This makes it one of the least expensive 11.2 (or 5.4.2) processors out there with pre-outs. I've been thinking of making the move to 5.4.2 or 7.4.2 (current Onk is 9.2 or 5.2.2) to expand my ATMOS experience. This is indeed tempting.
This is the key thing for me, finding an AVR with pre-outs anymore means having little choice but going 'high' end. There's tons of AVR under $700 that have all the features you need even 7.2 or more and Atmos functions, but to get those pre-outs you need to pay even more.
I would say i'm tempted to get just a processor and amps to split apart the cost i'm paying for an AVR as a whole unit, but there really isn't any cost savings as separate processors are usually more expensive than some flagship AVR.
