Maybe keeping the RX 1052 as my pre-amp could be an option?No. Absolutely not. Do not make the huge mistake of underestimating the importance of a preamp in a stereo system. And let’s be clear here -- the preamp section in your receiver sucks. At your price level you’re best off with a good integrated stereo amp. The Hegel H160 is a great integrated that sonically pretty much shoots down the middle, has plenty of power for your speakers, and will trounce the performance of your Rotel on all levels. Here’s a nice one available here now in your price range...
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis9ffb9-hegel-h160-stereo-integrated-amplifier-dac-d-a-converter-....
Here’s a review of the H160 where it held its own in a system approaching $300k. Just think what it could do in your system.
http://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/hegel-h160-integrated-amplifier-1/
Best of luck in your search.