doesn't screech, the midrange is commanding but not too forward, and the bass is better (both stronger and deeper) than any other preamp I have ever heard. My only warning to the people who are interested in trying out this amp, is that I had to go through three different versions before I found one that worked flawlessly. Luckily I could return it and get new ones quickly, but if you find that this preamp is for you make sure you understand thier return or exchange policy from where you bought it. I am giving this a five star based on the unit I eventually ended up with, because of its ease of use and because of its great sound quality truly high end without spending 4000 dollars or more.

Awesome HT features, easy flexible menu, looks

No documentation for DSP music and movie modes

I got this from onecall.com for $750 delivered. This is a refurb but came sealed from HK. No cosmetic problems at all, looks like new. It has the latest software 2.10a with DTS and has been working flawesly, no crashes, no quirks, perfect performer.

I upgraded from a receiver and I'm also using the Sig 2.1 amp. The difference in the surround output and quality from the receiver is unbelievable.

Music performance is very good except I don't like the fact that there's no treble gain (only treble cut). Also the music and movie DSP modes are not documented but the movie DSPs are better than pro-logic for TV programs. Music DSPs are decent but I still prefer good old fashion stereo for music.

I can see why previous reviewers trashed this product since they were having quality and software problems. Personally I think that a unit like this is better purchased refurb because it's broken in, the defects have already surfaced and repaired and you get 2 years warranty from HK. And the new software is pretty solid. Onecall.com was a pleasure to work with and at $750 delivered this was a steal. Be careful though because onecall.com does not accept returns unless you pay a huge restocking fee so make sure you like the unit before bying.

I don't know what that guy below meant by the sound being 2-d and flat as opposed to 3-d but perhaps he had crappy speakers. I am using Radia planars and the sound is simply phenomenal.