I actually recently bought a TA-E9000ES. I only needed the 5.1 and didn't really care about PLII and found one with warranty for less than any other preamp with similar specs. As far as I am concerned this unit in 5.1 still gives many newer home theater preamps a run for thier money. I do not like to use it for music however.
However, if you want to try 7.1 and PLII I would say go with something else. I'm not sure why you are looking at such expensive receivers to replace this processor. I would assume you already have an amplifier you could use. Also, if it's dedicated HT use you are after consider Rotel, Outlaw, Sherwood or B&K pro's. If it were my money and I knew I would only consider it for HT use, I would stay in the sub $2000 category of preamps. Personally I think the law of diminishing returns kicks in heavily above that and only ever considered these to improve my music experience, not HT. I have heard an Outlaw 950 properly setup for HT only and you would be amazed how great it sounded for a sub $1000 unit.
Also consider the Denon 3805. You will need a couple of extra amplifier channels for the 6 and 7th rears and could use the ones in the receiver. It's got some great convenience features as well (component upconversion and auto eq).
Maybe if you let us know a price you want to spend, it would help to focus some suggestions more.
However, if you want to try 7.1 and PLII I would say go with something else. I'm not sure why you are looking at such expensive receivers to replace this processor. I would assume you already have an amplifier you could use. Also, if it's dedicated HT use you are after consider Rotel, Outlaw, Sherwood or B&K pro's. If it were my money and I knew I would only consider it for HT use, I would stay in the sub $2000 category of preamps. Personally I think the law of diminishing returns kicks in heavily above that and only ever considered these to improve my music experience, not HT. I have heard an Outlaw 950 properly setup for HT only and you would be amazed how great it sounded for a sub $1000 unit.
Also consider the Denon 3805. You will need a couple of extra amplifier channels for the 6 and 7th rears and could use the ones in the receiver. It's got some great convenience features as well (component upconversion and auto eq).
Maybe if you let us know a price you want to spend, it would help to focus some suggestions more.
