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
terrancej
What is the model of your current receiver?
What speakers are you using? How many? 2, 2.1, 5.1, etc.?
What percentage of your listening time is movies/TV vs Music?  50/50, 75/25, etc.?
Room size?
Do you need video switching form the receiver/separates?

This information will give folks a reasonable chance of addressing your questions. Without it, it's just shots in the dark.....
Thanks for all your responses and let me add more details to get more intelligent inputs.

AV Receiver - Onkyo TX NR809 (Model from 2012) (HDMI, but no 4K)
5.1 Setup
Bowers & Wilkins Speakers and Sub.
Front: B&W CM8
Center: B&W HTM62
Rears: B&W CM5
Sub: ASW610

I watch movies and listen to music + music videos (frequently).

Hope this helps to give more solid inputs. 
Thanks for all your responses and let me add more details to get more intelligent inputs.

AV Receiver - Onkyo TX NR809 (Model from 2012) (HDMI, but no 4K)
5.1 Setup
Bowers & Wilkins Speakers and Sub.
Front: B&W CM8
Center: B&W HTM62
Rears: B&W CM5
Sub: ASW610

I watch movies and listen to music + music videos (frequently).
Looking to upgrade to Dolby Atmos Setup 5.1.2. Have not decided on the speakers for .2. My current receiver does not support it.

Hope this helps to give more solid inputs.


Well, I’m still using my TX-NR809 in my bedroom system. The thing is a 40 pound beast, and I’m not sure you can get much better audio quality with any of these newer AVRs.

And 4K capability is not really required in an AVR if you get a UHD Blu-ray player that has dual HDMI outputs, one for video and one for audio. You connect the audio one to your AVR and the video one to your 4K TV. This is what I’m currently doing with my Denon AVR-X5200 and Oppo UDP-203 in the family room system.

I’m also using a separate power amp for the front L/R channels in both the bedroom and family room systems.

Edit:  I see you added that you want to go to Dolby Atmos.  That WOULD require a new AVR or Pre-pro. 
when I replaced the front channels on my Onkyo AVR with a same power Parasound amp, I was quite surprised at the huge difference in sound quality, both for music and movies...