I've been really pleased with my Class'e SSP30 HT Pre-amp. Movies ( Dolby 5.1 and DTS) are much more open, realistic, and clear. The 2 channel (stereo) is also much better and now my pre-fered music only format. The blur I had on both the high end and bass, which I though was my 10 year old speakers, just disappeared. I had been using a Denon receiver as the pre-amp section for a Class'e CAV-180. The feaures on the SSP30 are also very well done and family friendly for the remote. You can get one used in the price range mentioned.