I don't use a preamp. I use a Logitech Duet to stream music from my computer and Pandora. The output from the Duet goes to the amplifier via RCA plugs. Volume and anything else is controlled via the Duet.

The power strip that shuts everything off when the master is powered down looks very interesting. I am not sure it would work for me as the Duet goes into a standby mode which really is not off. However, I am able to turn it off with a few extra steps from a remote. I'll read up on these and see if it would work.

A comment on the audio sensing switch - I suspect this may contributed to the Audiosource to fail twice. I recall several occasions during a storm where the amp switched on/off several times. And during soft music passages, the amp would cycle off/on a number of times.

Despite being connected to a voltage regulator and whole-house surge suppressor, it still managed to die twice in 3 years with sparse usage. Another reason to favor the QSC is the 6 year warranty.

Thanks everyone for the input.

R