I'm no spring chicken and I know the difference between an amp, and a receiver, but I'm going to have ask a NEWBIE question. What the blazes is a pre-pro? There, I have officially exhibited my lack of audio knowledge.

i think its pre-amp processor...ron

Pre-pro - preamp-processor
preamp - passive preamp - non power volume control plus input selector
active preamp - powered volume control or gain plus input selector
processor - DD/DTS surround prcessor
DAC - digital to anolog converter
transport - CD mechanism
integrated amp - power amp with preamp
Tuner - FM/AM tuning/preamp/amp
EQ - equalizer
power stage/plant - external power supply