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HT preamplifier processor separates are usually pretty expensive. So receivers are sort of it for you, they're typically built to lower dollar, high value price points.The reason why it's hard to find something bare bones with the features you want is because as soon as you need pre-amp outputs, most manufacturers move up a few classes in their product line.If the Yamaha makes you happy, go buy it. The truth is that most of the chatter on this board is 2-channel. Not a lot of HT, multi-channel, video talk here.
In your 2 channel setup, what amplifier and preamp are you using? I assume because you didn't mention your preamp that you're using an integrated amplifier with multiple line level inputs.If this is the case, all you need is a pair of RCA interconnects to bring the XBOX analog outputs into your two channel rig. As for your HTPC and BD player, same deal, I'm sure there are analog outputs available from your HTPC and BD player.I don't know too much about the Monoprice unit, but I am concerned that the downmix from multi-channel to 2-channel may not be done well given that it's advertised as a switch and not a processor. In that respect, you're far better off with a receiver.
The Yamaha receiver should be able to send analog out from HDMI audio in. There is probably a setting you need to configure in it to do this.I have an Onkyo receiver, a 705, which is a few years old now, and has been replaced, but handles HDMI audio fine. It can take HDMI audio/video from my blu-ray or HTPC, and send the HDMI video to my TV, while playing audio through the analog outputs. I have a seperate amp for my front three speakers, and it works fine.A preamp will cost more, receivers probably have more than you need, but because of economies of scale, a receiver is the cheapest way to get there, and if you find a used one, a few years old, should work fine. The newer ones probably support 3d, where my 705 wouldn't.EDITI was just looking at the Yamaha manual. Were you using "analog out"? That looks like it will only be the analog in. If you use the front left right preout, that should work, but it will be volume controlled. Analog out will probably be a constant level, not vol controlled.RandyRandy
Many AV receivers will let you engage or assign a 2 channel downmixed stereo mode to override multi-channel Dolby Digital or DTS signals, but how it is implemented will depend on the receiver model. On my receiver (Rotel), I can assign each digital input a default sound mode (2 Channel PCM, Dolby 3 Channel, 5/7 Channel Stereo, proprietary Music modes and Dolby processing modes), but I cannot assign the default as Dolby Digital 2 Channel Downmix. The receiver automatically goes into the Dolby Digital mode when receiving a Dolby Digital signal, and must be manually toggled to the Downmix mode (each time) if that is what is desired. So it would probably be a good idea to download the owner's manual of any receiver you're interested in to see how the sound modes are implemented and how defaults can be assigned. When the receiver is in a 2 channel downmix mode, then the L and R pre-outs will output a stereo signal with the multi-channels downmixed. Yes, it is technically better to have only one volume control (and preamp stage), but most receivers (and HT processor-preamps) do not output analog from digital inputs through their fixed-level record out jacks, so you don't have much of a choice but to use the pre outs. Steve
If you're wanting to route everything through your HTPC have you considered an external sound card since it's too small to install an internal card? There are some good ones out there with tons of flexibility with ins/outs. I would check Newegg.com.
Please tell me if I understand your description of your Rotel correctly: 2ch stereo-output from digital input is a selectable mode that the user must manually select each time (it cannot be set as a default).
