My pro amp has no hum (PE amp did), fits in the equipment rack (PE amp hung off the back of the box), has easily adjustable gain (PE amp was a reacharound deal), cost less, and is far more versatile. X/O on the plate amp was useless, as it is done in the receiver. Only problem with the pro amp -- fan noise. Not a big deal though, IMO. Swap 'em, pull 'em, put 'em in another room, or turn the volume up a bit.
Oh, one thing that does suck... the pro amp weighs 45 lbs, the plate amp didn't.

Don't forget an RCA->XLR adapter.
Does it drop in and out even when no source is playing?