Anthem AV receiver better than Denon as a preamp

As this is your second post on the matter, we should all be very clear by now that you require an AVR that is also great at 2 channel stereo as well as HT. So I will definitely say on topic and talk AVR's only.

From what I have heard, I don't think the Anthems will give you what you are looking for. They are pretty much designed and priced to compete with mainstream AVR's (Denons) in the HT market and the ones I have heard in "pure direct" mode had the same unimpressive sound quality as all the other mainstream brands. Great at HT; but undesireable in Stereo. Might as well keep the Denon.

In your other post, I also recommended Arcam and still do. Suggest you audition the AVR600 & 400 models. They cost more but as a higher end product, they are drawing upon Arcams 2 channel pedigree. These I did listen too and IMO, were among the best out there at 2 channel in an AVR. Hope this helps.

I am going to stick by my NAD AVR suggestion in the other thread. I am completely amazed daily how well my older NAD T773 receiver and T175HD pre/pro handle 2-channel music. Get the 2nd from top T775HD or T775HD2 and don't look back. I have had zero reliablity issues with either of my NAD's and they sure create a very distinct 3-dimensional stage in my room.

Don't know what your budget is but here is a link.

http://app.audiogon.com/listings/receivers-nad-t775-hd2-3d-ready-home-theater-receiver-with-warranty-and-free-shipping-2013-01-27-miscellaneous-01060

Bill

Odd about the Anthem. I hear good things and the Stereophile review is great, but paraneer say it is no better than the Denon. Not sure what to think.
Would love the Arcam, but may be a bit out of my budget. Also regarding NAD, great stuff, but they have just had so many reliability issues I am leary. Especially when buying used like I am looking to do to keep it afforadable (for example, the Anthem MRX 500 is $1500 new, but I can get used locally for $750). Would like to keep it under $1200

Paraneer...will the Arcam AVR360 give me the same performance as the 400 just will a little less power and features ? Or is it a different pre section all together ?

I think what you are hearing is that the good receivers may be 10% or 20% different, but a lot of that is in the amps, not the preamps. You are probably not going to see a huge difference in the 2 channel pre-amp performance from most of the good ones. What differences you hear will probably be as much personal taste as anyting. Anthem, Arcam, NAD and maybe Marantz are probably the options. The best thing to do is try to get a local trial, if possible. If you can get the Anthem locally at a good price, you should be able to get a trial. If not possible, maybe try the NAD from Spirit Sound with a 30 day return (I think they have a 30 day return). Or some other brand if you can find a 30 day return. That will probably give you an idea of whether you hear enough difference to be worth it. I doubt you are going to get any definitive answer without listening.