I purchased an Emotiva UMC-200 pre/processor when it came out and paired it with an Anthem 5 channel amp. That combo definitely out performed an older but higher end Denon receiver that I was using as a 5 channel processor (i.e. it supported preamp out).
I just got my first source (4K Amazon Fire Stick) that wouldn't work with the 6+ year old processor. I didn't feel like spending a lot on a new processor so I just purchased a refurbished Yamaha TSR-7810 receiver that has a preamp out. I cabled it up to the Anthem and after running its auto speaker setup listened to a movie soundtrack and I think it sounds at least as good if not better than the much older processor. I'm definitely happy with its audio quality (as I was with the Emotiva); the Yamaha can be had for $300ish refurbished.
I just got my first source (4K Amazon Fire Stick) that wouldn't work with the 6+ year old processor. I didn't feel like spending a lot on a new processor so I just purchased a refurbished Yamaha TSR-7810 receiver that has a preamp out. I cabled it up to the Anthem and after running its auto speaker setup listened to a movie soundtrack and I think it sounds at least as good if not better than the much older processor. I'm definitely happy with its audio quality (as I was with the Emotiva); the Yamaha can be had for $300ish refurbished.