Recommend an AVR with Pre-Outs?

I currently use an Onkyo TX-SR606, which has no pre-outs (I'm looking to add an Amp to power my Fronts and maybe my Center) and no ability to add Front Highs.

I currently am set up for 5.1, but I want the flexibility to maybe go to 7.1 in the future.

I currently use a PS3 for Blu Ray, so being able to decode TrueHD/DTS-HD-MA isn't necessary, as long as it can handle Linear PCM.

And as I indicated above, although I don't currently use Front High's, I'd like to potentially give it a try in the future, so I'm looking for both that connection and an ability to run Pro Logic IIz.

I'd like to be have at least 100 Watts RMS available (at 8 ohm), for the remaining Rear Channels, which I intend to power out of the AVR.


Anybody care to recommend an AVR (or two) that will do discrete 7.1, 100 Watts RMS, Pro Logic IIz, and have Pre-Outs for an external amp? I believe the Onkyo TX-NR709 meets my needs, but wondering if anybody else has any suggestions, particularly outside the Onkyo family (which I'm more familiar with) that I should be looking at...
Edited by psuKinger - 1/17/13 at 12:51pm

Thanks for the recommendation.

Online prices that I found show the AVR3600 at $899. Amazon has the Onkyo 709 and 809 for $529 and $659, respectively. Any reason you would speak to, other than the "Logic 7" you've already mentioned, for choosing the HK over either Onkyo?

I also found the Pioneer Elite SC-61 for $750... and, at first glance, I think it might meet my needs as well.

Wanted to bump this just once and see if anyone else has any other recommendations they'd share.