Surround Sound Preamp Integra DHC-9.9 vs. Anthem

Does anyone have any experience with the Integra DHC-9.9 Preamp (I do see people talking about the 9.8)? I currently have an Anthem AVM 30 but was thinking about stepping up to either an Anthem D2 V or AVM 50 V (due to the addition of ARC). I have absorption panels in my listening room but it needs more help and I really don’t want to put anything additional up. I do have a few items that I am trying to balance: Price, sound quality (analog and digital), and “do I really need all that video processing” since a decent bluray player, a clean signal in from the wall, or a higher end TV should get me real close (right ???)

Going from about $1,100 used for my AVM 30 to either $8,000 or $6,000 for a D2 V or AVM 50 is a jagged pill to swallow. I recently came across a few reviews of the Integra that were interesting but I have no experience with the product since they seem to be sold locally out of small home theater installers. $2,000 is a little more reasonable providing I don’t have to give up anything sonically, but then I read about issues with analog playback (a major short coming). I am not sure if the 9.9 has fixed this issue or if it would not be an issue since Audyseey can only be used via a digital signal. So, I guess I am looking for a D2 V (with or without the video capability) for a small sum. Comments/suggestions/insights ?