I have rather severe space limitations for my audio/HT system, and thus had no choice but to acquire a combination preamp/processor. My system is used about 85-90% of the time for 2-channel music, so the performance of the preamp was a crucial consideration for me.
To make a medium-length story shorter, I looked at several pre/pros in the $4000-5000 range, and eventually selected the Bryston SP-1 (now upgraded to the SP-1.7, which includes Dolby ProLogic 2, 6.1 and 7.1 surround formats, inputs for SACD/DVD-A, etc.).
I have been very pleased with my SP-1, and am tentatively planning to have it upgraded by Bryston later this year to the SP-1.7 version. Given your criteria for choosing a unit, I think you will be well served to put the Bryston SP-1.7 on your "short list" to audition.
To make a medium-length story shorter, I looked at several pre/pros in the $4000-5000 range, and eventually selected the Bryston SP-1 (now upgraded to the SP-1.7, which includes Dolby ProLogic 2, 6.1 and 7.1 surround formats, inputs for SACD/DVD-A, etc.).
I have been very pleased with my SP-1, and am tentatively planning to have it upgraded by Bryston later this year to the SP-1.7 version. Given your criteria for choosing a unit, I think you will be well served to put the Bryston SP-1.7 on your "short list" to audition.