Reddit mentions of Parasound - Zpre2 Audio/Video Preamplifier

Now, it might be too late for this round because I've already bought an integrated receiver, but are there any reasonably priced pieces of kit that do the job of a receiver but can pass the amplification parts to a dedicated component? When I was looking at the JBLs, I was trying to find something that would take my multiple sources (HDMI, phone, etc), modulate volume via remote control, and send it along.

I opted for an integrated receiver because I couldn't find anything that would fulfill the rest of the functions I needed, and the only thing I found remotely similar was https://www.amazon.com/Parasound-Zpre2-Audio-Video-Preamplifier/dp/B001RIKIV0/ref=lp_689995011_1_13?s=aht&ie=UTF8&qid=1504569461&sr=1-13 and was poorly reviewed and had no hdmi inputs or the like.

Now, for the big boys, I can see how they'd want to tie the two together as to make you buy a more expensive receiver if you need any of the associated features, but as I upgrade my components down the line, I'd love to be able to solve this. Sadly, without the convenience, the HAF (Husband Acceptance Factor) goes to shit.

Are you asking how to hook up multiple components to a pre-amp? If so, then you need a pre-amp with multiple inputs such at this one:

https://www.amazon.com/Parasound-Zpre2-Audio-Video-Preamplifier/dp/B001RIKIV0/ref=sr_1_14?s=aht&ie=UTF8&qid=1483677486&sr=1-14

You'll need a pre-amp with a built in phono stage or you'll need a separate phono stage.

That said, if you are brand new to this, and on a limited budget, you may not want to jump into the deep-end with separate preamps and amps. I'd suggest a nice integrated amp/receiver and upgrade when you can.