Are the really pricey HT Pre Amps worth it?


Looking at a pre amp upgrade.  Are the real expensive pre amps better than a Marantz AV8805?  With prices $12k plus for even used high end pre amps here, are the extra $ really worth it?
Currently have a 11.2 Atmos config.  Marantz AV8802a, 2 monoprice (ATI) amps, Oppo, Sony 4K projector, etc.
old_marantz

Showing 2 responses by big_greg

No.  When I upgraded my HT processor for 4K I went from the Marantz AV8802 to the AV7704, going down one range in the Marantz lineup.  No difference in sound quality at all.  If there's some specific feature you need or connections you don't have, maybe it's worth spending more, but I have started to look at them as almost disposable appliances.
How is it "better" if it doesn't sound any better?  It's still a  whole lot of compromise stuffed into one box. 

I'll admit my answer was a bit glib in a way. If my main focus was home theater or I had a dedicated home theater, it might matter enough to go all out on the processor, but then again if that was the case I'd probably be over on AVS Forum, not here.  A bit of a matter of perspective.