Thanks for the reply.
I've considered your suggestion of spliting the audio and vedeo signals. And yes that seems to be the overwhelming opion I've been advised also by others. This approach would give the best vedeo and audio solution for a preamp without the HDMI pass thru, but there is the switching issue. Interestingly of three experts (including your self) I've asked two say go splitting one says use the digital tv pass thru.
That issue your've answered. But the other reason for my concern is quick frankly my wife who is a remote recker - literally, and a button pusher when things don't go her way.
What is the concern with passing the digital audio thru the tv and back to the preamp. Is it signal loss ? If so why is there no issue if I had a preamp that could take a HDMI vedeo signal and pass it thru to a tv?
I'll be upgrading from an Adcom GTP-600. As far as amps go I have two Acurus amps, the 250, and the 200x3. A standard 5-1 system that will not be upgraded any time soon.
I guess what I'm reading between the lines so to speak that though the Stage One though is not the latest, it's an upgrade at least worth looking at. As I've not heard the new Dolby Pro nor DTS NEO soundfield - I don't know what I'm missing anyway.
again thanks