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

Totally agree String.  yes, a very good single amp is best.  If folks want a wonderful integrated that sounds much bigger and better than it's cost, look at the Belles line.  They are making some of the best sounding amps in their respective price ranges.  Heard some at Audio Connection in NJ as Johnny was raving to a few of us about them.  To me, they sound like the old Brown (BEL) Lab amps of years ago in that they actually do outperform their competition in so many important areas.  

I owned that AX7e and now have the AX5/20.  Teh Belles beats the 7e by a country mile and the integrated is only 1800 or so I think and it has much more power and drive than the 7e.  To MY ears, it is just so much better at under 2k that I have all my buddies looking into it.  JMHO adn good luck

Thank you, I’ll look into it. Now, if I can’t afford an integrated amp right now, what are thoughts on buying an amp first to run from my Elite receiver, and then buying a pre amp with HT passthrough in the future to stick between them? I’m guessing it’s probably better to wait and save $1800, and go for the integrated huh? 

what are thoughts on buying an amp first to run from my Elite receiver, and then buying a pre amp with HT passthrough in the future to stick between them?

Wonderful idea! it made subwoofer connection easier too.
https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/how-to-wire-system-integrated-amp-for-speakers-with-external-...

It really depends.  You'll likely get the best overall bang for your buck by buying an integrated since you're only buying one box and need one less pair of interconnects (and power cord if you upgrade those too).  Then again, if you can space out the spending and potentially get a better separate amp and pre then you could end up better off that way in the long run, and it gives you a little more flexibility to tailor your sound -- for better or worse.  Choose your poison. 

Save for an integrated amp that is good. you want something that will push good current and a clean signal.  You can't patch work through a system. That's what keeps AG in business, lol.  It's why folks are always chasing their tails to get what they want and when they don't they get frustrated.  

If you can't afford what you want, it is what it is, but if you can afford an amp, then you can afford an integrated amp.  Even a less expensive NAD or Rotel will be better than the Emotiva's of the world and you can easily sell later on if needed. They will be much better than any AVR.  

if folks want to have AVR and 2 channel in the same system, there will have to be compromises.  That's the reality.  I personally have always enjoyed my TV/movies with a very high end audio system.  Once you start to use digital in a signal it hurts the sound.  That goes for any DAC too and many of us have some great DAC sets ups.  

pass through can be used, but you are still then needing more equipment etc... and it's more room needed and more money.  You have to pick your poison,  No magic bullet no matter what folks may say.  Use your ears and hear for yourself.