Bi-amp through receiver vs pre out to 2 channel for fronts

Sorry guys, I’m still confused about one more thing. Until now, I thought HT Bypass was a button. I see now from looking at the Atoll that the HT bypass is actually RCA inputs on the integrated amp. I see it has the effect of bypassing the integrated amp volume and use the volume of a receiver. 

My burning question is whether or not that means the integrated amps pre-amp processing will be controlling my front L/R speakers 100% of the time and the receiver is only sending signal and volume? Or, is the receiver sending signal, volume, and pre-amp processing (i.e. crappy settings like wide surround) directly to the amp portion of the integrated and bypassing the integrated amps nice processing? 

Ok, so I have decided. I am buying the Atoll IN100 SE integrated amp with bypass brand new directly from France! 

@craigert

What’s your budget for a stereo integrated amp? Do you need a DAC built in? There are countless options out there new or used at various different price points.

Btw, when listening to stereo music using an integrated amp you don’t even have to turn on the receiver. Use the volume control on the stereo integrated amp. But for surround movies or HT you use the volume control of your receiver and control everything from the receiver. Does that make sense?

In regards to your question about AV preamp surround processor (pre pro) performance for stereo music playbacks. Yes, some high end AV pre pros perform really well in stereo for music playbacks as well as surrounds for HT but they are usually expensive. High end pre pros that perform really well in stereo and can function as a high end stereo preamp are the following :
* Classe SSP 800. Its original msrp was $9500 but was discontinued last year and nowaday can be had for around $3500ish.
* Classe Sigma SSP/Sigma SSP Mk2. Retail for $5k and $6k. Current model. The Sigma SSP is optimized for stereo performance for music playbacks. I think this is a bargain considering its performance in both stereo and multi-channels epecially its stereo performance. The Sigma SSP stereo front L/R channels shares many critical circuit blocks with the Classe CP 800 stereo preamp/DAC which retails for $6k new but the CP 800 was also discontinued last year and nowaday can be had at less than $4k.
The Sigma SSP stereo performance is very very close to that of the CP 800 stereo preamp/DAC. It will take highly trained ears in order to tell the difference between the two.
* Bryston SP3. Currently retails for $9500 and its stereo performance is superb and IMO is better than both Classe Sigma SSP & SSP 800 pre pros.
* Meridian Reference 861 v8. Very expensive $32k. One of the best stereo performance from an AV pre pro.
* Krell Evolution 707. Again it’s very expensive and its stereo perormance is also the best coming from an AV pre pro.
* NAD M17. Retails for $5500. Its stereo performance is pretty good.
* Lyngdorf MP-50 ($10k). Both its stereo and multi-channel performances are spectacular.
All these pre pros can also function as high end stereo preamps and their multi-channel performances are also spectacular.
You will need multi-channel power amp(s) to go with them.

Your best bet would be getting a good quality stereo integrated amp with HT bypass and keep your receiver for HT surround duties.
Even if the stereo integrated has no HT bypass feature you can use one of its analog input and turn the volume to 80 on the integrated amp. 80 (out of 1 to 100) is usually a reference for unity gain on the preamp or integrated amp. Unity gain is basically the same as HT bypass.

Unless if you want to get the best of both worlds (stereo and HT surrounds) then the cost will be expensive. But I think for your MA Gold 100 speakers, generally a stereo integrated amp for around $3k is what you will need and perhaps a better quality AV receiver than what you currently have if you want better surround performance for movies or HT.

Hope this helps.

Craig, when did you get to audition the Atoll?  How did it compare to the affordable NAD?  Did it do something better to YOUR ears than the Belles or the ......  keep adding switches and patches so you lose the performance you are allegedly looking for.  

Many of us have given you great advice as to what to go audition.  You don't seem to really care about doing the true homework and audition, but you are very quick to tell us ever few posts that you have made a decision to purchase something and it changes constantly.  

Sorry, but at first glance it seems like a troll.  I don't think you really are trolling, but you are new and don't know so you made a post.  Many of us who have been around audio for years (since 1969 for me) have given you great advice.  None of us are pushing anything specific, but just because folks who own Monitor Audio speakers are using a specific amp, doesn't mean that's the right one for you.  If you just care about getting an integrated amp with H/T bypass, there are plenty at lower prices for you and all will be better than the AVR route.  

I can almost promise you that you will fall in love with anything you get and within 6 months, you will continue to post that you are looking at other amps, because you will start chasing your tail.  I hope I'm wrong, but I've seen this way too often as have many posters here (two have actually gotten in touch and asked if this thread is for real).  

Maybe you should just take a step back and go listen. Do you live near any dealers?  There is something to be said about having a dealer you can trust to help you put a true system together.  You are new and honestly, don't know how and where to spend your money IF you really want the best sound in YOUR room and not any of our rooms.

Guys, I assure you I am not a troll. I literally wrote a week ago and have only had time to go to one place and they hardly had anything as they concentrated on Marantz and McIntosh. I have two kids and a dog in training, work 10 hour days in a different state an hour drive each way. I am willing to audition but I just need more time. I literally knew nothing a week ago and you guys are teaching me a lot and I appreciate it. 

I was getting overwhelmed with all of the recommendations and thought I owed an answer. 

I don’t have a huge budget right now, and the Atoll integrated is only $1000 brand new. Anything is going to be better than what I have. I may chase my tail over time but I’m ok with that. 

I saw some people happy and using Atoll and the description of detailed smooth is exactly what I am looking for.  One thing I don’t understand is the DAC. The IN100SE must have a DAC in it right? It doesn’t mention one but it wouldn’t play without it right? 

Caphill thank you you so much for the processor information!