Best AV receiver to use as an AV pre amp


I want to get another AV receiver, but I want one that has a really good pre section in it so I can also use it well for 2 channel music. I have a Bryston 5B ST that I use for the front 3 channels(and for 2 channel music), but I want to use the internal amps in the receiver for the surround channels only (hence why I can't use *just* a preamp).
I am using my Denon AVR 2808 as the pre now with the Bryston and it is OK, but I feel is really holding it back.
Any suggestions on what would be a go AV receiver that has a great preamp section in it ?
dallyd31
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Really - READ HIS REQUEST.

Noble100, what's not to understand? HE ISN'T INTERESTED IN 2 CHANNEL!!!! GAWD. Really, how thick can this forum get?

Sorry Dallyd31, usually this crowd is quite self-impressed but rarely this thick.

So, trying to help a bit, the Integra receivers, a bunch of the Yammi's, Denon. Try AVforum.com - they might have a chance of understanding your question.
Dallyd, sorry for your frustration but I believe there is a misconnect in this thread. It of course started by you asking for an AVR with a preamp section for 2 CHANNEL MUSIC. So, some of us suggested that you consider a 2 channel PREAMP with HT Bypass; only ONE component. You will still use your Denon, Bryston, et al. However, twice you came back and said separate 2 channel GEAR is not an option. I think some of us are construing the word GEAR as plural. Our mistake and we come back again with the same suggestion. We just want to be sure you do not think we are talking about a separate 2 channel system.

I am going to assume that what you mean is that you cannot even add another component so using an AVR as your preamp is the only viable option. Therefore to address your specific question about what AVR's perform best for 2 channel only, I would agree with others who suggested NAD and would add that the ARCAM's I have heard may even better, especially the AV400 on up. Finally you can consider auditioning Cambridge Audio AVR's too. You now have three brands to listen to with, in my opinion ARCAM being the best.

To consider the mainstream AVRs, Pioneer, Yamaha, Onkyo, etc , you might as well keep your Denon. I not believe this these will give you what you are looking for. I hope this helps and provides you exactly what you need.

The Onkyo PR-SC5509 is a bargain. Wenn you use it with Audessey pro there is nothing to beat. Denon, Nad, Marantz and even Bryston are all 2-dimensional brands. These Brands are not capable of depth, only a little max. This means almost all instruments and voices are on one line. I call this standard audio. Depth is the most exiting part in highend audio. I have an extreme 3d holographic image. Now voices are even more open then wenn I used and owned the Pass labs XP-20.