A lot of the current pre-amp/processors are inherently expensive and most lack HD audio decoding as a number of the manufacturers have yet to dip their toe in the digital world. Some have e.g. Rotel, Marantz, Denon etc. but for some strange reason WHF rarely review processors or multi-channel power-amps. The Audiolab 8000AP lacks HD audio decoding but this is irrelevant if your bluray player can decode it and has been partnered by all manner of amplification on another forum I frequent and has a massive following. The WHF review didn't go down too well, which I can actually understand. Another option would be to go with a cheaper AV receiver with the correct pre-out connections and use that as a complete solution for now, then add a power amp later. An example would be the Marantz SR6003, then add the Marantz MM8003 later. This would be a cheaper solution than going for the AV8003 pre-amp/processor unit and I have heard elsewhere that the combo works well. It was something that I certainly have considered, although I'm trying to reduce the box count, not increase it. Multi-channel power amps also turn up on ebay etc. a lot and you can pick up high quality Rotel and so on there for next to nothing (although it looks like your budget isn't too tight!). Going down this route, would also mean that if you're happy with the sound from your setup and they bring out yet another 'must have' feature e.g. HDMI 1.4, you simply change the processor and don't have to keep changing receivers every 3-4 years. Just a thought....