I've always had a pre-processor. I am all about the sound quality, but would love to upgrade to a modern prepro that has quality sound as well as video. I've owned an Audio Refinement Pre 5, Classe SSP 75, Onkyo Integra, and a Marantz NR. I use my old Classe S700 stereo amp to power the fronts, and a Parasound HCA to power the rest.
I love Marantz, and have been eyeballing their receivers.