I'm currently using a Classe CP-60 that has a surround passthrough. I recently sold my Proceed processor and went back to mainly 2 channel. I bought the Classe preamp, which also has a MM/MC phono stage, as my stereo preamp. I bought a Denon receiver for HT and run the F/R & F/L pre outs into the Classe surround input. I also bought a turntable, and am getting back into analog. Since 80% of my listening was 2 channel, I got tired of all the fussing involved with HT. It seemed I spent more time running through menus and running test tones, than listening to music. You know what? That Denon receiver does fine for HT. All it drives are my surround speakers, and I think watching movies visually distracts you, so sonic quality isn't as important as listening to music. The CP-60 also has a line stage, which knocks $500 off the list of $4200. You could get a used one for less than $2K. If this is too much, I know Proceed Pre is a 2 channel preamp with theater passthrough, it list for $2K, used about $700-800.
John
John