Well the ideal pre for me would allow keeping the signal in the digital mode right through to the output- to feed a digital amp(s). Maybe build in a digital crossover for the front speakers so that you could biamp (or even triamp) the front speakers. Support the new digital dvd-a and SACD I think goes without saying. As far as a device that puts through analog signals it is just about perfect, we don't need another Anthem or Lexicon- they're already out there, we need the sane priced competition.