Preamp outputs?

I'm having trouble finding a modern receiver that includes preamp outputs. I drive my main stereo L/R pair with an external Bryston amp, so I need a receiver that can drive my rear channels and subwoofer, while allowing me to send preamp level signals to the amp for the main speakers. I don't need a lot of power in the receiver, but I do need modern features like HDMI switching that will pass 3D and present-day high-def audio decoding.

So I'm probably not going to get away with buying an older model, yet most current products don't include preamp outputs for the main L/R channels.

I should also point out that I'm unwilling to spend a ton of money here.

The least expensive receiver that I've found that might meet my needs is the NAD T748 at $700. Can anyone suggest any alternatives that might be less expensive? Does anyone have any strong feelings either way about the NAD?

Wow, thanks for all the quick replies! Excellent information, much appreciated. The Marantz units all look good. The Cambridge unit is more than I want to spend. I can't decide between the cheaper Marantz 1602 (or 1603 apparently just out) vs the 5006 which has many more features, but nothing of particular importance to me.

I've had my share of problems over the years with refurbs. I've had some great successes, too, but this one needs to be particularly trouble free. What's been the experience with Marantz in the refurb area?

Actually, I put quite a bit of effort into it, but perhaps I didn't find the same resources that you did. I did just find this review - http://www.whathifi.com/forum/av-rec...71-user-review - which tends to confirm your preference for Yamaha. I'll take a closer look at their current models. Where did you find it for under $350?

My searching indicates that the current version of that product (the RX-A810) sells for well OVER the $700 price of the NAD. Looks like a very nice receiver, but definitely pricey.

Thanks. I've been on Slickdeals for many years, and I have a Deal Alert set there for certain receivers. I've also done some of the compare pages that you suggest, at least on Yamaha and Marantz. I should probably look also at Onkyo and Denon, maybe others (suggestions?).

I've been doing this particular search on and off for a couple of years now. But up until now, I haven't felt much of a rush. I still don't, really, but the reasons for upgrading are growing steadily. So I'll probably choose something within the next few weeks or a month.

That newer Yamaha (810) really looks like an excellent choice, but I really didn't want to spend that kind of money. Still, it seems to win for both ease-of-use (which will please my wife) and nicely implemented web features. I wonder how long it will be before there are some deals available for it. At this point, it's the same price everywhere.

That turned out to be VERY good advice.

I found an open box A810 on the web. Seemed like a good deal - it was about 25% lower than regular retail. So I called to ask them what I might expect from an open box item. They offered me a brand new factory sealed unit instead for the same price. So I made my purchase. Thanks again to everyone for the guidance.

No, not exactly. I think it was a Slickdeals posting that led me to this particular retailer (since they don't exist in my part of the country), but the open box item just appeared on the site sometime yesterday. It didn't show up via a search in the morning, but later in the day it was there.

I have seen the same retailer mentioned here on AVS before (Electronics Expo), but I really don't know much about them except that they are in NJ. They do seem to be reasonably well regarded. Of course they offered me the usual extended warranty and cables, but there was no pressure when I turned them down.

Shipping was $30, but no tax, so I'm happy - or at least I will be if it arrives as promised by the middle of next week.

Update: UPS says it's on its way, will be here Monday.

I didn't see anything else with pre-outs that wasn't up in that same price range. I could have bought last year's model (from several different manufacturers) for less money, but this year's Yamaha appears (based on reviews) to do a much better job with internet/LAN sources. And it seems to be the simplest unit in terms of operation, which will be important to my wife. (My current system drives her crazy because we have to do switching for audio and video separately.)

So sure, there were many valid options if I wanted to spend $800. The NAD, at $700, was also a valid option. Some of the older model refurbs, at as little as $500, were valid options. But basically I wound up buying this year's model, brand new, for about $50 more than last year's refurb of the same unit. That seemed a good choice to me, especially since this year's update added a LOT of new features.

BTW, I will be using the Yamaha's amps for the rear channels. And I may eventually decide to set up a zone 2 as well.

Thanks to everyone again for the help and kind words.