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

I think my mind is made up...I’m saving for the Hegel 160. 

Thanks @soix   Guys, there is more to things than a transformer etc... There is no simple post that can tell you WHY AVR's sux (sorry to Anthem and other more expensive ones), but you suck too (hope I didn't step on toes, but I know I will).  As I said, there are a ton of integrated's at various levels to listen to. 

Teh only way to say something sounds better, is to listen wiht your own ears.  I enjoy the NAD and Rotel for the under 1k amps. I feel that they are just great values and I've owned and still own their gear.  Heck, I have an Onix integrated amp that is from 1996 or so I believe.  It doesn't have phono, nor does it have remote, but it's still a GREAT sounding integrated amp. Beats (to my ear) most of the sub 2k integrated amps of today.  Heavy toroidal transformer and high end ALPS pots.  Even the internal, point to point wiring is better than most of what I see today.  

Go listen to the Hegel.  Looks don't mean jack...nada....go listen to an NAD and or Rotel.  I promise you that it's worth listening to the Belles also.http://www.powermodules.com/products/aria-integrated.html this is their sub 2k.  I have heard the Hegel vs the Belles at Audio Connection in Verona NJ and was blown away by the Belles.  It wasn't even close to MY EAR....Craig, you will be chasing your tail and losing money and never happy if you don't audition and just listen to a few of the folks online (that includes me too).  Just saying and I be most would agree.  

But just for my learning experience, what do you think about these pre/amp processor av receivers? Are they just an AV receiver in disguise or are they equivalent to a real pre-amp? 

Like these...

https://hometheaterreview.com/home-theater-av-preamplifier-reviews-and-information/

Soix and CTsooner, you guys are cracking me up. I like your bluntness.