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
Has anyone mentioned Room Correction?  I added an Anthem 5 channel AVR a year ago and remain very impressed by their Room Correction technology.  They make high end AV Processors, as well.
<< sigh >>

I wish.

The biggest problem with some mega-price pres is their likelihood of remaining in business.

I had a Theta Casanova, and I _loved_ it for music and movies. Couldn't keep up with HDMI though. It was a significantly better sounding pre/processor than Emotiva / Onkyo / Yamaha were producing.

But with the rate of change, prices and quality of output I could no longer go that route, not to mention that Theta development has limped along since HDMI, as has Meridian.

My target now is to use a Luxman integrated + Anthem pre or anthem AVR. You could do the same with Marantz. 

Best,

E
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.