Does anyone make a cheap pre-pro?

[Defcon]

What I'd like - at least 9ch of processing, HDMI switching, support for latest sound formats. No need for any amps or fancy features. All of this can be done with simple integrated chips now.

If someone did, I'd use it with pro amps which are much cheaper and just as good as the expensive hifi amps. But it seems pre-pro's cost even more than AVR's, and people end up buying high end receivers just to use as a pre-pro.

 

[everettT]

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/marav7702/marantz-av7702-11.2-channel-networking-a/v-preamp/processor-w/atmos/1.html, thats pretty cheap for 9+ channels

 

[ski2xblack]

Initially thought of the rather plain ~$550 Outlaw 975, but it's two channels shy of your goal.

 

[TLS Guy]

What I'd like - at least 9ch of processing, HDMI switching, support for latest sound formats. No need for any amps or fancy features. All of this can be done with simple integrated chips now.

If someone did, I'd use it with pro amps which are much cheaper and just as good as the expensive hifi amps. But it seems pre-pro's cost even more than AVR's, and people end up buying high end receivers just to use as a pre-pro.

The answer is no, especially in the UK where you are located.

Because of market share, pre/pros cost a lot more than receivers.

I use Marantz pre/pros personally as they give the best value for money performance wise.