Are the really pricey HT Pre Amps worth it?

Try to ignore millercarbon as he is typically very negative and condescending.

@big_greg - Well, you pretty much did a lateral or step-down move as you said.  I'm not surprised that you didn't hear any difference.  In actuality, the 8802 is a better processor because it has a larger main power supply and the audio output stages are all on individual boards with better isolation and localized power supply capacitors.  The only thing that the 7704 really gave you is some extra/newer bells and whistles.

@old_marantz - I have had the Marantz AV8804 in my system and was very impressed on what it did.  It's pretty much the same as your AV8802, but with some newer features.  It had very full sound and very powerful impact.  For what it costs, it's an excellent device.  However, it is "voiced" as a  Marantz, which means it's on the warm side and has softened high frequencies.  If you are looking to get something with more high frequencies and more excitement, an upgrade/switch can get you there.  

Like lxgreen indicated, a Trinnov Altitude 16 would be a significant upgrade in clarity and excitement of sound.  However, a used McIntosh MX-160 could be another possibility.  Both would have more clarity and high frequencies than your Marantz.

How is it "better" if it doesn't sound any better?  It's still a  whole lot of compromise stuffed into one box. 

I'll admit my answer was a bit glib in a way. If my main focus was home theater or I had a dedicated home theater, it might matter enough to go all out on the processor, but then again if that was the case I'd probably be over on AVS Forum, not here.  A bit of a matter of perspective. 

Has anyone mentioned Room Correction?  I added an Anthem 5 channel AVR a year ago and remain very impressed by their Room Correction technology.  They make high end AV Processors, as well.

<< sigh >>

I wish.

The biggest problem with some mega-price pres is their likelihood of remaining in business.

I had a Theta Casanova, and I _loved_ it for music and movies. Couldn't keep up with HDMI though. It was a significantly better sounding pre/processor than Emotiva / Onkyo / Yamaha were producing.

But with the rate of change, prices and quality of output I could no longer go that route, not to mention that Theta development has limped along since HDMI, as has Meridian.

My target now is to use a Luxman integrated + Anthem pre or anthem AVR. You could do the same with Marantz. 

Best,

E

Thanks....I went for Lyngdorf MP60.  We shall see.