Pre/Pro choice at around $1500 new...

Yes, they are all what I would call mid-fi, but that's not a slam, just their price point. I'd go for the Rotel. It is quite good at its price point, and offers analog bypass for both multichannel input and two-channel. I own an RSP-1066, and I debated upgrading to the 1068, but decided to hold off for a little while longer and upgrade to a higher end unit, like the Krell HTS 7.1 or Theta CasablancaIII.

Tom.

Atlantic Tech has a pre/pro P2000 for $1699.00 US.

The atlantic tech unit is based on the same East-tech unit as the outlaw and sherbourn processors.

Good Luck,

No preamp/processor can compete with high quality stereo equipment so give up on that idea from the start. Of the processors available, the Outlaw is the way to go. It is surprisingly good and so inexpensive that it should be the first choice for nearly everyone. It easily compares to the current B&K, Audio Refinement, and Rotel in sound quality and is more flexible than any of them. The user interface and remote are also reasonably good. Throw in a 5 year warranty and 30 day return policy and you just can't lose. If it isn't your cup of tea send it back. Good luck!