+ 1 on the prior post re: the multi-channel format CODECs are continually changing and thus rendering current units / receivers quickly obsolete .
As such they are not any investment .... Regrettably the ever-changing multi-channel preamp/ processor is the "disposables" portion of your AV system outlay.
Therefore as already highlighted above, a separate multichannel preamp/ processor unit distinct from the multi-channel power amp(s) (e.g Nuforce AVP-18 is just one example) allows the power amps to remain as the continuing constant in a future upgrade path .
Of course there are those constant tensions between quality build and performance vs. budget, and also the hurdle that performance-wise (especially the audio portion ) you only get what you pay for.
As such they are not any investment .... Regrettably the ever-changing multi-channel preamp/ processor is the "disposables" portion of your AV system outlay.
Therefore as already highlighted above, a separate multichannel preamp/ processor unit distinct from the multi-channel power amp(s) (e.g Nuforce AVP-18 is just one example) allows the power amps to remain as the continuing constant in a future upgrade path .
Of course there are those constant tensions between quality build and performance vs. budget, and also the hurdle that performance-wise (especially the audio portion ) you only get what you pay for.