Best AV receiver to use as an AV pre amp

Dalyd31,

After just rereading this entire thread, I've come to the conclusion that:
1. I will be giving Snofun3 an actual or atleast a verbal atomic wedgie. This will necessitate me pulling Snofu's underpants waist band firmly upwards from the back side until it is pulled completely over his head ending loudly with a painful 'snap' as I release the waistband underneath his chin, and
2. If you continue to refuse to go the separates route, then you will continue to be unsatisfied with your system's performance in some area with no clear cut solution.

However, I would still like to help you find a solution and have some ideas. But, if you're serious about better sound, you need to be flexible,keep an open mind and overcome any space constraints or other obstacles. Here's one solution:

Sell your Denon avr.
Keep your 3 channel Bryston (this is a very good amp that should provide the basis for both a very good 2-channel and ht system).
Buy a surround processor (prepro) either new or used
Buy a high quality ss or tube preamp with HT Pass Through, either new or used (the better the preamp, the better the 2-channel sound).
Buy a small stereo amp to power your surrounds, either new or used(doesn't need to match Bryston quality or expense).

I know you have objections that I'm still not exactly clear on. But the easy solution, of just getting a better avr with very good 2-channel performance, may not even be attainable at any price. You have reached a fork in the road on your audio quest. Either keep chasing an unattainable goal with an avr based system or make a bold and decisive move in a separates based system direction that will almost certainly result in very good to excellent 2-channel performance).

I would be willing to assist you if you choose the separates route. If you're looking for the easy avr solution, I'm sorry but you're on your own. Let me know if you want my guidance on choosing components or setup. Or, let me know I should stop beating this dead horse. Thanks

Tim

I Come in Peace . . . I recently changed over to av receiver from separates although I thought there would be a downgrade in 2 channel sound. So I went from the Integra Research RDC-7.1 pre-processor (struck by lightning) to Pioneer Elite SC-68 using same front amplifiers. So far, I am satisfied with the quality of the two channel sound (actually pleasantly surprised). However, as most of us suffer from 'there has to be something better out there' fever, I am entertaining the thought of inserting a stand alone 2 channel pre amp with bypass. But I could be happy sticking with Pioneer as it does have superior dacs and is well engineered, not to mention the best internal surround amps

Is there a slimline receiver that would free up the space needed for a two channel preamplifier?

i have a mcintosh mx132 h/t pre-amp tuner for 2 chanell listening paired with a mcintosh amp. is this ok?? i like it.

This is an old thread but I'd like to know the final resolution from OP.
Currently aventage series from Yamaha claims to have really high end preamp and DAC.