Pre/Pro vs. Denon AVR-4311CI under $2,000

The time has come to “update” my surround-sound preamp/processor. I want to get the most up-to-date unit having the latest codec’s, Audyssey EQ, HDMI 1.4, etc. The unit will NOT be used for music listening – only for watching movies. Amplification is not an issue either, as I currently have individual amps for every channel. I’ve read about the Denon 4311CI receiver having all the current “bells & whistles”, and the internal amplifiers can be shut off to run as a pre/pro only to eliminate feedback. I would prefer purchasing a separate surround-sound preamp/processor (instead of a receiver), but at a street price of $1,500 (MSRP $2,000), is there anything else out there that competes favorably with the Denon?
Ken