Are the really pricey HT Pre Amps worth it?

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.

auxinput, the Parasound JC 1, 2, and 3 stuff has been boxed waiting to be sold for several years, replaced by Ayre KX-5/20 and VX5/20.  I've always used HDMI input to the Bryston SP3.  So I really can't answer your question.  Based on Kal Rubinson's review, I suspect the SP3 is more than adequate for stereo and surround.

Currently I'm taking HDMI form an Ayre DX-5 DSD disc player to the SP3 with balanced front LR from the SP3 to an Ayre preamp for surround.  Balanced analog from the DX-5 goes directly to the KX-5 for stereo.  Most of my music listening, though, is Roon via Ethernet to an Ayre QX-5/20 endpoint, with balanced analog to the preamp.

db