Are the really pricey HT Pre Amps worth it?

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

I think the only reason to pony up for the higher-end prepros is if 2-channel is important. But then, at those prices I’d rather get a decent prepro and a good stereo pre. To me, the only reason to not do this is if for some reason you can only have one box.

Combining a prepro with a stereo amp that has by-pass seems a good way to go.  I used a Bryston SP3 and Parasound JC 2 BP, and my Ayre KX-5 Twenty also can do by-pass as well. 

@dbphd - have you tried just using the Bryston SP3 as an analog preamp?  How does that compare to the Parasound JC2?  I'm not sure that the JC2 is going to be significantly better than the SP3.  The SP3 has their fully discrete analog input stages as well as output stages.

I also upgraded from the 8802a to the Lyngdorf MP 60. What you get for home theater is significantly improved room correction. From bottom to top the sound field is much more cohesive, better integrated and detailed. Palpably so for Home Theater. The results are quite noticeable and though the MP 60 costs much more $$$, I am quite happy with my investment.