HOME THEATer PRE AMP NAD, ROTEL, or Anthem

I have the older Rotel RSP-1570 and NAD T175. For Rotel firmware updates, I can download directly from Rotel website. For NAD pre/processor firmware updates, I need to get it from their dealers since it is not available from their website.

Why this is important? When I bought RSP-1570, it does not come with 3D pass through, but that feature was added later with firmware updates. My T175 is already obsolete.

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.

Onkyo got a new pre pro coming out in july.

Yeah, I'd stick with anthem 60 and be happy. Got refined sound, latest processing (I could care less about extra speakers all around the room personally. Just quality sound from 5.1 or better, and LARGE HIDEF IMAGE, myself. lol)
The Athem got superb EQ circuit - which you NEED, and you n everyone else that hears it will be pleased.  No magic bullets to consider otherwise.  (take this 100% of time over some cheapy receiver with all the bells and whistles, and inferior overall sound, every time!)

I would second snofun3's opinion on looking at the Marantz 8802a.  The fully discrete audio output stages would make me take a close look at this.  It has a nice power supply and I've read that Marantz has made significant improvements on it's HDAM audio stage over the years.  I have worked with EQ and room correction and I have decided against it.  There is nothing better than a good source.  Room treatments (diffusion, etc.) would be much better than trying to fix stuff electronically through EQ or correction.