Amp/Preamps vs. High end AV Receivers


Hi,
I am sure this topic had been discussed exhaustively. I am new to this arena looking for some help to upgrade my Onkyo AV Receiver (135 w/channel). I am debating whether to the AV route or the AMP/Preamp combo. Naturally, I understand that I get what I pay for.

Would appreciate some inputs and suggestions regarding:
1. AMP/PREAMP combo route - 
2. AV route

I am not looking at a huge budget but a decent one. 

Thanks in advance
128x128terrancej
Post removed 
you might try moving in stages by adding a separate power amp and using your avr as a pre--almost all mass market avrs benefit from external amping. you can always get a separate pre later.
When you have separates, the equipment does not have to share power supplies. This reduces intermodulations and for that reason alone allows for better sound.

But there are additional benefits- frequently separates have better power supplies, better heatsinks (in the case of transistor amps), usually better quality parts and overall better circuits.