Essentially with any top quality Pre-Pro, you tend to get some of the next-gen technology that you would not have in the same companies current generation of AVR's. Also, because there are no amps that require space, items like bigger power supplies and shielding tend to be better along with features like both balanced and unbalanced ins and outs are part of the package. Just as an example, the new Yamaha top of the line AVR, RX-A8A has the same DACS as my 4 year old Yamaha CX-A5200 Pre-Pro that weighs 33 pounds, the same weight as some mid-line AVR's.