Denon AVP-8000 as a 2-ch Pre?

I'm thinking of getting a Denon AVP-8000 as my pre/proc. I'm mainly interested in 2-channel performance, but want HT as well. Really don't want to go into pre's with pass through features (I tried that with a Conrad Johnson PRF-Loved the 2-channel but was bothered by the comlexity and hassle of switching between 2-CH and HT--also, the CJ (blew up) the fisrt time I tried the pass through. It was repaired for free but left a bad taste in my mouth) Anyway, I'm looking for a pr/pro with comparable performance to the CJ in 2 CH . What do you knowledgable folks think of the AVP-8000? Any other suggestions?