After researching for a couple of months, it was clear that the industry standard for top pre-pro's (in the unstupid cost range) for both music and HT was either the Anthem or the Marantz 8802a. Rotel and NAD didn't seem to register against those two in the various forums.
I bought the Marantz 8802a. Outstanding device.
I bought the Marantz 8802a. Outstanding device.