I don't usually offer advice, but I'm so impressed with my recent upgrade to the Linn AV5103 that I had to drop a plug for it. Recently upgraded from B&K AVR202 (used only as a preamp/tuner), and the difference is impressive in both HT and 2 channel. Only HT downsides are that its 5.1 (not an issue to me), and that it doesn't have component video switching. Stereo is amazing! HT field integration is seamless. It's not a harshly analytic piece, but the detail is certainly there. Stereo soundstaging is precise and full. In fact, Linn uses this preamp in 2ch to demo their highest end sources, amps, and speakers. They can be found on the used market for $2k (non-DTS) to $3500 (DTS).
Enjoy!
Enjoy!